From February 25, 2026, travelers from countries that do not normally require a visa for short trips to the UK (including Canada) must have a digital travel authorization — ETA — or other digital status (eVisa) to legally travel to the UK. Carriers (airlines, trains, ferries) will check this before boarding — without an ETA, you may simply not be allowed on the flight/route.
What an ETA is and what it is not
ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a permit to travel to the UK for short visits (tourism, family visits, individual business trips) of up to 6 months. Important: this is not a visa or a guarantee of entry — the final decision is still made at the border.
How much does it cost and how long is it valid for?
The cost of an ETA is £16.
An ETA allows multiple trips with stays of up to 6 months at a time for 2 years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first).
The government also notes that it plans to increase the cost of the ETA to £20 in the future (the exact date has not been specified).
Which Canadians need an ETA
Most Canadians who travel to the UK without a visa for a short period and do not have UK immigration status (permission to live/work/study, etc.) need an ETA.
Each traveler also needs a separate ETA, including children and infants.
Important information about transit
If you are transiting through the UK and passing through passport control, you also need an ETA. However, the factsheet states that transit through Heathrow Airport and Manchester Airport without passing through passport control does not currently require an ETA.
Who is exempt from ETA
An ETA is not required, in particular, for those who have:
- a British or Irish passport, or other status that entitles them to live/work/study in the UK.
It is specifically emphasized that dual citizens with British or Irish citizenship cannot obtain an ETA — they must travel with the appropriate passport/document, and from February 25, 2026, they may not be allowed to board a vehicle without it.
How to apply for an ETA: briefly and to the point
The official advice is to apply via the UK ETA app or online at GOV.UK; most people receive a decision within minutes, but it is recommended to allow up to 3 working days in case of additional checks.
What is usually required for an application:
- payment of the fee,
- passport and contact details,
- digital photo,
- answers to questions about eligibility/offenses,
- and you must travel with the same passport that was used to apply for the ETA.
What exactly will be “tightened” from February 25, 2026
The ETA existed during the phased implementation, but from February 25, 2026, the rule will become fully enforceable: “no permission, no travel” — without digital permission (ETA/eVisa), carriers must check and may refuse transportation.