Post by : Meena Ariff

Effective February 25, 2026, all travellers from Canada will need to acquire an electronic travel authorization (eTA) prior to their visit to the United Kingdom. Those who attempt to board a flight without an approved eTA may face denial of entry.

This eTA is a digital travel document rather than a visa, enabling Canadian passport owners to stay in the U.K. for up to six months. The application fee is £16 (around $30 CAD) and can be completed online at the official U.K. government website or through the U.K. eTA mobile application. Authorities urge travellers to use only verified channels to avoid scams.

Most applications receive automated approval within minutes, although it's recommended to allow up to three business days for processing. Once granted, the eTA is valid for various visits over two years or until the passport expires.

British Minister of Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp, mentioned that this new initiative aims to ease travel for visitors. “Digitizing immigration processes delivers a smooth experience for the millions welcomed to the U.K. annually,” he stated. However, it's important to note that possession of an eTA does not guarantee entry, as the final decision rests with border officials.

Canadians holding British citizenship are exempt from this eTA requirement. Dual citizens must present a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement for seamless entry. Additionally, air passengers simply transiting through the U.K. without passing customs are also exempt.

While Canadian passport holders can still visit the U.K. for short durations without a tourist visa, those looking to engage in business, study, or work must apply for separate visas. This regulation aligns U.K. entry requirements with similar international systems, such as the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will necessitate travel authorization for Canadian travellers to Europe.

#CNI News #Canada News