More than a year after the United Kingdom introduced its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) program, travellers are still arriving at airports unaware they need one.
The ETA became mandatory in 2025 for citizens of visa-exempt countries, including Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and most European nations travelling to the UK for short visits.
While the authorization is generally approved quickly and is valid for two years, travel technology company iVisa says a surprising number of travellers continue to make mistakes that can create headaches before departure.
"We still see a lot of people who are genuinely surprised that the UK requires pre-travel authorization now," said Victor Gimenez, Director of Customer Experience at iVisa.
"They're experienced travellers. They've been to the UK before. But the rules changed, and they were caught off guard. The ETA is straightforward. The problem is people finding out about it at the wrong moment."
The most common mistake?
For decades, Canadians could visit the UK with little more than a valid passport. The ETA changed that.
Unlike a traditional visa, the ETA must be obtained before boarding a flight to the UK. Airlines can deny boarding to passengers who do not have a valid authorization linked to their passport.
According to iVisa, many travellers overlook reminders included in booking confirmations and airline communications until it's too late.
Waiting until the last minute
Although many ETA applications are approved within minutes, not all are.
Some applications may require additional review by UK authorities, which can take several days.
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Because an ETA remains valid for two years and can be used for multiple trips, experts recommend applying shortly after booking travel rather than waiting until departure is imminent.
Passport changes can invalidate an ETA
Another common issue involves passport renewals.
An ETA is electronically linked to the passport used during the application process. If a traveller renews or replaces their passport, they must apply for a new ETA.
Travellers planning a UK trip should verify that their authorization is linked to the passport they intend to use.
Small errors can cause big problems
Typos continue to be one of the most avoidable mistakes.
Because the ETA system relies on automated passport matching, incorrect passport numbers, dates of birth or name spellings can create issues during check-in or upon arrival.
Experts recommend carefully reviewing all information before submitting an application and matching details exactly as they appear on the passport.
Children need ETAs too
Families are also being caught out by a frequently overlooked requirement: every traveller needs an ETA, regardless of age.
That includes children and infants.
RELATED: Canadian Travellers With British Citizenship Face New UK Passport Requirement
When one family member handles travel arrangements, it's easy to assume everyone is covered, only to discover at the airport that a child has not been issued an authorization.
What advisors should tell clients
The ETA serves as another reminder that entry requirements continue to evolve.
Clients travelling to the UK should be encouraged to:
- Apply for an ETA well before departure.
- Verify their passport details carefully.
- Confirm that any existing ETA is linked to their current passport.
- Ensure every member of the travelling party, including children, has their own authorization.
The UK ETA is required for most visa-exempt visitors travelling for tourism, business or other short stays of up to six months.
While third-party providers can assist travellers with applications, final approval decisions are made by the UK Home Office
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