Canadians must apply for a U.K. ETA from Feb. 25, 2026
Starting Feb. 25, Canadians will need a U.K. Electronic Travel Authorisation to visit for up to six months. Apply via the app or website; most decisions arrive within minutes.
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By Torontoer Staff
Canadians travelling to the United Kingdom will need to obtain a U.K. Electronic Travel Authorisation, or ETA, beginning Feb. 25, 2026. The requirement applies to visitors from 85 visa-exempt countries and must be secured before boarding.
The ETA system, introduced by the U.K. in October 2023, is now being strictly enforced after a rollout period. The government says the change is meant to improve border security and give officials better information on incoming travellers.
Who needs an ETA
Travellers from visa-exempt countries, including Canada and the United States, must have an ETA to enter the U.K. for short stays. That covers tourism, visiting family and friends, business trips, short study visits and the Creative Worker concession for up to three months.
- Travel to the U.K. for up to six months for tourism, family visits, business or study
- Travel for up to three months under the Creative Worker concession
- Transit through the U.K., including cases where you do not pass through U.K. border control
You do not need an ETA if you hold a British or Irish passport, have permission to live, work or study in the U.K., or already hold a U.K. visa.
No permission, no travel.
U.K. government news release
How to apply
Canadians apply through the U.K. ETA app or the official website. The process requires a passport photo upload and an in-device facial scan. Children nine and younger are exempt from the facial scan.
- Open the U.K. ETA app or website and have your passport ready.
- Upload a clear photo of the passport you will use to travel.
- Complete the biometric step by scanning your face with your device, unless the applicant is nine or younger.
- Answer the suitability and contact questions. Travel details are not required.
- Submit and wait for a decision. Most applicants receive results within minutes, but allow up to three working days for additional review.
The service will time out after 20 minutes of inactivity, and you cannot save progress. Each person in a group must apply separately. Approved ETAs are linked to the passport used in the application and remain valid for two years.
Costs, timing and practical notes
The U.K. increased the ETA fee in April to £16, about C$29.80. The U.K. government says more than 13.3 million visitors have already applied and seen faster processing during the rollout.
ETAs give us greater power to stop those who pose a threat from setting foot in the country and give us a fuller picture of immigration.
Mike Tapp, U.K. Migration and Citizenship Minister
The Government of Canada has issued a travel advisory reminding Canadians to secure an ETA before travel. Airlines and other carriers are likely to deny boarding to travellers without the required authorisation.
Other jurisdictions use similar systems. Canada’s own ETA costs $7, and the United States uses ESTA. The European Union is also updating its ETIAS system and fees in 2026.
Tips for travellers
- Apply well before departure, and allow three working days in case of extra checks.
- Use the passport you will travel with, since the ETA is linked to that document.
- Complete the application in one session to avoid a timeout.
- Carry proof of a valid ETA and the passport used for the application when travelling.
- If you already hold a U.K. visa or permission to live or work in the U.K., you do not need an ETA.
The U.K. plans to keep digital authorisations as the standard for visa-exempt visitors, citing both security and improved traveller experience. Travellers should factor the application step and fee into trip planning.
For the latest guidance and to apply, use the official U.K. ETA website or the government app. Allow time for processing to avoid last-minute issues at the airport or border.
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