Planning a trip to the U.K.? New entry rules come into effect this week

An electronic travel authorization is now mandatory before going to the U.K. Travel specialist Serina Bowles explains how this is changing travel for Canadians.

As of tomorrow, most Canadian visitors to the United Kingdom will need to go online and apply for permission before departing.

Starting Feb. 25, Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will become mandatory for visitors who do not require a visa to enter the U.K. That includes passport holders from Canada, the U.S., Australia and the European Union.

“Essentially it’s about modernizing the border, making sure that we’re clear who’s coming to the U.K., who’s leaving,” British High Commissioner to Canada Rob Tinline said in a recent social media post. “It’s about keeping our borders secure, but it’s not about getting in the way of people who want to come to the U.K. and have a great visit.”

As of Feb. 25, visitors without an ETA will be denied boarding. While authorization is usually granted within minutes, travellers are urged to apply for an ETA at least three working days before departing.

ETAs are valid for two years from the date of approval, or until your passport has expired. Travellers using an ETA can enter the U.K. as many times as they want during that period and can remain in the country for up to six months at a time. Exemptions include Irish passport holders, dual citizens with British or Irish passports, and those with valid U.K. visas to live, work or study.

Canadians who are dual British or Irish citizens cannot get an ETA. To enter the U.K., dual citizens will need a U.K. or Irish passport with them, or they will need to apply for what’s known as a certificate of entitlement. You may automatically be considered a British citizen if you were born in the U.K. or have a British parent. As of Feb. 25, dual citizens risk being denied entry to the U.K. if they are only travelling with a Canadian passport.

ETAs costs £16, or roughly C$30, and can be applied for and purchased online or through an Apple or Android app.

The U.K. began rolling out it’s ETA program for some nationalities in 2024. While Canadians visitors have technically required an ETA since January 2025, the program was not strictly enforced at first in order to allow travellers time to adjust to the new requirements. Citizens of countries like Russia and Iran still need to apply for a visa to enter the U.K., but they do not need an ETA if a visa has been granted.

Starting in the last quarter of 2026, the European Union will begin operating a similar European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

Canada also has an electronic travel authorization (eTA) program, which is designed to pre-screen foreign air travellers from visa-exempt countries. Exceptions include U.S. citizens, U.S. green card holders, Canadian visa holders and visitors arriving by land or sea. The U.S. has its own Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for foreign visitors, although Canadian citizens are largely exempt.

With files from CTVNews.ca Journalists Jordan Fleguel and Dorcas Marfo