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Canadian passport to the UK

Canadian citizens need a UK ETA to visit the UK. It costs £20 on GOV.UK or in the official UK ETA app, and everyone needs their own, including babies and children.

Apply on GOV.UK or in the UK ETA app Check my dates

The rules

What you need: UK ETA (Electronic travel authorisation)
Costs: £20
When to apply: At least 3 working days before you travel. Most decisions come within a day.
How long it lasts: 2 years, or until your passport expires if that's sooner. You can use it for as many trips as you like.
How long you can stay: Up to 6 months per visit.
Your passport: A passport that's valid for your whole stay. Travel on the passport your ETA is linked to.
Arrival card: None needed

Quick answers

Do Canadian citizens need a visa for the UK?

Not a visa, but you need a UK ETA before you travel. Canadian citizens need a UK ETA to visit the UK. It costs £20 on GOV.UK or in the official UK ETA app, and everyone needs their own, including babies and children.

How much does the UK ETA cost?

£20 on the official site. Apply at least 3 working days before you travel. Most decisions come within a day. Other websites charge more for the same form.

How long can Canadian citizens stay in the UK?

Up to 6 months per visit.

How long does my passport need to be valid for the UK?

A passport that's valid for your whole stay. Travel on the passport your ETA is linked to.

Things that could change this

Are you also a British or Irish citizen, even if you don't have that passport?
If yes: You can't get a UK ETA
British and Irish dual citizens can't get an ETA. Travel on a valid British or Irish passport, or get a certificate of entitlement for your other passport. You may be British automatically if you were born in the UK or have a British parent.
Read the official guidance
Have you ever had a prison or suspended sentence of 12 months or more? Or been convicted of any crime in the last 12 months?
If yes: You can't get a UK ETA. Apply for a visa
The UK must refuse an ETA in these cases. Apply for a Standard Visitor visa before you travel instead. If you have any other criminal record, or were refused entry to the UK before, the UK says you may want to apply for a visa too.
Read the official guidance
Is a child under 18 travelling with only one parent, or without their parents?
If yes: Carry proof of your link to the child
If you don't seem to be the child's parent, for example you have a different surname, Border Force may ask you to prove your relationship. Bring a birth or adoption certificate, or a marriage or divorce certificate. If you're not a parent, bring a letter from a parent giving permission, with their contact details.
Read the official guidance

Good to know

Only use GOV.UK or the UK ETA app. Other websites may charge more than the official £20, and they can't get you a faster decision.

eGates and no landing card. With a US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand or Irish passport you can usually use the eGates if you're 8 or over and at least 120cm tall. Children aged 8 to 17 need an adult with them. There's no landing card to fill in.

Northern Ireland and the islands. Your ETA covers all of the UK, including Northern Ireland, and also Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. You need it to cross into Northern Ireland from Ireland, even though there are no border checks, unless you live in Ireland.

Changing planes in the UK. You need an ETA if you go through UK border control between flights. If you stay airside, you don't. Check with your airline if you're not sure.

Checked 26 October 2026 against GOV.UK, Home Office news team and Government of Canada.

See the 9 official sources

Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK (GOV.UK (UK Visas and Immigration))
Check if you can get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) (GOV.UK (UK Visas and Immigration))
Immigration Rules Appendix Electronic Travel Authorisation (GOV.UK (Home Office))
UK enforces digital permission to travel (24 February 2026) (GOV.UK (Home Office))
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) factsheet, April 2026 (Home Office news team (homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk))
Home Office immigration and nationality fees, 8 April 2026 (GOV.UK (Home Office))
Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor (GOV.UK (UK Visas and Immigration))
Entering the UK: before you leave for the UK (GOV.UK (Border Force))
Travel advice and advisories: United Kingdom (Government of Canada)