Canada ETA: New passport rule means you won't be get into the country

Electronic Travel Authorisation(ETA) becomes mandatory this month if you want to travel in Canada.

A digital entry permit that’s linked to your passport, the eTA is similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) needed to visit the US.

The eTA was introduced in March but a period of leniency has applied which allows Brits to enter Canada with a valid passport.

In just over three weeks on September 29, that period will draw to a close.

If you’re travelling to the country anytime after that date, you won’t be allowed in without one of these essential permits.

The eTA can be obtained online for CAD$7 (£4) from the government’s official website cic.gc.ca.

Other websites provide the same service but at the charge of extra fees.

The permit is valid for visits up to six months over a period of five years unless your passport expires.

Canada’s government suggests the eTA application be made before booking your flight as it may take a number of days to process even though the online system often grants it within minutes.

Even if you’re simply landing there to catch a connecting flight, you’ll still need an eTA for your time in the airport.

Exceptions to the permit are for Brits travelling to Canada by land or sea.

The entry requirement applies to all passengers flying in from visa-exempt countries.

Canada joins a number of other countries that have already adopted similar permit schemes.

In the US the ESTA application applies if you’re travelling anywhere in the country for 90 days or less.

Even those just wishing to enjoy a short weekend break to America may not be granted access to the country with a criminal record.

Australia also enforce similar restrictions. If you are a UK or EU citizen and want to travel to Australia for business or leisure, you can apply for an eVisitor visa.

This allows you to visit Australia for up to three months at any time during a 12-month period.

But to be eligible for this, you must not have ANY criminal convictions for which the sentence or sentences are for a total of 12 months duration or more.

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