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🇨🇦Canada
🇬🇧United KingdomCA-GB

Canada to United Kingdom visa requirements

UK ETA mandatory for Canadians: GBP 20 since 8 April 2026 (was GBP 16). 6-month stays. Canadian ordinary passport holders need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before boarding any flight, ferry, rail service, or other transport to the UK unless exempt. Canadians have been eligible for and required to hold an ETA for short visits since 8 January 2025, and UK carriers began strict enforcement of digital permission to travel on 25 February 2026. From 8 April 2026 the ETA fee rose from GBP 16 to GBP 20. The ETA permits multiple entries of up to 6 months for tourism, family visits, business meetings, or short courses, and is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires. Approved ETAs are linked electronically to the passport — no printout needed.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-06-19
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
Policy alertWatch this route for rule changesSave this passport and destination for email summaries and optional browser notifications.Subscribe →Canada (PR)Living in Canada as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-06-19
Visa type
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Maximum stay
Up to 6 months per visit
per entry
Entries
Multiple
from issue date
Visa fee
GBP 20 (from 8 April 2026)
consular fee only
Processing time
Most decisions in minutes; allow 3 working days
standard track
Validity
2 years or until passport expires
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm passport eligibility
Use the valid Canadian passport you will travel with. Canadian ePassports contain an electronic chip, but older valid Canadian passports without a chip remain valid until they expire; apply online if the app cannot scan your passport.
· same passport
/02
Apply on GOV.UK or the UK ETA app
Use the official UK ETA app or apply on gov.uk. Provide passport scan, selfie, and answer eligibility questions.
· official channels only
/03
Pay the fee
GBP 20 since 8 April 2026 (was GBP 16). Pay by card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Most decisions arrive quickly.
· GBP 20
/04
Wait for ETA approval
UKVI usually emails a decision within a day, but says to allow up to 3 working days. The ETA is electronically linked to the passport you used in the application.
· 3 working day buffer
/05
Travel and clear UK Border
Canadian nationals with a biometric passport can normally use UK eGates if aged 10+; 10- to 17-year-olds must travel with an adult. Border Force can still question and refuse entry on arrival.
· eGate eligible
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
Canada -> United Kingdom · UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
0 / 13 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredCanadian passport
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
Use the same passport for ETA application and travel
RequiredApproved UK ETA
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
Linked to passport, 2-year validity
RequiredReturn or onward ticket
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
Required at boarding and immigration
RequiredAccommodation address
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
Hotel booking or host's address with phone number
ConditionalFunds evidence
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
Bank statements or credit cards if asked
RecommendedTravel insurance
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
Recommended; NHS treatment may be limited
ConditionalSchengen ETIAS (if onward)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
Required separately for Schengen connections (Q4 2026 launch)
RequiredEES enrolment (separate)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
EU Entry/Exit System live since 10 April 2026 — biometrics at first Schengen entry
RequiredCustoms declaration
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
Filed online or paper on arrival for restricted goods
OptionalYouth Mobility Scheme eligibility
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
Optional work route for Canadians aged 18-35
RequiredOfficial application form or online application
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Official sourcesGOV.UK — Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK (no visible page date)GOV.UK — Apply for an ETA (no visible page date)GOV.UK — Check if you can get an ETA (published 10 September 2024; last updated 9 April 2026)
Application link included: GOV.UK — Apply for an ETA (no visible page date)
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
UK ETAGBP 20Raised from GBP 16 on 8 April 2026
Standard Visitor Visa (if ETA refused)GBP 135Alternative; 6-month single or 2/5/10-year visit visas available
Youth Mobility Scheme (T5)GBP 340Canadians aged 18-35 may work and live in the UK for up to 2 years, with a possible 1-year extension
Sponsored Skilled Worker visaGBP 819+Outside-UK standard fee for up to 3 years; requires UK sponsor and is not for tourism
Healthcare surcharge (if applicable)GBP 776/year or GBP 1,035/yearYouth Mobility uses the GBP 776/year rate; most other visa applications use GBP 1,035/year. ETA visitors are not charged
Total estimateGBP 20 — GBP 819+incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

ETA decision
Usually within a day; allow 3 working days
UKVI says the decision may arrive sooner, but you must wait for the approval email before travel.
Standard Visitor visa
Usually 3 weeks
Required only if ETA refused or you need longer/specialist visit categories.
Youth Mobility Scheme
Application route; no Canada ballot listed
Canadian applicants aged 18-35 can apply if they meet the savings and eligibility rules.
ETA renewal
Same as new
Apply when your ETA or passport approaches expiry.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Past UK overstay or removal
Any prior UK overstay, deportation, or breach is grounds for ETA refusal. Apply for a Standard Visitor visa instead.
Medium
/02
Criminal record
Convictions, especially custodial sentences, can lead to refusal. Disclose honestly on the ETA application.
Medium
/03
Suspected work intent
ETA covers tourism, business meetings, and short courses — not paid work. Officers may probe purpose at the border.
Low
/04
Insufficient evidence of return
Long stays without a confirmed return ticket or accommodation can trigger secondary questioning and refusal.
Low
/05
Dual national restrictions
Dual Canadian nationals with passports from sanctioned countries may face additional scrutiny.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-06-19
Reviewed by Claude Code
Second-pass review: re-verified the evidence chain against official sources; key facts confirmed and checked-date refreshed.
2026-06-19
Reviewed by Codex
Re-verified ETA requirement, fee table, visitor visa fallback, Youth Mobility costs, eGate eligibility, and Canada travel advice against official sources; refreshed checked-date.
2026-05-27
Canada to United Kingdom route verified
Confirmed UK ETA requirement, GBP 20 fee, 6-month visitor stays.
2026-04-08 · major
UK ETA fee rises to GBP 20
UK Home Office raised the ETA fee from GBP 16 to GBP 20 (a 25% increase) on 8 April 2026.
2025-04-09
UK ETA fee rises to GBP 16
Initial GBP 10 fee was raised to GBP 16 in April 2025.
2025-01-08 · major
UK ETA mandatory for Canadians
Canada, Australia, NZ, US, and other non-European visa-exempt nationalities began needing the ETA on 8 January 2025.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Canadians need a UK visa?—
Not a traditional visa — but you need an approved UK ETA before boarding any flight or ferry to the UK. ETAs cost GBP 20 since 8 April 2026 and last 2 years.
How long can I stay in the UK?+
How much does the UK ETA cost?+
Can I work in the UK on the ETA?+
Does the UK ETA cover Ireland?+
Is there a Working Holiday Visa for Canadians?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Canada passport

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