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UK ETA Requirements for Canada Citizens

Everything Canadian travellers need to visit or transit the UK with an ETA in 2025.

Do Canada citizens need a UK ETA?

Citizens of Canada must obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling for short visits or airport transit. The ETA is a simple online pre‑travel check that links to your passport.

  • Fee

    £16 per application, payable online.

  • Validity

    Valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.

  • Stay & entries

    Multiple entries; typically up to 6 months per visit.

  • Processing time

    Often within hours; allow up to 3 working days.

Eligibility Overview

Apply for UK ETA

Requirements for Canada applicants

  • Valid Canadian biometric passport

    Travel with the same passport used for your ETA application.

  • Recent digital photo

    Plain background, neutral expression, no glare (UK standards).

  • Email address

    To receive confirmations and the decision.

  • Payment method

    Debit/credit card or mobile wallet to pay the £16 fee.

Full Requirements

Photo & Passport Rules

What Canada nationals can do on an ETA

Allowed (examples)Not allowed
Tourism, visiting family/friends, attending events.Paid work, self-employment, providing services to UK clients.
Business meetings, conferences, trade visits.Internships or training with pay; long-term assignments.
Short study (≤ 6 months) and airport transit.Long-term study or residence; overstaying permitted period.

If you intend to work or stay long-term, apply for the appropriate UK visa instead of using an ETA.

How to apply (for Canada citizens)

  • Start the application online or in the ETA app

    Create an account or sign in.

  • Scan/enter passport & upload photo

    Use NFC scanning in the app if available.

  • Answer eligibility questions

    Select your purpose: tourism, business, or transit.

  • Pay the £16 fee & submit

    You’ll receive a confirmation email.

  • Wait for approval

    Many decisions arrive within hours; allow up to 3 working days.

Apply for UK ETA

Processing Time

Related guides & next steps



UK ETA – FAQ for Canada Citizens


Do Canada citizens need a UK ETA?

Yes. Canadian passport holders traveling to the UK for short visits or airport transit need an ETA before departure.

What documents do I need to apply?

A valid Canadian biometric passport, a recent digital photo that meets UK standards, an email address, and a payment method to pay the £16 fee.

How long is the ETA valid?

Typically up to two years, or until your passport expires—whichever comes first. It generally permits multiple visits of up to six months each.

How long does approval take?

Many applications are decided quickly, often within hours, but allow up to 3 working days for additional checks.

Can I work in the UK with an ETA?

No. The ETA permits tourism, business visits, short study, and transit only. Paid work or long-term stays require a visa.

Do I need an ETA if I have a UK visa?

No. If you hold a valid UK visa, you do not need an ETA while that visa remains valid.

What if my ETA is refused?

You can apply for the appropriate UK visa that matches your travel purpose and provide any requested supporting documents.