UK ETA for Canadian Citizens 2026: The Complete Guide
All information in this guide — including the April 2026 government fee increase, eligibility rules, processing times and border procedures — reflects confirmed Home Office policy as of 19 April 2026, reviewed and verified by Martin Cage, Senior UK Immigration Specialist and former adviser to the Home Office Immigration Advisory Panel.
Yes — Canadian citizens need a UK ETA to visit the United Kingdom. The ETA has been mandatory for Canadians since 8 January 2025 and is fully enforced since 25 February 2026: without a valid ETA, no carrier will board you. As of 9 April 2026, the UK government fee increased to £20 (~€23) per person. Our assisted application prices remain unchanged at €69 total (Regular) · €119 (Priority) · €169 (Dedicated Agent) — we absorbed the government increase by reducing our handling fee. Your ETA is valid for 2 years, unlimited trips, up to 6 months per stay.
- Do Canadians Need a UK ETA?
- The April 2026 Fee Increase — And Why Our Prices Haven’t Changed
- How to Apply: Step by Step for Canadians
- Processing Times 2026
- Validity, Entries and What It Covers
- Canadian-Specific Scenarios: Dual Nationals, Quebec, Provinces
- At the UK Border: What to Expect
- How to Check Your UK ETA Status
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do Canadians Need a UK ETA?
Yes. Since 8 January 2025, all Canadian citizens require a UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to enter the United Kingdom — regardless of purpose (tourism, business, transit or family visits) and regardless of how they travel. The requirement applies to Canadian passport holders travelling by air, sea, rail (including Eurostar) or road.
Before January 2025, Canadians could enter the UK visa-free with only a passport. The ETA does not change your rights as a visitor — it is a pre-entry screening tool, similar to the US ESTA or Canada’s own eTA system that Canada applies to foreign visitors. Think of it as the UK’s version of the Canadian eTA: same concept, different country.
| Date | What Changed |
|---|---|
| June 2023 | UK ETA launched — Qatar pilot only |
| Jan 2025 | ETA extended to Canada, USA, Australia, Japan, South Korea and other major non-EU visa-exempt countries |
| 2 April 2025 | ETA extended to all 27 EU member states (except Ireland) |
| 25 Feb 2026 | Full enforcement — carriers must deny boarding without a valid ETA. No exceptions. |
| 9 April 2026 | Government fee raised from £16 to £20 per person |
Since 25 February 2026, airlines, ferry operators, Eurostar and coach companies are legally required to verify ETAs before boarding. A Canadian passport alone is no longer sufficient. If you board any transport to the UK without a valid ETA, you will be denied — no exceptions, no tolerance period. A tolerance period ran from January 2025 to February 2026; it is now over.
2. The April 2026 Fee Increase — And Why Our Prices Haven’t Changed
On 9 April 2026, the UK government raised the ETA fee from £16 to £20 per person (~€23), following parliamentary approval of the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Amendment Order 2026 on 3 March 2026. This affects all new ETA applications submitted from that date.
Despite the April 2026 government fee increase, our total assisted application prices remain exactly the same: €69 (Regular), €119 (Priority), €169 (Dedicated Agent) — all inclusive of the £20 government fee. We have reduced our handling fee to absorb the government’s £4 increase. What you pay us has not changed.
| Plan | Total Price (unchanged) | Government Fee Included | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | €69 | £20 (~€23) | Standard — most approved in minutes |
| Priority ⭐ | €119 | £20 (~€23) | ~24 hours |
| Dedicated Agent | €169 | £20 (~€23) | 1–6 hours |
Veterans, students and minors under 18 receive a 10% discount on our handling fee — tick the box before payment, no documentation required.
If your ETA was approved at the old £16 rate, it remains valid for its full two-year term. No top-up, renewal or reapplication is required. The fee increase only affects new applications submitted from 9 April 2026 onwards.
3. How to Apply: Step by Step for Canadians
The application is entirely online and takes approximately 10 minutes. No consulate visit, no appointment, no paper forms. Here is the complete process via application-eta.uk.
What you need before you start
- Your Canadian passport — the one you will actually travel with. The ETA is linked to the specific passport number, not to you as a person.
- A selfie photo — plain white or light background, full face visible, no glasses, eyes open. Read the full UK ETA Photo Requirements guide before starting — an incorrect photo is the most common cause of delays.
- A photo of your passport biographical page — flat on a dark surface, no flash glare, all four corners visible.
- A payment card — Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Charged in Euros.
- Your email address — your approval is sent here. The email contains your ETA reference number — keep it and use it to check your UK ETA status at any time.
