So, you’re eyeing a trip to London to see the Big Smoke, or maybe a road trip through the Scottish Highlands. You've got your Canadian passport ready. But then you hear some chatter online about new rules. It used to be so simple—just show up, get a stamp, and you’re in.
Well, things have changed.
If you’re asking "do Canadians need visa for uk" right now, the answer is a bit of a "yes and no" situation. It's not a full-blown visa in the traditional sense for most people, but you can’t just waltz through Heathrow with nothing but a smile and a maple leaf on your bag anymore.
💡 You might also like: Wantage Dog Park NJ: What Most People Get Wrong About This Rural Gem
The New Reality: The UK ETA
Starting February 25, 2026, the UK is cracking down. If you're a Canadian citizen heading over for a vacation or a quick business meeting, you don't need a standard Visitor Visa, but you must have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
Honestly, it’s basically the British version of the eTA we have here in Canada. You apply online before you leave, pay a small fee, and wait for the green light. If you try to board your flight from Pearson or Vancouver International without it after that February deadline, the airline is legally required to stop you. No ETA, no boarding. Simple as that.
It costs £16 (which is roughly $30 CAD depending on how the exchange rate is feeling that day). The cool part? It lasts for two years. Or, well, until your passport expires—whichever comes first. You can go back and forth as many times as you want during those two years, staying for up to six months at a time.
📖 Related: JetBlue Flights to Boston: What Most People Get Wrong
Who is exempt?
Not everyone needs to bother with this.
- Dual Citizens: If you’re lucky enough to hold a British or Irish passport alongside your Canadian one, you’re golden. Use that passport to enter and you don't need an ETA.
- Existing Visa Holders: If you already have a work visa or a student visa, you’re already in the system.
- Residents: If you have "Settled Status" or right of abode, you can skip the application.
When an ETA isn't enough: Real Visas
Now, if you aren't just going for fish and chips and sightseeing, the rules get heavier. An ETA won't help you if you plan to move there or make money.
The Youth Mobility Scheme (The "Working Holiday")
This is a huge one for younger Canadians. If you’re between 18 and 35, you can actually live and work in the UK for up to two years. And for Canadians, there’s a special perk—you can often extend it for a third year.
You’ll need to prove you have some savings (usually around £2,530 or $4,500 CAD) and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. That surcharge is a bit of a sting—it's £776 per year—but it gives you access to the NHS while you’re there. You apply for this months in advance; don't leave it until the last minute.
The Ancestry Visa
Do you have a grandparent who was born in the UK? If so, you’ve hit the jackpot. The UK Ancestry Visa lets you live and work there for five years. After that, you can even apply to stay permanently (Indefinite Leave to Remain). It’s one of the strongest "visas" available to Canadians because of our Commonwealth ties.
Skilled Worker Visas
If a UK company wants to hire you, they have to sponsor you. This got a lot tougher recently. The UK government raised the salary thresholds, meaning you usually need to be earning a pretty decent paycheck to qualify. As of January 8, 2026, they also bumped up the English language requirements to a B2 level for most skilled routes, though as a Canadian, you usually meet this automatically because we're an English-speaking country.
Common Mistakes Canadians Make at the Border
I've seen people get turned away because they didn't realize "unpaid work" is still work in the eyes of the Home Office.
- Volunteering: You can’t just head over to volunteer at a farm for six months on an ETA.
- Remote Work: This is a grey area. Technically, if you're working for a Canadian company while sitting in a cafe in Edinburgh, you're fine for a short bit. But if you're there for months doing a full-time job, border agents might start asking questions about where your "center of life" actually is.
- The 6-Month Rule: Just because you can stay for six months doesn't mean you should leave and come back the next day to "reset" the clock. They call this "living in the UK through frequent visits," and it’s a quick way to get banned.
How to actually apply for the ETA
Don't use those "visa processing" websites that pop up on Google ads. They’ll charge you $100 for something that costs $30.
- Download the UK ETA app (it’s on the App Store and Google Play).
- Scan your Canadian passport.
- Take a selfie (the app will tell you if the lighting is bad).
- Answer a few questions about your criminal record (be honest here).
- Pay the £16.
Most people get an answer in minutes. However, the official advice is to give it at least three working days. If you have a complicated history—maybe a minor run-in with the law years ago—it might take longer.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning a trip, here is your immediate checklist:
- Check your passport expiry: If it expires in less than six months, renew it now. Your ETA is tied to your passport number; if you get a new passport, your old ETA becomes useless.
- Apply for the ETA early: If your flight is after February 25, 2026, go ahead and get it sorted as soon as you book your flights.
- Print your proof: Even though it's "digital," keep a PDF of the approval on your phone. Technology fails; paper doesn't.
- Verify your insurance: The ETA doesn't give you free healthcare. Make sure your Canadian travel insurance covers you for the UK, especially if you're doing anything adventurous like hiking in Skye.
The days of just "showing up" are basically over, but the process isn't a nightmare. Just a bit of digital paperwork to keep the border guards happy.