UK ETA for Canadians: What You Need to Know in 2026

Canada and the United Kingdom share a deep historical bond through the Commonwealth, yet starting 25 February 2026, Canadians travelling to Britain must hold an approved UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before departure. Whether you are visiting London for a weekend getaway, exploring the Scottish Highlands, or attending a business conference in Manchester, this guide covers everything Canadian travellers need to know about the UK ETA.

The requirement applies to all Canadian passport holders, regardless of age. Even if you have visited the UK dozens of times before without any paperwork beyond your passport, the rules have changed. Here is your complete guide to staying compliant and avoiding travel disruptions.

Why Canadians Now Need a UK ETA

The UK government introduced the ETA system to strengthen border security by pre-screening travellers before they depart for Britain. Previously, citizens of visa-free countries like Canada could arrive at a UK port of entry and be assessed on the spot. The ETA shifts that assessment to before travel, allowing authorities to identify potential concerns earlier.

For most Canadians, the ETA process is quick, straightforward, and should not cause any issues. The system is comparable to Canada’s own eTA requirement, which international travellers need when flying to Canada. For a general overview of the ETA programme, visit our UK ETA 2026 rules and cost guide.

UK ETA Cost and Validity for Canadians

Here are the key facts about the UK ETA for Canadian citizens:

The fee applies per person, so a Canadian couple would pay £32 (~CAD $58). For families with children, every child — including infants — needs their own separate ETA application and fee. See our UK ETA for children and families guide for more details.

Who Needs to Apply

All Canadian citizens travelling to the UK need an ETA, with these exceptions:

• Dual British-Canadian citizens: If you also hold a British or Irish passport, you must travel on that passport instead. You cannot apply for an ETA as a dual citizen of the UK or Ireland.
• Canadian permanent residents who are not Canadian citizens: If you hold a passport from another country, check whether your nationality requires an ETA or a visa.
• Canadians with a valid UK visa: If you already hold a work visa, student visa, or other UK immigration permission, you do not need an ETA.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step for Canadians

The application process is the same for all nationalities. Here is how it works for Canadian travellers:

1. Download the UK ETA App or Visit GOV.UK

The official UK ETA app is available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Alternatively, you can apply through the GOV.UK website. Avoid third-party websites that charge inflated processing fees.

2. Scan Your Canadian Passport

Use your phone to scan the NFC chip in your passport (all Canadian biometric passports issued since 2013 have NFC chips). If scanning does not work, you can manually enter your details and photograph the data page.

3. Complete Biometric Verification

Take a selfie following the on-screen instructions. Ensure good lighting, look directly at the camera, and remove glasses or head coverings (unless worn for religious reasons).

4. Answer Background Questions

You will be asked about criminal history, immigration violations, and health conditions. Answer truthfully — false declarations can lead to revocation and future travel bans.

5. Pay and Submit

Review your details carefully, then pay the £16 fee. You cannot edit your application after submission, so double-check everything. Note that you cannot save your progress — complete the application in one sitting.

6. Receive Your Decision

Most Canadian applicants receive approval within minutes. If additional review is needed, allow up to 3 working days. You can check your ETA status online at any time.

Canada-UK Travel: Key Differences to Know

While Canadians and Britons share much in common, there are important differences to prepare for:

• Driving: The UK drives on the left side of the road, opposite to Canada. Roundabouts are also far more common. See our driving in the UK guide for tips.
• Currency: The UK uses the British Pound Sterling (£), not the Canadian Dollar or Euro. Contactless payment is widely accepted — read our UK payment guide.
• Healthcare: Unlike visiting other Canadian provinces, your provincial health insurance does not cover you in the UK. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance before your trip.
• Time zones: The UK is 5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. When it is noon in Toronto, it is 5 PM in London.
• Tipping: Tipping culture in the UK is more modest than in North America. A 10-12% tip at restaurants is standard, and tipping in pubs when ordering at the bar is not expected. See our tipping in the UK guide.
• Power outlets: The UK uses Type G plugs with three rectangular pins. You will need a travel adaptor — Canadian plugs do not fit UK sockets.

