Everything Canadian Citizens Need to Know About the UK ETA

What is the UK ETA for Canadian Citizens?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme gives eligible travelers digital permission to visit the United Kingdom for short stays. It’s not the same as a UK visa from Canada!

The ETA makes travel easy for Canadian travelers, as they can apply online and don’t need to carry any documentation around. It also makes the process quick and safe for UK border control.

Here’s what you need to know about the ETA:

The UK has first introduced the ETA to Qatari citizens replacing the UK Electronic Visa Waiver scheme.
Canadian citizens are required to get the ETA for travel to the UK from 8 January 2025.
The ETA is designed for short-term visits up to 6 months in duration.
You can use the ETA for:
- Tourism,
- Business purposes,
- Visiting friends and family,
- Short-term study,
- Permitted paid engagements (like performances),
- Under the Creative Worker Visa Concession (up to 3 months).
You no longer need the ETA if you are transiting through the UK without passing through border control, but you will need it if you will pass through border control while transiting.
If you want to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months or for purposes not covered by the ETA, you’ll need to apply for a visa instead.

Keep reading to find out what is an ETA and everything else you need to know about travel to the UK as a Canadian citizen.

Statistics on Canadian Travelers to the United Kingdom

In 2023, the UK had 1 million visits from Canada.
40% visited the UK for tourism purposes.
43% visited the UK to see friends and family.

The ETA for the UK makes these visits easy and secure for travelers and UK border control alike!

UK ETA Validity and Duration of Stay

The ETA for the UK scheme allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months without a visa. You can visit the UK repeatedly while your ETA is valid, but never for more than 6 months at a time. Once you’ve been approved for the ETA, it will be valid for 2 years or until your Canadian passport expires – whichever comes first.

UK ETA Eligibility Criteria

Everyone in your travel party, including children and the elderly, must meet the following criteria to get ETAs.

Canadian Citizenship

You must be a citizen of Canada to apply for the UK ETA. The ETA scheme has been introduced in phases, with Canadian citizens required to have an ETA for travel to the UK from 8 January 2025.

6-Month Visits

Unlike the UK tourist visa, the ETA limits how long you can stay in the UK for up to 6 months. If you want to stay in the UK for longer, you need to apply for a visa instead of the ETA.

Valid Passport

To use the UK Electronic Travel Authorization scheme, your passport must be valid for the entirety of your intended visit to the UK. If your passport expires, the ETA expires along with it.

Clear Criminal History

To travel to the UK visa-free, you need a clean travel and criminal history. This means you aren’t:

Facing exclusion or deportation orders.
Involved with terrorism, extremism, or war crimes.
Recorded as previously breaching UK immigration laws.
A criminal with a conviction within the last year, or any offense conviction that had a 12+ month sentence.

UK ETA Requirements for Canadian Citizens

To get the UK ETA for Canadian citizens, you need to provide specific documentation and info.

Passport

Provide a valid passport. It should not be set to expire during your intended stay.

Photo

Make sure you have a recent photo before you apply. You cannot use photos taken more than 3 months ago. Requirements include:

No distractions or face coverings.
Neutral expression on your face.
A plain background behind you.
File size between 50KB and 5MB.
Photo dimensions between 600px and 750px.

Payment Method

You need to pay for the UK ETA, so make sure you have the funds on a credit card or debit card or via Google Pay or Apple Pay.

Valid Email Address

When you submit your UK entry requirements for Canadian citizens, use a valid email address. Your receipt and confirmation of the decision will be sent to your email.

UK ETA Application Steps

The UK ETA application process is straightforward and easy to complete.

Application Form
Fill out the application form with your personal details. This will include your name, address, and date of birth.
Attach Documents
Attach a copy of your passport and your photograph. The photograph must be clear and your face must be uncovered (e.g. no glasses).
Pay and Submit
Pay the non-refundable fee to submit your application. Accepted payment methods include debit cards, credit cards, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.
Get Your ETA
The ETA application is entirely online. Confirmation of your ETA will be sent to your email and applied digitally to your passport. No in-person visits or physical documentation is required.

UK ETA Processing Time and Fees

Whether you apply for the ETA or a UK visa from Canada, always make sure you apply well in advance of your travels. Don’t leave it to the last minute. Most ETA applications are processed within 3 working days, but it can sometimes take longer.

You can apply for the ETA for £79. This fee covers both the government fee and our professional services. Fees are non-refundable, regardless of whether your application is approved or denied.

UK ETA Refusal vs Rejection: What to Do Next

You may have seen electronic visa news stories about applications being denied. But don’t panic if it happens to you, just follow these steps.

First, check your email for the reason it has been denied (it will either be refused or rejected), then decide what to do next.

Rejected applications are usually due to incorrect information being submitted, like your date of birth not matching your passport or a typo in your name. You can apply for the UK ETA again – make sure you meet the photo requirements and enter your details carefully!
Refused applications have been denied by a human who has checked your application and decided the ETA is not suitable for you. You cannot reapply for the ETA and must apply for a visa instead.

Travel Entry Rules to the UK for Canadian Citizens

Once you’ve got the ETA for the UK from Canada, you’ll be free to travel to the UK! When you arrive, here are the rules you need to follow.

Present your passport at border control, as the ETA is digitally linked to it.
If you have multiple passports, always use the one with the ETA linked to it.
Answer any questions border control asks you – they have the final say on whether you enter the country.
If border control requests additional documentation, you must provide them.
Once you have entered the UK, you cannot partake in any restricted activities, like getting married, taking a job, or participating in any illegal activities.

Enjoy your travels!

FAQs

Do Canadians need a visa for the UK?

For most visits up to 6 months in duration, Canadians need to apply for ETA permission (digitally applied to your passport). You only need a visa if you want to stay for longer than 6 months or visit the UK for other purposes (e.g. to get married, find a job, or long-term study).

Can you enter the UK with a Canadian passport?

Yes, you can enter the UK with a Canadian passport if you’ve got a visa or the ETA. You’ll also need to pass through border control. Most Canadians visit the UK without any issues.

Do you need a UK visitor visa from Canada for tourism?

If you want to visit the UK for tourism for over 6 months at a time, you’ll need to apply for a visa. For tourism visits with a duration of less than 6 months, you need to apply for the ETA.

Do you need an ETA to travel to the UK?

Yes, all citizens traveling to the UK from Canada need to apply for the ETA for short-term visits. If you don’t or cannot get the ETA for your travels, you’ll need to apply for a visa.

UK ETA for Canadian Citizens