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:

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.

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.

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).
validity

UK ETA Requirements

Ensure you meet all the basic requirements and have the necessary documents ready
before starting your UK ETA application.

Requirements
1
Passport

Valid passport with sufficient validity.

Requirements
2
Personal Photo

Recent photo as per official guidelines.

Requirements
3
Payment Method

Use card or digital payment options.

Requirements
4
Email Address

Receive ETA updates and confirmation.

These requirements are necessary to verify your identity and ensure secure entry into the UK. They help authorities process your application faster by minimizing errors and missing information. Having all documents ready in advance ensures a smooth, quick, and hassle-free UK ETA application experience.

How to apply

A simple step-by-step process from application to approval, with secure submission
and real-time email updates at every stage.

1
Fill Application

Enter your personal and passport details securely.

2
Make Payment

Complete secure payment using available methods.

3
Upload Documents

Upload passport and photo for each applicant.

4
Track Status

Track progress and receive updates via email.

Support after payment

We help customers complete document uploads, track application progress and receive important email reminders so the process does not stop halfway.

Track Application
🔒 Secure payment
✉️ Email reminders
📄 Document guidance
🎧 24/7 support

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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Disclaimer: ukete.org is a private travel agency and not an official UK Gov. website. The fees charged by us are our professional service fees, which are also included in the total price displayed on our website. Our role is to assist applicants in preparing and submitting their visa requests.

We work with certified immigration professionals to provide assistance with ETA and Visitor Visa applications. Our service covers application guidance, data and document checks, submission support, and customer assistance to help reduce errors and save time.