Direct Flights from Canada to the UK

Several airlines operate direct flights between Canadian cities and the United Kingdom:

Remember, your airline will check your ETA status before allowing you to board. Have your passport (linked to your ETA) ready at check-in. For getting from UK airports to city centres, check our UK transport guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Canadian children need a UK ETA?

Yes. Every Canadian traveller, including children and infants, needs their own ETA. Each child must have their own passport, and a separate ETA application must be completed for each.

Can I work in the UK with an ETA?

No. The ETA is for short visits only (tourism, business meetings, family visits). If you want to work in the UK, you need a work visa. Permitted business activities include attending meetings, conferences, and negotiations — but not employed work.

What if I get a new Canadian passport?

Your ETA is linked to your specific passport number. If you renew your passport, you must apply for a new ETA linked to the new passport. The old ETA cannot be transferred. For help with corrections, see our UK ETA correction guide.

Is the UK ETA the same as Canada eTA?

They are similar in concept — both are electronic pre-screening systems for visa-free travellers. However, they are separate programmes run by different governments. Having a Canada eTA does not exempt you from the UK ETA, and vice versa.

Can I transit through the UK without an ETA?

In some cases, yes — if you remain airside at Heathrow or Manchester without passing through UK immigration. For full details, read our UK ETA transit rules guide.

Apply Before You Fly

The UK ETA for Canadians is a simple, affordable requirement that takes minutes to complete. At just £16 (~CAD $29) for two years of unlimited UK travel, it is a small price for seamless entry to one of Canada’s closest allies and most popular travel destinations. Apply today through the official GOV.UK website and start planning your British adventure.

UK ETA 2026: What Every Visitor Needs to Know

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a pre-travel permission linked electronically to your passport. Introduced as part of the UK’s new border security framework, the ETA is now mandatory for nationals of many countries who previously could visit the United Kingdom without any prior authorisation. Understanding the ETA process is essential for a smooth, stress-free journey to the UK, whether you are travelling for tourism, business, transit, or to visit family and friends.

Who Needs a UK ETA?

The UK ETA is required by nationals of countries that do not need a visa to enter the UK but are not British or Irish citizens, or do not hold a UK residence permit. This includes citizens of many European Union countries, as well as nationals from countries across Asia, the Americas, Australasia, and elsewhere. The easiest way to confirm whether you need a UK ETA is to check the official UK government website, which maintains an up-to-date list of eligible nationalities and travel documents accepted for ETA applications.

Applying for Your UK ETA

The UK ETA application process is straightforward and entirely online. You will need a valid passport, an email address, and a payment method. Start by visiting the official UK ETA application portal or download the UK ETA app on your smartphone. Provide your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport — including your full name, date of birth, and passport number. You will also be asked about your travel history, any previous visa refusals, and whether you have any criminal convictions. Once your application is submitted, you will receive a decision by email, typically within minutes, though in some cases it may take up to three business days.

UK ETA Cost and Validity

The UK ETA costs £10 per person and, once approved, is valid for two years or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. During this period, you can travel to the UK as many times as you wish, for any purpose covered by the ETA. Each stay in the UK must not exceed six months. There is no limit on the number of visits you can make within the two-year validity period, making the UK ETA exceptional value for frequent travellers and those who visit the UK regularly for business or leisure.

Before You Travel: Key Reminders

Always ensure your ETA is approved and linked to your passport before you travel. Border Force officers can verify your ETA status electronically — you do not need to print it or carry a physical copy. However, saving your approval email as a reference is a sensible precaution. If you obtain a new passport after receiving your ETA, you must apply for a new ETA linked to the new passport, as the authorisation is tied to a specific travel document and will not transfer automatically.

Holders of a UK ETA are permitted to visit England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The ETA covers most short-stay purposes, but it does not permit you to work, study for extended periods, or access public funds. If you plan to study for more than six months, take paid employment, or reside in the UK long-term, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa. Always review the latest UK government guidance before travelling, as immigration rules can change, and it is your responsibility to arrive with the correct travel permission in place.