A blurry, incorrectly framed or non-compliant photo is the most common cause of UK ETA processing delays for Canadian applicants. Before starting, read our detailed UK ETA Photo Requirements guide — with selfie specifications, passport photo tips and examples of accepted and rejected images.
Application steps
- Go to application-eta.uk and start your application. Choose your plan: Regular (€69), Priority (€119, ~24h) or Dedicated Agent (€169, 1–6h). All prices include the £20 government fee — unchanged despite the April 2026 government increase.
- Enter your passport details — full name including middle names exactly as shown in the machine-readable zone of your Canadian passport, date of birth, nationality, passport number and expiry date.
- Upload your passport photo and selfie. Our team manually reviews both before submission to confirm they meet Home Office standards.
- Answer the eight suitability questions relating to criminal history, previous immigration issues and health grounds. For most Canadians, every answer is No.
- Pay at checkout. Veterans, students and minors under 18 receive 10% off the handling fee — tick the box before payment.
- Receive your approval email — typically within minutes for the Regular plan, faster for Priority and Dedicated Agent. No document to print or show. You can check your UK ETA application status online at any time after submission.
For a more detailed walkthrough, see our full How to Apply for a UK ETA guide.
Apply from Canada — Under 10 minutes, expert review included
You do not need to be in the UK or Europe to apply. Apply from home as soon as your trip is booked. Prices unchanged despite the April 2026 government fee increase.
4. Processing Times 2026
The vast majority of Canadian ETA applications are processed automatically within minutes. A small number require additional manual review. Here is what to expect:
| Application Route | Typical Processing Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Regular (€69) | Minutes to a few hours for most; up to 3 working days in rare review cases | Trips booked a week or more in advance |
| Priority (€119) | ~24 hours | Travel in the next 2–5 days |
| Dedicated Agent (€169) | 1–6 hours | Urgent or same-day travel needs |
What affects processing time?
- Photo quality — the most common trigger for delays. Read our photo requirements guide before applying.
- Name entry errors — your name must match the machine-readable zone of your Canadian passport exactly, including all middle names.
- Suitability questions — if you have a criminal history or previous UK immigration issues, allow extra review time.
- Peak travel periods — processing can be slightly slower during major Canadian travel seasons. Apply early.
The Home Office recommends applying at least three working days before departure. After submission, use the UK ETA status tool to track your application in real time.
5. Validity, Entries and What It Covers
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| UK government fee (from 9 April 2026) | £20 / ~€23 per person |
| Previous government fee (before 9 April 2026) | |
| Total price Regular (unchanged) | €69 — incl. £20 gov. fee + handling fee |
| Total price Priority (unchanged) | €119 — ~24h processing |
| Total price Dedicated Agent (unchanged) | €169 — 1–6h processing |
| Validity | 2 years from approval, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first |
| Entries | Unlimited within the 2-year validity |
| Maximum stay per trip | 6 months (180 days) |
| Per-person requirement | Yes — every family member including infants needs their own ETA. See UK ETA for Families guide. |
| Refundable? | No — non-refundable regardless of outcome |
| Physical document? | No — digital only, linked to your passport number in the Home Office database |
| Family of 4 (Regular) | €276 (4 × €69) — unchanged despite April 2026 government fee increase |
How long is the UK ETA valid for Canadian citizens?
Your UK ETA is valid for exactly two years from the date of approval, or until your Canadian passport expires — whichever comes first. During this two-year window, you may travel to the UK as many times as you wish, with each individual stay capped at six months (180 days). There is no limit on the number of entries. When your ETA expires, simply apply for a new one — there is no renewal or extension process. If you renew your Canadian passport while an ETA is still active, apply for a new ETA using the new passport before your next UK trip.
What the ETA allows — and what it does not
| Activity | ETA allows? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism — sightseeing, holidays | Yes | Primary purpose for which the ETA is designed |
| Visiting family or friends | Yes | No restrictions. See UK ETA for Families & Children |
| Attending conferences, meetings, negotiations | Yes | Core business visitor activity |
| Short study — language course, professional training | Yes | Courses up to 6 months at accredited institution |
| Private medical treatment | Yes | Within the 6-month stay limit |
| Working for a UK employer | No | Requires Skilled Worker visa or equivalent |
| Freelancing for UK clients | No | UK-sourced income requires a work visa |
| Remote working for Canadian employer | No | Not permitted if primary purpose of the visit |
| Enrolling in a full-time UK university | No | Requires a Student visa |
| Long-term residence in the UK | No | Requires a settlement visa |
6. Canadian-Specific Scenarios
Dual Canadian-British nationals
If you hold both a Canadian and a British passport, you must enter the UK on your British passport — not your Canadian passport with an ETA. Enforcement of this rule has been significantly strengthened since February 2026. Many Canadians of British descent are unaware they hold British citizenship — if you have British parents or grandparents, investigate this before applying for an ETA. Read our UK ETA for Families guide for a full explanation of dual nationality scenarios.
