Starting February 25, 2026, Canadians will need a travel permit to legally enter the United Kingdom, or risk being denied boarding.
The British government has introduced an electronic travel authorization (eTA) requirement for Canadians visiting the U.K. This rule initially came into effect earlier this year but was not strictly enforced to give travellers time to adjust. From next February, all Canadians without a valid eTA will be refused entry.
Unlike a visa, the eTA is a digital permission for passport holders who do not require a U.K. visa. It allows Canadians to visit the U.K. for short stays of up to six months. The application costs £16 (around $30 CAD) and can be completed online or via the official U.K. eTA app. Authorities urge travellers to use official government platforms to avoid scams.
“ETAs are also better for travellers. Digitizing the immigration system ensures the millions of people we welcome to the U.K. every year enjoy a more seamless travel experience,” said British Migration and Citizenship Minister Mike Tapp.
Most applicants receive an automatic decision within minutes, although authorities recommend allowing up to three business days for processing. Once approved, an eTA is valid for two years or until the traveller’s passport expires, allowing multiple visits within that period. However, the U.K. government emphasizes that an eTA does not guarantee entry.
Exceptions and Special Cases
Canadian citizens with dual British nationality are exempt from eTA rules but must have a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement. The British High Commission in Canada advises dual citizens to renew expired U.K. passports promptly.
Travellers in transit through the U.K. who do not pass through customs are also not required to obtain an eTA. While Canadian passport holders do not need a tourist visa for stays up to six months, business, work, or student visas are still required for other purposes.
The U.K.’s eTA system is similar to the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will require Canadian and other visa-exempt travellers to obtain permits for short-term stays across 30 European countries starting late next year.