Canadians will need this $30 document to enter the U.K. in 2026

Canadians who want to walk across Big Ben or catch a show on the West End will be required to obtain a United Kingdom (U.K.) visa. Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) starting next year.

The U.K. government announced this week that it will begin strictly enforcing the new visa waiver system starting on Feb. 25, 2026. The program allows travellers from countries that don't require a visa to enter the U.K. and stay for up to six months.

"No permission, no travel," reads a news release from the government. "From February 2026, visitors will not be able to travel to the U.K. without advance permission."

According to the U.K. Home Office, the visa waiver system was introduced to improve border security. Applicants must provide their biographic, biometric, and contact details and answer some "suitability questions."

"ETAs give us greater power to stop those who pose a threat from setting foot in the country and give us a fuller picture of immigration," stated U.K. Migration and Citizenship Minister Mike Tapp.

The U.K. first launched the ETA in October 2023. According to the government, more than 13.3 million visitors have successfully applied and "benefited from faster, smoother travel."

"ETAs are also better for travellers. Digitizing the immigration system ensures the millions of people we welcome to the U.K. every year enjoy a more seamless travel experience," added Tapp.

The government explained that while the ETA was rolling out, it was not strictly enforced to give tourists time to adjust to the new requirement.

Who needs an ETA?

Travellers from 85 countries who don't need a visa to enter the U.K., including Canada and the United States, are required to get an ETA.

The government says you'll need an ETA to do the following:

• Come to the U.K. for up to six months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or study
• Come to the U.K. for up to three months on the Creative Worker visa concession
• Transit through the U.K. – including if you're not going through U.K. border control

You don't need an ETA if you have either:

• A British or Irish passport
• Permission to live, work or study in the U.K.
• A visa to enter the U.K.

How to apply for the U.K. ETA and how much it costs

Canadians can apply through the U.K. ETA's app or on its website.

Since you cannot save your progress, you must complete your application in one go. The service will time out if you're inactive for 20 minutes.

To start, upload a photo of the passport you will use to travel to the U.K. You'll then be asked to scan your face with your device. Children nine and younger won't be required to do so.

After uploading a photo of yourself, you'll be asked to answer some questions. You won't be required to enter your travel details.

The government said that most people currently get a decision within minutes, but that it's recommended to allow three working days in case your application needs additional review. You'll receive an email confirming your ETA, which is linked to the passport you used to apply. An ETA is valid for two years.

If you're travelling as a group, each person must apply separately.

Canadians don't need an ETA if they already have a visa or already have permission to live, work, or study in the U.K.

In January, the ETA cost £10 (C$18.50). In April, the U.K. government increased the fee by £6 to £16 (C$29.60). That's an extra C$11.10 that Canadians will have to pay to shop in Camden Market.

The U.K. isn't the only country that has implemented an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreigners.

The European Union is raising its fee for the European Travel Information Authorization System (ETIAS) in 2026.

Canada has had a similar ETA system in place for years, which costs only $7.

The United States also has a similar setup called the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).