United Kingdom visa for Canada citizens
Canadian visitors to the United Kingdom now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) approved before they set off; it is not a visa but is mandatory for tourism. The ETA fee is 20 GBP and the whole process is completed online with no consular appointment. A successful ETA covers stays of up to 180 days for leisure or short business visits. Because there is no guaranteed turnaround, submit your application early and review the latest processing guidance on gov.uk. The authorisation is attached to your passport, so you must reapply if you renew the passport.
| Visa required | No (source) |
|---|---|
| e-Visa available | No (source) |
| Maximum stay | 180 days (source) |
| Processing time | Varies — verify on the official source |
| Visa fee | 20 GBP (source) |
Official resources
Requirements
- A valid Canadian passport that the ETA will be tied to electronically.
- A digital photo and usually a selfie captured in the official application app.
- A working email address for the approval notification.
- A card to pay the 20 GBP ETA fee.
- Honest answers to the application's background and travel questions.
- No in-person biometrics step is involved.
- Enough lead time before travel, as turnaround varies — check the official gov.uk guidance.
- Note that an approved ETA allows stays of up to 180 days.
Documents checklist
- A valid Canadian passport to which the ETA will be tied.
- A digital photograph that satisfies the official app's standards.
- A selfie taken in the app, required for most applicants.
- An email address for the approval notification.
- A payment card for the 20 GBP ETA fee.
- Your planned travel dates and where you will stay.
- Truthful responses to the background questions.
- Proof of return or onward travel for the airline.
- A note that the ETA permits stays of up to 180 days.
Application steps
- Open the official UK ETA app or the gov.uk service directly.
- Scan your Canadian passport so the ETA is tied to it.
- Capture the photo and selfie the app asks for.
- Complete the background and travel questions truthfully.
- Pay the 20 GBP fee online.
- Submit and apply early, reviewing current timelines on gov.uk.
- Receive the approved ETA by email.
- Travel on the linked passport, with the ETA allowing stays of up to 180 days.
Processing time
Varies — verify on the official source
Visa cost
Fee (from our data): 20 GBP (source) . Fees are subject to change; check the official source before applying.
Canadian travellers pay 20 GBP for the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation, charged online during the application. The fee covers the ETA only, and because it is handled entirely online there is no extra biometric or service-centre cost.
Payment is by card via the official app or gov.uk. Resellers may quote a higher total that includes their own commission, so applying directly keeps the cost to the official amount.
As fees can be revised, confirm the current charge and timelines on the official gov.uk guidance before you apply.
Common mistakes to avoid
Canadian tourists must hold a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation before boarding — a quick online step that travellers increasingly forget until it is too late.
- Assuming visa-free means nothing to arrange. No visa is required, but the ETA is mandatory; get it via the official ETA service before you fly.
- Paying a marked-up price. The set fee is 20 GBP; lookalike websites add charges for no extra service.
- Expecting an instant decision every time. Most are fast, but apply with a margin and consult the official guidance on timing.
- Using the wrong passport. The authorisation ties to one passport — carry the same one and ensure it is valid for your trip.
- Overstaying the visit. Tourist visits run up to 180 days; the ETA does not permit work or settlement.
- Applying for several people on one form. Each traveller, including children, needs their own ETA.
Country context & recent trends
For Canadian travellers the ETA is a recent addition to UK entry rules, replacing the old assumption that a passport alone was enough for a short visit. It is handled online with no consular appointment, but approval must be in place before departure rather than sorted out at the airport.
Processing times can vary with demand and as the scheme broadens, so it is wise to apply early. Review the latest position on the official gov.uk guidance, since the requirements are still being rolled out and updated.
How it compares to nearby destinations
Canadian travellers combining the UK with mainland Europe should note that each operates its own entry scheme, as summarised below.
| Destination | Visa required | Typical processing | Indicative fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | ETA required (electronic authorisation) | Varies | 20 GBP |
| Ireland | No ETA; separate visa-free entry rules | Not applicable | None |
| France (Schengen Area) | Visa-free short stays; ETIAS authorisation expected | Varies | Varies — check official source |
| Germany (Schengen Area) | Visa-free short stays; ETIAS authorisation expected | Varies | Varies — check official source |
A UK ETA does not cover the Schengen Area and vice versa, so confirm the requirements for each country on its official source before booking.
Frequently asked questions
-
Do Canadians need a visa for the UK?
Not a visa, but a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is now required for short visits. It is obtained online and must be approved before departure.
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What is the ETA fee?
The fee is 20 GBP, paid during the online application. Applying directly through the official channel avoids reseller markups.
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How early should I apply?
Because approval is not guaranteed to be immediate, apply ahead of your trip. Review the latest timelines on the official gov.uk guidance.
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How long can I stay?
An ETA allows visits of up to 180 days for tourism or short business. It is not a route to working or living in the UK.
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Does each family member need one?
Yes. Every traveller, including children, needs their own ETA. Each application is linked to an individual passport.
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What happens if my passport changes?
The ETA is connected to the passport used in the application. A renewed or replaced passport requires a fresh ETA.