Since February 2026, every Canadian travelling to the United Kingdom needs an Electronic Travel Authorisation — or ETA — before they fly. It is not a visa. It costs £10. It takes about 10 minutes. And if you show up at the airport without one, your airline can legally deny boarding. Here is everything you need to know.
Unlike a visa, you will not be stopped at the UK border without an ETA — you will be stopped at your departure airport in Canada. Airlines are required to verify ETA status before boarding. Apply before you fly.
"Ten pounds. Ten minutes. Two years of coverage. I genuinely cannot think of a better travel investment. The people who skip this step are the same people who leave for the airport without their passport."
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital pre-travel permission that links electronically to your passport. It was introduced as part of the UK's post-Brexit border control system and is now required for visitors from countries that previously entered the UK visa-free — including Canada, the United States, Australia and most of Europe.
An ETA is NOT a visa. You do not need to attend an appointment, submit documents, or wait weeks for approval. It is a simple online application that is approved (or denied) within minutes in most cases.
Once approved, the ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. You can make multiple trips to the UK within that period without reapplying.
As of February 2026, UK ETAs are required for:
You do NOT need a UK ETA if you are a British or Irish citizen, or if you already have a valid UK visa.
🇮🇪 Ireland is different. If you are flying to Dublin, you do NOT need an ETA. Ireland is not in the UK and has its own separate entry rules. A UK ETA does not cover Ireland, and an Irish trip does not require one.
Only apply through the official UK government site or the official UKVI app. Third-party sites charge extra fees for no added value.
You will need your passport number, expiry date, and the personal details page. Your ETA is linked to this specific passport — if you renew your passport you will need a new ETA.
Answer questions about your travel plans, personal details, and a few standard security questions. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.
Approximately $17 CAD at current exchange rates. Payable by credit or debit card. Each traveller in your group needs their own ETA and their own payment.
Most ETAs are approved within minutes. Some take up to 3 business days. Apply at least 3 business days before your flight to be safe — ideally when you book your ticket.
You will receive an email confirmation. No physical document is needed — the ETA is linked electronically to your passport. Airlines and border officers can look it up automatically.
No. The ETA is linked electronically to your passport. You do not need to print or show anything — airlines and border officers check it automatically when they scan your passport.
Up to 6 months per visit. The ETA itself is valid for 2 years but each individual trip is limited to 6 months. You can make multiple trips within the 2-year validity period.
No. An ETA is for tourism and short business visits only. If you plan to work in the UK you need a separate work visa.
A small number of applications are denied. If this happens you will need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa instead — a more involved process. This is rare for Canadian applicants with clean travel histories.
Yes. Every traveller including infants needs their own ETA linked to their own passport. Apply for each family member separately.
In most cases yes, if you are passing through UK passport control. If you are staying airside (not going through passport control), you may not need one. Check the UK government website for your specific situation.
No. Your ETA is linked to your specific passport. If you renew your passport you need to apply for a new ETA linked to your new passport number.
No — the UK ETA and the EU ETIAS are completely separate systems for completely different destinations.
If your trip combines the UK and Europe — say, London then Paris — you will eventually need both. Right now you only need the UK ETA.
📋 See all entry requirements for your destination — including ETIAS updates, travel advisories and health requirements. Aunt Tia's Need to Know guide →
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