UK ETA Mandatory for Canadians: ‘No Permission, No Travel’ Rule Starts February 2026

Published on December 5, 2025

If you’re a Canadian planning a trip across the pond next year, mark your calendar: the days of simply hopping on a plane to the United Kingdom with just your passport are officially drawing to a close.

The UK government has announced that starting February 25, 2026, it will begin strictly enforcing its new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme for visitors from 85 countries, including Canada and the United States. This is a major shift in border policy, moving the UK towards a fully digital immigration system and aligning its process with similar pre-travel authorization schemes already used by Canada (the eTA) and the U.S. (ESTA).

The message from the Home Office is clear: “No permission, no travel.”

What Exactly Is the ETA? (It’s Not a Visa)

The ETA is a digital travel permission, not a visa. It’s designed for visitors who previously enjoyed visa-free travel to the UK for short stays. It serves as a crucial pre-screening measure, allowing the UK to conduct security checks on visitors before they travel, enhancing border security and helping to prevent individuals who pose a threat from ever setting foot in the country.

• Purpose: To gain advance authorization to travel to the UK. It does not guarantee entry—the final decision is still made by a border officer upon arrival.
• Who Needs It?: All Canadian passport holders travelling to the UK for up to six months for:
  • Tourism or leisure.
  • Visiting family or friends.
  • Business trips (meetings, conferences).
  • Short-term study (up to six months).
  • Transiting through the UK if you pass through UK border control (e.g., changing airports or having an overnight layover). If you stay airside without clearing customs, you generally won’t need one.
• Who is Exempt?:
  • British or Irish citizens, including dual citizens (who must travel on their valid British or Irish passport).
  • Individuals who already hold a visa or a legal UK immigration status (e.g., a work or study visa).

The New Mandatory Checklist Item: Key Details

While the ETA was first rolled out in late 2023, the government maintained a “soft launch,” allowing visitors time to adjust. As of February 25, 2026, this grace period ends, and airlines and carriers will be legally required to check for a valid ETA before a passenger boards a flight. Without one, you will be denied boarding.

The Application Process

The application is designed to be quick and entirely digital:

Method: You can apply through the official ‘UK ETA app‘ (recommended for speed) or via the GOV.UK website.

Required Information: You will need to provide your biometric passport details, a digital photo (often taken directly in the app), contact information, and answers to a short set of suitability and criminality questions.

Processing Time: Most applicants receive a decision automatically in minutes. However, the UK government advises allowing three working days in case the application requires additional review. It’s best to apply well in advance of your flight.

Important Note: The ETA is digitally linked to the passport used for the application. If you get a new passport, you must apply for a new ETA.

The Dual Citizenship Dilemma

For the many Canadians who also hold British citizenship, the new rules carry a crucial advisory.

While dual British and Canadian citizens are exempt from needing an ETA, the Home Office strongly advises them to travel using their valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement (Right of Abode) to avoid issues.

If a dual British citizen attempts to check in using only their Canadian passport without an approved ETA, the airline system may flag them as having “No Permission to Travel,” potentially leading to denial of boarding. The recommendation is simple: if you have a British passport, use it for seamless entry; if it’s expired, renew it now to prevent any last-minute travel stress.

Aligning Borders: A Global Trend

The UK’s implementation of the ETA scheme is not an isolated event but rather part of a global trend toward digitalizing borders. As Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp, noted, “ETAs are also better for travellers. Digitising the immigration system ensures the millions of people we welcome to the UK every year enjoy a more seamless travel experience.”

By vetting travellers before they embark, the UK expects smoother, faster processing at the border for approved visitors. For Canadians, who are already familiar with their own country’s eTA system, this new requirement simply becomes one more step in the pre-travel checklist—a small effort to ensure a big, worry-free trip to explore the historic sights and vibrant culture of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

In summary, the era of completely unfettered, last-minute travel to the UK for Canadians is ending. Starting February 2026, the mantra for every trip must be: Passport, Ticket, and ETA. Don’t let an overlooked digital form turn your planned UK adventure into a frustrating airport setback.