Planning a trip to London, Edinburgh or somewhere else within the United Kingdom in 2026? There’s a new travel requirement Canadians should know about before booking that flight!
Starting in 2026, Canadian travellers will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the United Kingdom (even for short visits).
Here’s what that means and how to prepare before your next trip across the Atlantic.
What Is the UK ETA?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital travel permission required for visa-exempt visitors entering the UK. If you’re familiar with Canada’s ETA or the upcoming European ETIAS, the UK ETA works in a similar way. It’s not a visa but a pre-travel authorization that must be approved before you board your flight.
Edinburgh Castle
Who Needs It?
As of 2026, Canadians visiting the UK for:
Tourism
Business trips
Visiting friends or family
Short stays of up to 6 months
will need to apply for an ETA before travelling. Each traveller must have their own ETA, including children.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
How to Apply
Travellers will be able to apply online through the official UK government website (https://www.gov.uk/eta/apply) or mobile app.
To apply, you’ll need:
A valid passport
A digital photo
Basic personal information
A short set of security questions
Approval is expected to take a few days, so travellers should apply at least three days before their departure date.
How Much Does It Cost?
The application costs £16 GBP per person. Once approved, the ETA is valid for two years.