UK to require electronic travel permit for Canadian visitors
Canadian travellers will soon face new red tape from the United Kingdom, as the UK will require an electronic travel permit for Canadians entering the country starting February 25, 2026.
Canadian travellers will soon face new red tape from the United Kingdom, as the UK will require an electronic travel permit for Canadians entering the country starting February 25, 2026.
Canadian travellers will soon be required to apply and pay for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to visit the United Kingdom, according to the British government.
While the electronic document is not a travel visa, it is mandatory for any passport holder who does not require a visa for UK travel.
The UK government introduced the eTA regulations earlier this year but had not been “strictly enforced, to give visitors ample time to adjust to the new requirement.”
“ETAs are also better for travellers. Digitizing the immigration system ensures the millions of people we welcome to the U.K. every year enjoy a more seamless travel experience,” said British Migration and Citizenship Minister Mike Tapp in a statement.
The new rules will affect visitors from 85 nationalities, including the United States and France, allowing short-term stays of up to six months.
However, British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens, are exempt. Canadians with dual British citizenship also won’t need to apply, provided they have a current British passport or a “certificate of entitlement” to avoid entry problems.
The electronic document will cost Canadians approximately $30 and should only be applied for through an official government website to avoid online scams.
The U.K. government noted that obtaining an “eTA does not guarantee entry.”
Those travelling with layovers in the U.K. will not be required to get an eTA as long as they do not pass through customs.