Major Change for Canadian Travellers to the United Kingdom
Canadian citizens planning trips to the United Kingdom will face new entry requirements beginning next year. The UK government has announced that starting February 25, 2026, Canadians will need advance permission to travel to Britain, marking a significant shift from the current visa-free arrangement.
Without this new authorization, Canadian travellers could be denied boarding by airline carriers. This policy represents a fundamental change in how Canadians visit the UK for tourism, business, or short stays.
Understanding the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
The new requirement is called an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which applies to 85 nationalities including Canada. While most Canadians currently don't need a visa for UK visits, the ETA will become mandatory for short stays of up to six months.
The UK government describes this as "a significant step towards digitizing the immigration system" that will eventually lead to a contactless border. According to UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp, "ETAs give us greater power to stop those who pose a threat from setting foot in the country and gives us a fuller picture of immigration."
Tapp also emphasized that the system aims to provide a "more seamless travel experience" for legitimate visitors.
Application Process and Important Details
Travellers can apply for the ETA through a dedicated mobile app. The cost is 16 pounds (approximately CAD$30), and while most applications are approved automatically within minutes, the government recommends allowing three working days for processing to account for cases requiring additional review.
Since its initial launch in October 2023, more than 13.3 million visitors have successfully applied for ETAs. The UK government had not been strictly enforcing the requirement initially to give travellers time to adjust.
Important exceptions include:
- British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens, are exempt from the ETA requirement
- Travellers transiting through UK airports without passing border control don't need an ETA
- Those with existing visas or permission to live, work, or study in the UK are exempt
The Canadian government's travel advice page specifically notes that Canadians "must travel on the passport used for your ETA application."
This move towards electronic authorization mirrors Canada's own travel system, where many foreign nationals, including British and Irish citizens, require an ETA to enter Canada by air.
