TORONTO — With the new year just days away, Amex GBT is reminding travellers about new requirements for 2025 travel to the UK and beyond.

As reported last month, the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement applies to visitors from a long list of countries, including Canada. The ETA is for visitors who don’t currently need a visa for short stays, and is part of efforts to improve border security and prevent misuse of the UK immigration system.

“Ahead of the holiday season, travellers and businesses should be prepared for significant changes to travel authorization requirements for visitors to the UK,” says Holger Luikenga, VP Global Services Amex GBT.

Canadians will need the ETA to travel to the UK starting Jan. 8, 2025. The digital application process costs £10 ($18); it allows for multiple journeys and lasts for two years or until the person’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

Eligible visitors can apply for their ETA through the UK ETA app. Amex GBT notes that most applicants will get confirmation within three business days, “although it may take longer if you have incomplete information or further checks are needed.”

VISITING EUROPEAN SCHENGEN AREA & CYPRUS

Meanwhile the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) has faced many delays, but is expected to launch in mid-2025.

Travellers from Canada and other countries eligible to enter the European Schengen Area and Cyprus without a visa will need an ETIAS when visiting. This includes transit passengers.

All 29 countries in the Schengen Area and Cyprus are participating in ETIAS. As of October 2024, Schengen countries include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Amex GBT advises travel planners to check the ETIAS site regularly for updates. The company has published detailed information, resources and links here.