Canadians will need “advance permission” to travel to the United Kingdom next year. Without it, they could be denied boarding.
The new policy, which applies to 85 nationalities including Canada, will be enforced starting on Feb. 25, 2026,
according to the U.K. government
. Most Canadians do not need a visa to travel to the U.K.; however, they will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
“This is a significant step towards digitizing the immigration system and paves the way for a contactless U.K. border in the future,” the U.K. government says online.
If you do not need a visa to visit the UK for short stays of up to six months, you need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). From 25 February 2026 without an ETA you will not be able to board your transport or legally travel to the UK.
More info: https://t.co/sPq7CZgIyS pic.twitter.com/sAnvGoiDw2
— UK in Canada 🇬🇧🇨🇦 (@UKinCanada) November 27, 2025
The ETA will be verified by airline carriers. It was initially launched in October 2023, but was not being “strictly enforced, to give visitors ample time to adjust to the new requirement.” Since its launch, more than 13.3 million visitors have successfully applied.
“ETAs give us greater power to stop those who pose a threat from setting foot in the country and gives us a fuller picture of immigration,” said U.K. Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp in a news release.
Tapp also said that ETAs allow for a better and “more seamless travel experience.”
Travellers can apply for an ETA through an app. It costs 16 pounds, or roughly CAD$30.
“While most people currently get a decision automatically in minutes, it is recommended to allow three working days to account for the small number of cases that require additional review,” the U.K. government says.
British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens, do not need to apply for the ETA.
The Canadian government’s
travel advice page for the United Kingdom
says that Canadians “must travel on the passport used for your ETA application.” It says that Canadians do not need an ETA if they are transiting through an airport in the U.K. without passing border control or if they have a visa or permission to live, work or study in the U.K.
Similarly, many foreign nationals travelling to Canada, including British and Irish citizens,
to enter the country by plane.
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