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United Kingdom Visa for Canada Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

Canadian citizens need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before visiting the United Kingdom — apply online or via the UK ETA app; fee GBP 16, approval usually within minutes to 3 working days.

Guide last updated September 30, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Valid Canadian passport (no minimum validity beyond the length of stay, but it should cover the full visit)
  • No paper form — the application is done entirely through the UK ETA online service or app
  • Proof of onward or return travel may be requested by a Border Force officer on arrival
  • Evidence of accommodation for the trip is recommended to have on hand
  • A digital passport-style photo taken during the app application (plain background, neutral expression)
  • Biometrics: none required for the ETA itself; UK Border Force may take a photo on arrival
  • Travel health insurance: not mandatory but strongly recommended, since visitors have no free NHS emergency cover

Visa types

  • Standard Visitor ETA: covers tourism, visiting family, business meetings, and short courses; validity 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first; allows multiple entries; each visit up to 6 months; fee GBP 16
  • The ETA is not a visa — travelers who need to stay longer than 6 months, work, or study long-term must still apply for the relevant UK visa (e.g., Skilled Worker, Student) instead of an ETA

How to apply online

  • Apply through the official UK ETA app or at gov.uk/eta, ideally a few days before travel
  • Steps: create a GOV.UK One Login, scan the passport chip with the app, upload a digital photo, answer background questions, pay the fee
  • Fee: GBP 16 (about USD 20), paid by debit or credit card
  • Processing time: most decisions arrive within minutes, but can take up to 3 working days
  • Approval is linked electronically to the passport number — no sticker or stamp is issued; keep the confirmation email as a backup

Fees & processing time

  • ETA fee: GBP 16 (~USD 20); no separate service fee when applying through gov.uk or the official app
  • Total cost: GBP 16 per traveler
  • Standard processing: within minutes to 3 working days
  • No expedited or priority option is offered — processing order is the same for all applicants

Tips for Canada travelers

  • Apply at least a few days before booking non-refundable travel, since a small number of applications need extra review
  • Common reason for delay: passport details entered that don't exactly match the passport chip, or a criminal record disclosure that needs manual review
  • Apply directly via gov.uk or the official UK ETA app — avoid third-party sites that charge extra for what is a GBP 16 government fee
  • Canadians already holding a valid UK visa, BRP, or eVisa do not need an additional ETA
  • The ETA cannot be extended from inside the UK; plan to apply for a different visa category before the ETA's 6-month period ends if a longer stay is needed

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.