🇬🇧 Important Update for Travellers: The UK Now Requires an Electronic Travel Authorization

If you are planning a trip to the United Kingdom, there is an important update you need to know.

Starting February 25, 2026, many travellers will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization, also known as an ETA, before travelling to the UK.

If the UK is on your travel list this year, here is what you need to understand.

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What Is the UK Electronic Travel Authorization?

An Electronic Travel Authorization is a digital travel approval that allows eligible travellers to visit the UK for short stays.

With an approved ETA, you can:

• Visit for tourism
• See family or friends
• Take part in certain business trips
• Study for short periods
• Transit through a UK airport in many cases

An ETA allows you to travel to the UK, but it does not guarantee entry. Border officials still make the final decision when you arrive.

Think of it as permission to travel, not automatic entry.

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Who Needs to Apply?

Travellers from visa-exempt countries such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and many European nations will need an ETA. Travellers from visa-required countries will still need a visa.

If you are a Canadian passport holder visiting the UK for tourism or a short trip, you will likely need to apply for an ETA before departure.

Each traveller needs their own ETA. This includes babies and children. If you are travelling as a family, every person must have approval.

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Who Does NOT Need an ETA?

You do not need an ETA if you:

• Hold a British or Irish passport
• Already have a UK visa
• Have permission to live, work, or study in the UK
• Are exempt from immigration control
• Are transiting through a UK airport without passing through border control (for eligible nationalities, including Canadian passport holders)

If you are unsure about transit rules, check directly with your airline before travelling.

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Dual Citizens

If you are a dual citizen with British citizenship, you cannot apply for an ETA.

Instead, you must travel using valid proof of British citizenship, such as:

• A valid British passport
• A passport with a certificate of entitlement

If you believe you may qualify for British citizenship, it is worth checking your status before planning your trip.

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What You Can and Cannot Do With an ETA

What You Can Do

With an approved ETA, you can:

• Stay in the UK for up to six months for tourism or visiting
• Take part in short-term study
• Attend certain business activities
• Transit through a UK airport in many cases

What You Cannot Do

An ETA does not allow you to:

• Stay longer than six months
• Work for a UK company unless specifically permitted
• Live in the UK through repeated visits
• Claim public benefits
• Marry or register a civil partnership

If your plans include work or marriage, you will need to apply for the correct visa instead.

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How to Apply

The ETA costs £16 per person (≈$30 CAD) and must be completed online.

You will need:

• The passport you plan to travel with
• An email address
• A debit or credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay
• A photo of your passport and a photo of your face

You can apply using the official UK ETA app or through the government website. Avoid third-party sites that charge extra fees.

Each application is linked directly to your passport.

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How Long It Takes

Most travellers receive a decision within one day.

However, you should allow up to three working days for processing. Do not travel until you receive confirmation by email that your ETA has been approved.

Your approval will include a reference number, and it will be digitally linked to your passport. When travelling, you only need to show your passport.

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How Long It Is Valid

An approved ETA is valid for:

• Two years, or
• Until your passport expires

Whichever comes first.

During that time, you can enter the UK multiple times, as long as each visit follows the rules.

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The Bottom Line

If you are planning a trip to London, Edinburgh, or anywhere in the UK, this is one more step to add to your pre-departure checklist.

The good news is that the process is straightforward, relatively affordable, and should be processed quickly. The key is to apply at least a few days before departure so you are not caught off guard.

As always, double check requirements based on your citizenship and travel plans before booking.

If the UK is on your radar this year, make sure the ETA is part of your planning process. Click the button below to apply.

Happy travels!