French-Canadian travellers (Quebec)
Canadian citizens from Quebec travelling to the UK need the same UK ETA as all other Canadian passport holders. The ETA application is in English — our team provides full support in French for Quebec residents. Your Canadian passport (French or English version) is equally valid for the ETA application: the passport number, date of birth and name must match exactly as shown in the machine-readable zone of your passport.
Families with children — every child needs their own ETA
Every family member travelling to the UK requires their own individual UK ETA — including newborns and infants. There is no family ETA. A family of four must submit four separate applications and pay four separate fees (£20 each from April 2026, totalling £80 in government fees). Our Regular family plan of 4 × €69 = €276 remains unchanged despite the government fee increase. Read our comprehensive UK ETA for Families and Children guide.
Canadians on cruises stopping at UK ports
Whether Canadian cruise passengers need a UK ETA depends on whether they pass through UK immigration control. Passengers who disembark at a UK port and clear immigration need an ETA; those who remain on board and do not clear UK immigration generally do not. See our UK ETA for Cruise Passengers guide for all cruise-specific scenarios.
Canadian passport renewal and your existing ETA
Your ETA is linked to your specific Canadian passport number. If you renew your passport — even if years of ETA validity remain — the ETA linked to the old passport becomes invalid for travel on the new passport. Apply for a new ETA with your new passport details before your next UK trip. You can always check which passport your active ETA is linked to before travelling.
Travelling from Canada via the US (land border)
If you fly from a Canadian airport to the UK, your ETA is checked at check-in. If you cross into the US by land and then fly to the UK from a US airport, you still need a valid UK ETA — the ETA requirement is based on your destination, not your point of departure. Ensure your ETA is approved before your travel date regardless of your routing.
7. At the UK Border: What to Expect
At check-in in Canada or the US
The airline verifies your ETA status automatically when you scan your passport at check-in or at the gate. You show no ETA document — the check is invisible. Check that your ETA is active before you leave for the airport.
At the UK border — e-Gates
Canadian passport holders aged 18 and over with a valid ETA are eligible to use automated UK e-Gates at most major airports and Eurostar terminals. The e-Gate reads your passport chip, verifies your ETA electronically and admits you in under 60 seconds. Families with children under 18 must use a staffed counter.
| Situation | Expected Process |
|---|---|
| Solo Canadian tourist, ETA approved | e-Gate — under 60 seconds |
| Canadian family with children | Staffed counter — standard questions, 5–10 minutes |
| Canadian on business travel | e-Gate or counter — may be asked about business activities |
| Dual Canadian-British national | Must use British passport — counter or e-Gate as British citizen, no ETA |
| Canadian with declared criminal history | May face additional questions — ETA approval does not guarantee entry |
A UK ETA approval means you have been pre-screened and are permitted to travel to the UK. It does not guarantee entry. Border Force retains the right to refuse entry to any individual, regardless of ETA status, if the officer has reason to believe the person does not qualify as a genuine visitor.
8. How to Check Your UK ETA Status
Once you have submitted your UK ETA application, you can check your Electronic Travel Authorisation status at any time. This is especially important in the 48 hours before departure.
| Status | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Approved | Your ETA is valid and active. The carrier check-in will confirm it automatically. | Nothing — you are ready to travel. Keep your ETA reference number. |
| Pending | Your application is in the standard automated processing queue. | Wait. If still pending after 24 hours, contact us or upgrade to Priority. |
| Under Review | Manual Home Office review in progress. Can take up to 3 working days. | Do not book non-refundable flights until resolved. |
| Refused | Your application has been formally declined. | Determine if error-based (reapply with corrections) or discretionary (visa route required). |
To check your ETA status, use our UK ETA Status Check tool. We recommend checking your ETA status at least 24–48 hours before your flight, even if you received an initial approval email days earlier.
Ready to apply? Under 10 minutes. Expert review included.
Our team verifies every application before it reaches the Home Office. Prices unchanged despite the April 2026 government fee increase to £20.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadian citizens need a UK ETA in 2026?
