The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system launched in early 2025 for visitors to the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland. In a nutshell, the ETA is a digital travel permit required for visa-exempt travellers like Canadians and Australians. It’s similar to systems already used in other countries and is designed to streamline border entry. The ETA is not a visa – it’s simply a digital authorization linked to your passport. You will need an ETA for the Northern Ireland portion of your Grand Tour of Ireland trip.
We’re monitoring all travel requirement changes and will help guide you through the process if needed for your trip. In the meantime, here’s everything you need to know to apply for your ETA:
Do I need an ETA for my trip?
Yes, for the Grand Tour of Ireland, Canadians will need the ETA for the Northern Ireland portion of the trip!
Some Key Facts
- Cost: £16 GBP
- Processing time: Typically within 3 business days
- Validity: 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first
- Group applications: Each person in your party has to apply separately. You might get decisions at different times, even if you apply at the same time!
- Important reminder: You must have an approved ETA before travelling to Northern Ireland
What You Need
Applying for an ETA is straightforward! You’ll need:
- Your physical passport (not a photocopy)
- Access to your email
- Payment method (credit/debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay)
- Device with a camera for photos and face verification
Application Process
The ETA application takes about 15 minutes to complete if you have everything ready:
Step 1: Start Your Application
- Choose your application method:
- Download the official UK ETA app (recommended for faster processing and available on the App Store and Google Play)
- OR visit the official website (by clicking here)
- Select “Apply for an ETA” and follow the initial prompts
Step 2: Email Verification
- Enter your email address when prompted
- Check your inbox for a security code from the UK government
- Enter this code on the application page to verify your email
Step 3: Passport Upload
- Take a clear photo of your passport information page:
- Use good lighting without shadows
- Place passport on a flat surface
- Ensure the entire page is visible
- Take in landscape (horizontal) orientation
- Upload the image when prompted (JPG or JPEG format only)
- Review the image to ensure all text is clearly legible
Step 4: Identity Verification
- Face scan option:
- Allow camera access if prompted
- Follow on-screen instructions for positioning your face
- Look directly at the camera
- Stay still until the scan completes
Note: If you are applying for someone else, you need to scan their face, not yours!
- OR Photo upload option (if you’ve chosen not to scan your face):
- Take a new photo against a plain light background
- Ensure your head, shoulders, and upper body are visible
- Upload in portrait (vertical) orientation
- This must be different from your passport photo
Step 5: Personal Information
- Fill out all required fields, including:
- Passport details (number, issue/expiry dates)
- Full name as it appears on passport
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Gender
- Country of birth
- Employment information:
- Current employment status
- Job title (if applicable)
- Answer security questions about:
- Previous UK travel history
- Criminal history (if applicable)
- Security-related questions
Note: Answer all questions truthfully – incorrect information can result in denial!
Step 6: Review & Payment
- Double-check all information for accuracy
- Submit payment of £16 GBP:
- Credit/debit card
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Confirmation – You’ll receive a reference number upon completion
- Decision notification – Check your email within 3 business days for the decision
Common Questions
How do I apply for the ETA?
The easiest way is through the official UK ETA app (available on the App Store and Google Play). Or you can apply through the official website. We recommend you only use these official sources!
Can I apply for an ETA on behalf of someone else?
Yes! You’ll need their personal information and either skip the face scan or have a recent photo of them ready to upload.
What information do I need to provide?
Passport details, employment status, travel history to the UK, and some personal background information. You will not need to enter your travel details!
Will the application time out?
Yes! You must complete the application in one session. If inactive for 20 minutes, your progress will be lost.
Can I travel to Northern Ireland while waiting for my ETA decision?
Yes, but only if you’ve submitted your application and are waiting on a decision. To avoid any headaches, make sure you apply with time to spare!
What happens if my ETA is denied?
If your application is denied, the UK government will provide the reason and instructions on next steps. Don’t worry! Denials are rare if all information is submitted correctly.
I’m a Canadian with a UK or Irish passport. Do I need an ETA?
Lucky you! British and Irish citizens are exempt from the ETA requirement.
Application Links
- Official Application Website: https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/apply/electronic-travel-authorisation/how-to-apply
- Official Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
- Official ‘UK ETA’ App: We recommend you only use the official UK ETA app, available on the App Store and Google Play
We’re here to help! If you have any questions about the ETA process for your upcoming trip, don’t hesitate to contact us!
