Introduction
Planning a trip to the United Kingdom from Canada? Then you may want to prepare for a new travel rule. The UK is rolling out its new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, which changes entry procedures. Specifically, Canadians, who typically travel visa-free to the UK, must know by heart how the ETA impacts their upcoming trips.
In this article, we cover the UK ETA for Canadian visitors, including who needs it, how it works, and how they can easily apply.
What Is the UK ETA?
The UK ETA is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt travelers, including Canadians. Overall, it acts like a pre-screening tool before arrival. In particular, the system aims to improve border security while keeping the travel process fast and digital.
To clarify, an ETA is not a visa. Specifically, it’s a short-term travel approval tied electronically to your passport. Currently, similar systems exist in the US (ESTA) and Canada (eTA). Correspondingly, the UK is introducing it as part of its post-Brexit border strategy.
With an ETA, Canadians can visit the UK for tourism, business, or transit without applying for a traditional visa.
Canadians Now Require a UK ETA
Canadians will need a UK ETA to visit the UK in most short-term situations. Generally, this includes holidays, business trips, and layovers.
Historically, Canadian passport holders could enter the UK without prior authorization. But this is changing. Under the new UK ETA system, all visa-exempt nationals must get approval before traveling.
In fact, the ETA is required even if you’re only transiting through the UK. For example, if you land at Heathrow for a connection and must go through border control, you’ll still need it.
Currently, UK authorities have begun phasing in the ETA for select countries, including Canadians.
ETA Requirements for Canadians
To qualify for a UK ETA, Canadians must meet specific criteria. Here are the main requirements:
- Hold a valid Canadian passport.
- Plan a stay of up to six months for tourism, business, or transit.
- Not seek work, study, or permanent residence under the ETA.
- Have no serious criminal record or immigration violations.
Canadians must obtain the ETA before boarding their flight to the UK. Correspondingly, airlines will deny boarding without it.
Canadian nationality law may also play a role. In particular, dual citizens with a UK passport won’t need an ETA. However, dual nationals using a Canadian passport will.
ETA Application for Canadians
The ETA application is simple and entirely online. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Visit the EVS platform. It simplifies the ETA application process so you can avoid going through complex visa processes.
At EVS, Canadians’ personal and travel information remains safe and secure with its strict data protection regulations. Moreover, it provides you with expert guidance and seamless support to ensure a stress-free application journey.
Step 2: Upload a passport photo. It must have a plain, light-colored background without any shadows or objects behind you.
Step 3: Upload a scan or photo of your passport information page. Ensure the full passport photo page is inside the frame, including the two lines of numbers and letters at the bottom. Additionally, Canadians’ passports must be valid for at least six months upon entering and exiting the UK.
Step 4: Provide your personal information:
- Contact details
- Home address
- Employment information
- Citizenship information
- Criminal history, if any
Overall, make sure that the information you provide matches what is on your passport.
Step 5: Review and confirm the information on your application. Canadians can pay using suitable electronic payment methods.
Step 6: Pay the application fee.
Step 7: Receive your UK ETA. You will receive an e-mail with the decision. Next, the ETA will be linked to your passport digitally.
Once approved, the ETA is valid for multiple visits over a two-year period—or until your passport expires.
Even if Canadians are not visiting the UK for tourism or business, they still need an ETA if their travel involves entry.
Mistakes can delay approval. So triple-check all entries before you submit.
Ready to get started with your application? Then click the button below to obtain your ETA.
Common Travel Scenarios
Tourism and family visits: Canadians visiting friends or sightseeing need a UK ETA.
Business trips: Attending meetings or conferences qualifies for ETA-based entry.
Transit through the UK: Even if you don’t leave the airport, you’ll still need an ETA if you are passing through border control. But if you are staying in the international transit zone, then you don’t need an ETA.
Denied ETA: If authorities deny Canadians’ ETA, then they must apply for a standard visa. The decision may be due to criminal history or incomplete info.
Children and families: Each traveler, including children, needs their own ETA.
Final Tips and Takeaways
Overall, Canadians traveling to the UK must adapt to the new ETA rules. The process is straightforward but mandatory. Here are key points to remember:
- Apply online well before your flight.
- Ensure your passport is valid for your entire stay.
- Don’t assume visa-free means ETA-free—this system applies even for short stays.
As a rule, check both UK and Canadian government travel pages before departure, as travel laws can update quickly. Planning ahead will keep your journey smooth and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the ETA become mandatory for Canadians?
The ETA requirement was enforced for Canadian visitors starting January 8, 2025, as part of a phased rollout.
How much does the UK ETA cost?
As of this writing, the government fee is expected to be £16 per application, though this could change.
Can I still board with Air Canada if I forgot to apply?
No. To clarify, Air Canada requires ETA approval of Canadians before check-in for all UK-bound flights.
What are the nationalities that can already apply for an ETA?
As of April 2025, the following nationalities can start applying for the ETA:
Non-European countries
- Antigua and Barbuda,
- Argentina,
- Australia,
- Bahamas,
- Barbados,
- Belize,
- Botswana,
- Brazil,
- Brunei,
- Canada,
- Chile,
- Costa Rica,
- Grenada,
- Guatemala,
- Guyana,
- Hong Kong,
- Marshall Islands,
- Mauritius,
- Mexico,
- Micronesia,
- Nauru,
- New Zealand,
- Nicaragua,
- Palau,
- Panama,
- Papua New Guinea,
- Paraguay,
- Peru,
- Saint Kitts and Nevis,
- Saint Lucia,
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,
- Samoa,
- Seychelles,
- Singapore,
- Solomon Islands,
- South Korea,
- Taiwan,
- Tonga,
- Trinidad and Tobago,
- Tuvalu,
- United States, and
- Uruguay
European Countries
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Vatican City
What if my flight is delayed and I have to leave the airport?
You’ll need an ETA to enter the UK, even due to delays or rebooking.
I’m flying to Ireland with a stop in the UK. Do I need an ETA?
Yes, if you enter the UK during transit, it is mandatory—even if Ireland is your final destination.
Can Canadians get an ETA at the airport?
It is not advisable to obtain an ETA at the airport as you need to secure it prior to traveling. It is best to apply ahead of your trip as the processing may take several hours to a few days.
Photo by George Hiles on Unsplash
