Four systems, one idea
As borders go digital, visa-free travellers increasingly need an online authorisation before they fly. Four matter most for travel to the West. Each is linked to your passport, completed online, and — importantly — is not a visa. Here is how they compare.
| Authorisation | Where | Fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESTA | United States | $40 | 2 years |
| ETIAS | Schengen Europe | €20 | 3 years |
| UK ETA | United Kingdom | £20 | 2 years |
| Canada eTA | Canada | C$7 | 5 years |
Which do you need?
It depends on where you are going and your nationality. You may need more than one — a traveller visiting New York, London, and Paris in the same year could need an ESTA, a UK ETA, and (from late 2026) an ETIAS. The quickest way to be sure is to check your requirements by nationality and destination.
What they have in common
- All are completed online before travel and linked to your passport.
- None is a visa — they cover short stays (tourism, business, transit).
- If you need a full visa for a destination, these schemes do not replace it.
Good to know
ETIAS is expected to launch in the last quarter of 2026; the others are already in force. Separately, Europe's Entry/Exit System (EES) now records border crossings biometrically, and the 90/180-day rule still limits how long you can stay in the Schengen Area.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need more than one travel authorisation?
Possibly. They are country-specific, so visiting the US, UK, Europe, and Canada in one year could mean holding an ESTA, a UK ETA, an ETIAS, and a Canada eTA.
Which travel authorisation is the cheapest?
The Canada eTA at C$7. ETIAS is €20, the UK ETA £20, and ESTA $40.
Which one lasts the longest?
The Canada eTA, valid for five years. ETIAS lasts three years; ESTA and the UK ETA last two years.
Are any of these a visa?
No. All four are travel authorisations for visa-exempt travellers. If your nationality needs a visa for a destination, you still need it.