UK ETA Canada: Do Canadians need ETA to visit the UK?

If you're traveling from Canada, the UK ETA Canada is now a must. Whether you're visiting for tourism, business, or just a quick stopover, you'll need to apply for a UK ETA for Canadians before you go. In this UK ETA guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the UK ETA for Canadians, including who needs one, how to apply, and what it lets you do during your stay.

Do Canadians need ETA to visit the UK?

Yes, Canadians need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK. This new requirement applies to Canadian passport holders traveling to the UK for tourism, business, short-term study, or visiting family and friends.

The UK ETA is a digital travel permit similar to Canada's Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for visitors.

UK ETA for Canadians

The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a pre-travel entry permit that allows Canadian citizens to enter the UK without a visa for short visits (up to 6 months).

Although Canadians previously did not need pre-authorization to enter the UK as visitors, this changed in 2025 with the introduction of the ETA system.

This means that if you’re a Canadian passport holder, you must apply for and receive an ETA before boarding your flight to the UK.

How long can Canadians stay in the UK with the ETA?

• The ETA is valid for 2 years OR until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

• You can enter the UK multiple times while your ETA is valid.

• If you get a new passport, you must apply for a new ETA.

UK ETA Canada: Check if you need one

With a UK ETA, you can visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, business, or short-term study, transit through the UK if passing border control, and enter multiple times while your ETA is valid. It also allows stays of up to 3 months under the Creative Worker visa concession or for permitted paid engagements. However, you cannot stay longer than 6 months, work for a UK company (unless permitted), live in the UK through frequent visits, claim public benefits, or get married—a Marriage Visitor visa is required for that.

For those seeking extended stays or specific permissions, other visa options include the UK Visit Visa for longer tourist or business visits, the UK E-Visa for digital processing, the UK Settlement Visa for residency, the UK Sponsorship License for employers hiring foreign workers, and the UK Student Visa for education. Additionally, individuals may apply for a Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa to work independently or a Spouse Visa to join a UK-based partner.

Travelling to the UK from Canada with an ETA

Your ETA is linked electronically to your passport—you do not need to print it.

At the UK border, you can either:

• Use an ePassport gate (if eligible).

• See a Border Force officer.

Having an ETA does not guarantee entry—border officers may still ask questions.

Apply for UK ETA from Canada

For Canadians applying for a UK ETA, Global Law offers:

• Accurate application support to prevent mistakes that could cause delays or rejections.

• Legal guidance for travelers with past visa refusals or criminal records.

• Fast-tracked solutions for urgent travel needs.

• Personalized assistance for business travelers, professionals, and families ensuring smooth entry into the UK.

Who needs ETA for UK?

Do I need ETA for the UK? Check with out tool or use the list of nationalities eligible to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) when traveling to the UK. The UK ETA countries list includes countries and territories whose citizens can apply now, as well as those who will require an ETA for travel on or after April 2, 2025.

1. Andorra

2. Antigua and Barbuda

3. Argentina

4. Australia

5. Austria

6. Bahamas (The)

7. Bahrain

8. Barbados

9. Belarus

10. Belgium

11. Belize

12. Botswana

13. Brazil

14. Brunei

15. Bulgaria

16. Canada

17. Chile

18. Costa Rica

19. Croatia

20. Cyprus

21. Czechia

22. Denmark

23. Estonia

24. Finland

25. France

26. Federated States of Micronesia

27. Germany

28. Greece

29. Grenada

30. Guatemala

31. Guyana

32. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British national overseas)

33. Hungary

34. Iceland

35. Israel

36. Italy

37. Japan

38. Kiribati

39. Kuwait

40. Latvia

41. Liechtenstein

42. Lithuania

43. Luxembourg

44. Macao Special Administrative Region

45. Malaysia

46. Maldives

47. Malta

48. Marshall Islands

49. Mexico

50. Monaco

51. Netherlands

52. New Zealand

53. Nicaragua

54. Norway

55. Oman

56. Palau

57. Panama

58. Papua New Guinea

59. Paraguay

60. Peru

61. Poland

62. Portugal

63. Qatar

64. Romania

65. San Marino

66. Seychelles

67. Singapore

68. Slovakia

69. Slovenia

70. Solomon Islands

71. South Korea

72. Spain

73. St Kitts and Nevis

74. St Lucia

75. St Vincent and the Grenadines

76. Sweden

77. Switzerland

78. Taiwan (if you have a passport issued by Taiwan that includes in it the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan)

79. Tonga

80. Trinidad and Tobago

81. Tuvalu

82. United Arab Emirates

83. United States

84. Uruguay

85. Vatican City

Stay informed and ensure a hassle-free journey to the UK!