Summary:
Heads Up! Canadian and/or U.S. citizens wishing to visit the UK or Europe in 2025 will be required to apply for "Electronic Travel Authorizations" (similar to U.S. ESTA) in advance. To learn more … https://t.co/pgfjc1OBp3
— John Richardson – Counsellor for US persons abroad (@ExpatriationLaw) September 30, 2024
In 2025 citizens of either Canada or the United States (and citizens of many other countries) will require an electronic travel authorization (similar to the US ESTA) to enter the country. This short post is simply to:
1. Alert you to these upcoming requirements; and
2. To point you to the right websites for information.
In general you will be required to pay a nominal fee, enter your passport information and answer some basic questions in order to get the authorization. The authorization will be linked to your passport. The authorizations will be valid for three years for the UK and two years for Europe. Because this is linked to your passport those with a passport expiring in the next few years might want to consider renewing your passport before applying for the authorization(s).
Beware of scammers!
The official European site (linked below) contains the following “heads up” and warning:
Beware of scammers
There is only one official ETIAS website: europa.eu/etias. The application form will be made available on this website once the system is launched, which is expected to be in mid-2025.
There are tens of websites claiming to be the official ETIAS application sites: they use the official EU logo, some even collect travellers’ personal data. While it will be legal for the commercial intermediaries to apply on your behalf once the system enters into force, make sure you use one that you trust: some may steal your personal data, passport number and credit card. They may also charge an additional fee for their services. Remember: ETIAS will only cost EUR 7 if you use the ETIAS official website to apply.
All official websites of the European Union can be recognised by the europa.eu domain.
Europe: Here is the information for the European ETIAS:
https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/coming-visa-free-country-and-travelling-europe_en
UK: Here is the information for the UK ETA:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
ESTA: Here is the information for former U.S. citizens and others who are not U.S. citizens:
I suggest that you apply for each of these early!
John Richardson – Follow me X.com @Expatriationlaw