Canada ETA guidance
Canadian citizens and the UK ETA
Canadian passport holders can use this guide as a practical checklist before a family visit, holiday or stopover in the UK.
Canada is currently on the ETA-eligible nationality list, but the ETA is still linked to the passport you use when you apply and when you travel.
- A government application fee applies
- Apply at least 3 working days before travel
- Each traveller needs their own ETA
Eligibility
What this means for Canadian citizens
This nationality is currently on the UK ETA eligible list for short visits, but the ETA still depends on the passport you use and the purpose of travel.
Traveller guidance
What to check before you apply
Canadian travellers often use the ETA for family trips and short UK breaks, so it makes sense to confirm the passport and photo first.
Passport-specific guidance
Checks that matter when travelling on a Canadian passport
- Canadian passport holders are included in the current ETA national list. A dual British or Irish citizen follows the GOV.UK document route for that citizenship and should not treat a Canadian-passport ETA as a substitute.
- For a UK stopover, establish whether the journey passes border control. Landside transit and qualifying airside connections do not have identical ETA requirements.
- The ETA remains linked to the Canadian passport used to apply. Renewal, replacement or choosing another passport for the journey normally requires a fresh check and, where applicable, a new ETA.
Passport
Use the passport you will travel with
Use the original passport you will travel with. The ETA is linked to that passport, so a renewed or replaced passport usually means a new application.
Photo requirements
Prepare a facial photograph that follows GOV.UK rules
Use a clear colour facial photo that is in focus, well lit, taken against a plain light background and not altered with filters or editing.
Fee and timing
Government fee and decision timing
A government application fee applies.
GOV.UK says a decision is usually sent within a day, but travellers should allow up to 3 working days and some cases can take longer. No service can promise a faster government decision.
Validity
How long an ETA normally lasts
A UK ETA normally lasts for 2 years or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever comes first.
Children and family
Families should plan for separate ETAs
Each traveller needs their own ETA, including children and babies.
Independent information
Official sources, clearly identified
ETAApply is an independent travel-information website and is not affiliated with any government.
Source verification
Checked against official UK sources
Last verified: 27 October 2026
- Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK — GOV.UK
- Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) — GOV.UK
- Immigration Rules Appendix Electronic Travel Authorisation — GOV.UK
- Electronic Travel Authorisation factsheet — April 2026 — UK Home Office
- Immigration Rules Appendix ETA National List — GOV.UK
Practical preparation
Use a short checklist before you start
If your trip includes a stopover or a family visit, allow enough time for the government decision before departure.
Frequently asked questions
Questions from Canadian citizens
What should a dual Canadian and British or Irish citizen do?
Does a Canadian passenger need an ETA for a UK stopover?
Does a Canadian passport renewal affect the ETA?
Does my child need a separate ETA?
How long should I allow before travelling?
Is ETAApply the UK Government?
Other UK ETA guides