Yes. Since 8 January 2025, all Canadian citizens need a UK ETA regardless of travel purpose — tourism, business, transit or family visits. Full enforcement since 25 February 2026: carriers deny boarding without a valid ETA. Apply at application-eta.uk from €69 total (government fee included, prices unchanged despite the April 2026 increase to £20).
How much does the UK ETA cost for Canadians in 2026?
The UK government fee is £20 per person (~€23) from 9 April 2026, increased from £16. Our total assisted application prices are unchanged: €69 (Regular), €119 (Priority), €169 (Dedicated Agent) — all inclusive of the £20 government fee. We reduced our handling fee to absorb the government increase. Veterans, students and minors under 18 receive 10% off the handling fee. See our UK ETA Fees & Processing Times page for the full cost calculator.
Why did the UK ETA fee go up in April 2026?
The UK Parliament approved the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Amendment Order 2026 on 3 March 2026, raising the ETA fee from £16 to £20. The government implemented the new rate on 9 April 2026. This follows two previous fee increases since the ETA launched at £10 in 2023. Our total service prices remain unchanged at €69, €119 and €169 — we reduced our handling fee to absorb the £4 government rise.
How long is the UK ETA valid for Canadians?
Your UK ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval, or until your Canadian passport expires — whichever comes first. Within this two-year period, you may enter the UK an unlimited number of times, with each stay capped at 6 months (180 days). There is no limit on the number of trips. The ETA cannot be renewed — when it expires, simply reapply.
How long does UK ETA processing take for Canadians in 2026?
The vast majority of Canadian ETA applications are approved automatically within minutes. A small number require manual review — up to three working days — typically due to photo issues or name discrepancies. Our Priority service (~24h) and Dedicated Agent service (1–6h) are available for urgent applications. Apply at least three working days before departure. Check your ETA status online at any time after application.
Do dual Canadian-British citizens need a UK ETA?
No — and they should not apply for one. Dual Canadian-British nationals must enter the UK on their British passport. Entering with a Canadian passport and ETA when you are a British citizen violates UK immigration rules. Enforcement has been significantly strengthened since February 2026.
Do Canadian children and babies need a UK ETA?
Yes. Every person travelling to the UK — including newborn babies — requires their own ETA linked to their own passport. There is no family ETA. A family of four submits four separate applications. The minor discount (10% off the handling fee) applies automatically. Read our UK ETA for Families and Children guide.
How do I check if my UK ETA is still valid?
Use our UK ETA Status Check tool — enter your reference number and date of birth to get your real-time UKVI status. Status options: Approved (ready to travel), Pending (processing), Under Review (up to 3 working days), or Refused. Check 24–48 hours before every departure.
I renewed my Canadian passport — is my ETA still valid?
No. Your ETA is linked to a specific passport number. When you renew your passport, the ETA linked to the old passport becomes invalid for travel on the new passport. Apply for a new ETA with your new passport details before your next UK trip, at the current government fee of £20.
Can I apply for the UK ETA from Canada?
Yes. You can apply from anywhere in the world — there is no requirement to be in the UK or Europe. Apply at application-eta.uk as soon as your trip is booked. The ETA becomes active immediately upon approval and is valid for two years. Applying months in advance carries no risk.
Do Canadian cruise passengers need a UK ETA?
It depends on whether you clear UK immigration. Passengers who disembark at a UK port and pass through border control need an ETA. Those who remain on board and do not clear UK immigration generally do not. See our UK ETA for Cruise Passengers guide for all scenarios.
Can Canadians work in the UK with an ETA?
No. The ETA is a visitor permission only. Working for a UK employer, freelancing for UK clients, or performing work while physically in the UK — including remote work for a Canadian employer — is not permitted under an ETA. A UK work visa is required for any form of employment.
Is there a discount for Quebec (French-Canadian) applicants?
There is no specific Quebec discount, but our team provides full French-language support for Quebec residents throughout the application process. The standard discounts apply: 10% off the handling fee for students, veterans and minors. Contact us at [email protected] for French-language assistance.
Expert review: Martin Cage, Senior UK Immigration Specialist, former Home Office Immigration Advisory Panel. Reviewed 19 April 2026. · Sources: UK Home Office — UK ETA Official Guidance (gov.uk) · UK Parliament, Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Amendment Order 2026, 3 March 2026 · Home Office, ETA fee implementation confirmation, 9 April 2026 · Home Office Immigration Statistics, year to September 2025 · Government of Canada — Travel to the United Kingdom, April 2026. Disclaimer: application-eta.uk is a private assistance service and is not affiliated with the British government, the Home Office or the Government of Canada.
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