Canadian travellers planning trips to the United Kingdom will soon face a new entry requirement, as the UK government has confirmed that an electronic travel authorization (eTA) system will become mandatory for Canadians starting 25 February 2026. The move places Canada among more than 80 nationalities that will soon need digital approval before entering the UK, even for short stays.
The eTA is not a traditional travel visa, but it will be compulsory for visitors who normally enter the UK without a visa. The electronic permit must be applied for and approved before departure, and will apply to Canadian passport holders visiting for tourism, business, study, or family trips lasting up to six months. According to the British government, the eTA rollout is part of a broader overhaul of the UK’s border and immigration systems, which aims to digitise entry procedures and enhance security checks.
British Migration and Citizenship Minister Mike Tapp said the shift to digital authorisations would ultimately benefit travellers by streamlining border processes. He noted that the government did not immediately enforce the regulation to give international visitors sufficient time to familiarise themselves with the new system. The UK began phasing in the eTA framework earlier this year but delayed strict enforcement to avoid travel disruption.
Cost, Eligibility and Exemptions
The authorisation will cost Canadian applicants approximately $30, and authorities warn travellers to use only the official government website to avoid fraudulent third-party services. While the eTA will allow Canadians to visit the UK without a visa, possession of the document does not guarantee entry; final decisions remain at the discretion of UK Border Force officers.
British and Irish citizens are exempt, including dual nationals. Canadians who hold British citizenship or who possess a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement will not need to apply. Travellers passing through UK airports on layovers will also be exempt, provided they do not enter UK customs and immigration control.
Wider International Impact and Recent Background
The UK’s new system is similar to Canada’s own eTA, the EU’s upcoming ETIAS scheme, and the US ESTA program, reflecting a global shift toward digital pre-screening. Visitors from major countries such as the United States and France will also require the UK eTA once it becomes fully operational. The announcement comes as the UK continues efforts to modernise border security, a focus that intensified after Brexit and amid wider European moves to tighten entry processes.
