OTTAWA: The introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) brings Canada’s entry requirements in line with those of the United States, which requires visa-exempt visitors to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) before flying.
Canadians travelling to the UK as tourists do not require a visa of any kind.
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The application website for eTAs has been live since the start of August, however the documents will not be required until March 15 2016, the Canadian government said today.
As it stands, Britons wishing to travel to Canada can do so without a visa, however the Foreign Office says entrants may need to prove they have sufficient funds to support their stay.
Non-Brits and those wishing to stay for a long period should check with the Canadian High Commission before travel as they may require a visa.
The cost of an eTA is $7 CAD (£3.40) and the government says most permissions will be granted within minutes of applying. Applicants will need to input biographic, passport and other personal information via the website.
A spokesperson said: “The new process will allow the Canadian government to screen all travellers before they enter the country. The authorization is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
“Therefore, you must travel with the passport that you applied for your eTA with, you can enter Canada as many times within the validity of the eTA.”
The ESTA required by travellers to enter the US is not needed if entering by land.
The Foreign Office advises that all visitors travelling between America and Canada check visa requirements with the relevant embassies.
