Canada → United Kingdom
Canada 
United KingdomUK visa requirements for Canada citizens (2026)
eTA / ETA required · up to 180 days. Canada passport holders do not need a full visa for the United Kingdom, but must get an electronic travel authorization (ETA) online before travelling, it allows stays of up to 180 days. Visit without a visa for up to 6 months, but an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required before travel. It costs £20 and lasts 2 years or until the passport expires.
Electronic travel authorization (ETA) required before travel, obtain it online before you travel.
VTBy the Visa and Trips editorial teamLast updated
UK ETA requirements for Canada citizens
- Requirement
- eTA / ETA required
- Allowed stay
- 180 days
- Processing
- 1–3 working days
Documents needed
- Passport valid 6+ months (the ETA is linked to this passport)
- Email address and a payment card
- Travel dates and first address
- Sometimes a digital photo or a passport data-page scan
How Canada citizens apply for the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
- Apply on the official UK ETA app or on GOV.UK. Every traveller needs their own ETA, including babies and children.
- Pay £20 per person.
- You will usually get a decision within 3 working days. The ETA is linked to the passport you applied with.
Official fees
| Item | Official fee |
|---|---|
| UK ETA, per person | £20 |
Government fees only, from the official sources below. Visa centre or service fees, where they apply, are extra.
Processing time and validity
- Validity and stay: Lets you visit the UK for up to 6 months at a time. It lasts 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever is first.
Recent rule changes for UK
- 2025-04-02: ETA requirement extended to European nationalities; it already applied to the Americas, Asia-Pacific and GCC visa-exempt nationals from 8 Jan 2025.
Good to know
- Apply on GOV.UK or the UK ETA app; the ETA lasts 2 years or until the passport expires.
- Irish citizens need no ETA.
Easier alternatives for Canada passport holders
Popular destinations with simpler entry for the Canada passport than UK, easiest first. Only rules we have verified against an official source are listed.
| Destination | Requirement | Stay |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | Visa-free | 180 days |
| China | Visa-free | 30 days |
| Thailand | Visa-free | 30 days |
UK at a glance for travellers
- 84 of 198 passports can enter UK without a visa (visa-free, visa on arrival or an ETA).
- The Canada passport gets visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 147 destinations in our dataset.
Sources and last checked
| What | Official source | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Application steps, fees and documents | GOV.UK: Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) | 11 Nov 2026 |
| Application steps, fees and documents | GOV.UK: Apply for an ETA | 11 Nov 2026 |
| Requirement & allowed stay | GOV.UK: Immigration Rules Appendix ETA National List | 23 Oct 2026 |
| Fees, processing & entry formalities | GOV.UK: Apply for a Standard Visitor visa | 11 Nov 2026 |
| Official portal | GOV.UK – check if you need a UK visa | 23 Oct 2026 |
The Visa and Trips editorial team checks these sources every week. See our editorial and verification policy.
Frequently asked questions
Do Canada citizens need a visa for United Kingdom?
Canada passport holders do not need a full visa for the United Kingdom, but must get an electronic travel authorization (ETA) online before travelling, it allows stays of up to 180 days. Visit without a visa for up to 6 months, but an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required before travel. It costs £20 and lasts 2 years or until the passport expires.
How long can Canada passport holders stay in the United Kingdom?
Up to 180 days per visit for tourism. Overstaying can lead to fines or entry bans.
What documents do Canada passport holders need for the United Kingdom?
Passport valid 6+ months (the ETA is linked to this passport); Email address and a payment card; Travel dates and first address; Sometimes a digital photo or a passport data-page scan.
How much is the UK ETA?
The UK ETA costs £20 per person, including children.
How long is a UK ETA valid?
It lasts 2 years or until the passport you applied with expires, whichever comes first, and allows visits of up to 6 months.