Last update: 10 May 2025

UK ETA for Canadian Citizens

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What is an ETA for Canadian Citizens?

A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is an online permission that eligible travellers must obtain before visiting or transiting through the United Kingdom for short stays (normally up to six months). An ETA is not a visa — it is a pre-travel security check linked to your passport that authorises you to travel to the UK.

The ETA requirement for most visa-exempt nationals — including Canadian citizens — entered into force for travel from 8 January 2025. Applications for non-European nationals opened earlier on 27 November 2024. The ETA application is completed online, costs £16 (government fee), and an approved ETA is usually valid for multiple short visits over a two-year period or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

The UK ETA generally allows short stays for the following purposes:

  • Travel to the UK for up to six months for:
    • Tourism: sightseeing and leisure travel.
    • Visiting family and friends: short personal visits to relatives or friends living in the UK.
    • Business: attending meetings, conferences or negotiations (short-term business activity).
    • Short-term study: short courses or language study of limited duration.
  • Coming to the UK for up to three months on the Creative Worker concession (with a valid certificate of sponsorship).
  • Coming to the UK for up to six months for a permitted paid engagement (with a written invitation from a UK organisation/client).
  • Transiting through the UK:
    • If you will pass through UK border control (e.g., to change terminals or enter the UK), an ETA may be required for the transit leg.

Canadian Visitor Statistics to the United Kingdom

Canadian visits to the UK were strong in recent years — roughly around one million visits in 2023 (and just under 1.0 million visits reported for 2024 by VisitBritain). A large share of those trips are for visiting friends & relatives and for holidays.

Benefits of the UK ETA for Canadian Citizens

The UK ETA brings several practical benefits for Canadian travellers:

Quick and easy application process

The ETA application is completed online and usually receives a rapid decision, removing the need for a full visa application for short visits.

Cost-effective

The government ETA fee is modest compared with many visas, and an approved ETA can cover multiple short visits during its validity.

Faster border processing

By pre-screening travellers before arrival, the ETA scheme helps target admissibility checks earlier and can reduce time spent at the border.

UK ETA Eligibility Criteria for Canadian Citizens

Before applying, check these key points:

  • Length of stay: ETA is for visits of up to six months. If you plan to remain longer or to work long-term, you will likely need a visa instead of an ETA.
  • Criminal convictions: an ETA may be refused if you have certain criminal convictions (for example, a sentence of more than 12 months or a conviction within the last 12 months).
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UK ETA requirements

To apply for a UK ETA, all eligible travelers are required to meet certain basic criteria. Below are the mandatory requirements that every applicant must provide:

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Passport

Applicants must have a valid passport from an eligible country, preferably with two years of validity.

Personal Photo

Applicants must submit a recent upper-body photo that meets official specifications.

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Payment Method

Applicants must have a valid card or access to Apple Pay or Google Pay to pay the ETA UK fee.

Email address

Applicants must provide a valid email address to receive their UK ETA upon approval.

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Applying for a UK ETA for Canadian Citizens

Applying for a UK ETA is simple and fully online. Below is a clear step-by-step guide to help Canadian citizens complete their ETA application.

  • Step 01
    Fill out the application form

    Enter your personal information, including your name, date of birth, phone number, passport details, planned arrival date, UK address (if any), employment details, criminal record information, and any other nationalities you may hold.

  • Step 02
    Attach the required documents
    • Upload a clear colour copy of your passport’s bio page with all four corners visible.
    • Provide a recent passport-style photo that meets UK ETA photo requirements.
  • Step 03
    Pay the application fee

    Enter your payment details and complete the secure online payment for the ETA fee.

  • Step 04
    Submit the application

    After payment is confirmed, submit your application and keep your reference number for future tracking.

  • Step 05
    Receive your ETA

    You will receive an email confirming your approved ETA. You may print a copy or save the digital confirmation on your mobile device.

Frequently Asked Questions

If your ETA is refused, it does not automatically mean you are banned from entering the UK. You cannot appeal or request a refund. You may correct the issue that caused the refusal and reapply. If your circumstances do not meet ETA requirements, you can apply for a UK visa instead—such as a Standard Visitor Visa if travelling for tourism or to visit family.

Canadians may visit the UK without a visa only until January 8, 2025. After this date, Canadian travellers must obtain an approved ETA before boarding a flight to the UK. If an ETA is not granted, a UK visitor visa will be required.

From January 8, 2025, a Canadian passport alone will not grant entry to the UK. You must have either an approved ETA or the appropriate visa.

From April 2, 2025, most non-British and non-Irish travellers—whether visiting or transiting through the UK—will need either an ETA or a visa. Nationals of countries that previously enjoyed visa-free entry will now require an ETA, while travellers from visa-required countries must continue to apply for a visa instead of an ETA.

If you travel on or after January 8, 2025, without a valid ETA or visa, your airline may refuse boarding. Even if you board, UK border officials may deny your entry upon arrival.

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