Canadians planning to travel to the United Kingdom should take note: starting 25 February 2026, the UK Home Office will strictly enforce a new digital travel permit system requiring foreign visitors from visa-exempt countries including Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before booking flights or entering the UK.
Under the new rule, many Canadians who previously travelled visa-free for tourism or short visits will now need to apply online for the ETA, pay a fee (about £16, roughly CAD $30), and receive official authorisation before they can legally board a plane or ferry bound for the UK.
The Home Office says this measure is part of efforts to digitize the UK’s immigration system and strengthen border security. The ETA will give authorities more oversight over who enters the country even before arrival while also streamlining entry for low-risk travellers.
Currently, the ETA has been in effect since 2025, but enforcement has been gradual. The new deadline means from February 2026, carriers will be required to verify travellers’ permission before permitting boarding meaning any Canadian without an approved ETA risks being denied boarding or turned back.
For Canadians planning trips to the UK whether for vacation, business, visiting friends or family, or other short stays the message is clear: apply early, using the official UK ETA app or website. Missing the deadline could mean travel plans being cancelled at the last minute.
As travel seasons pick up globally, Dalena Reporters will continue to monitor how this change affects Canadian-UK travel flows and any further border-policy adjustments by London or other countries.