Canadian citizens need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the United Kingdom.

• Government fee Set by the destination and charged when you submit the travel authorisation application.
• Processing / card charge Some official portals add a small payment-handling charge on top.
• Third-party sites Unofficial sites charge far more for the same application — always apply on the official portal.

The amounts above were read on the government's own page on the date shown, and we link that page so you can cross-check before you pay. Fees do change — if the official page disagrees with us, it is right.

• Valid Canadian PassportYour passport should be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in the UK.
• Proof of sufficient fundsEvidence that you can support yourself and any dependants during your trip, and pay for your return or onward journey.
• Proof of onward or return travelA confirmed flight ticket or other travel arrangements to leave the UK at the end of your visit.
• Accommodation detailsInformation about where you will be staying during your visit, such as hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host.
• Details of activitiesInformation about your planned activities in the UK, especially if visiting for purposes other than pure tourism (e.g., business meetings, short courses).

1. 1
   Apply for your ETA online or in the UK ETA app before you travel. You will need your passport, a photo, and a payment card.

   UK Government — apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation
2. 2
   Most decisions arrive within minutes, but allow at least three working days in case yours is referred for extra checks.
3. 3
   Your ETA is linked to your passport electronically — there is nothing to print, though keeping the confirmation is sensible.
4. 4
   Travel with the same passport you applied with, and be ready to show proof of onward travel, funds and accommodation to the Border Force officer.

• Insufficient funds to cover your stay

  How to avoid: Ensure you have clear evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself without working, including return travel. Bank statements, pay slips, or a letter from a sponsor can help.

• Intention to work or live in the UK

  How to avoid: Be clear about your purpose of visit being tourism. Do not imply any intention to seek employment or reside permanently in the UK during your visit.

• Previous overstay or immigration breach

  How to avoid: Always adhere to the terms of your previous visits to the UK. If you have a history of overstaying or violating immigration rules, entry may be refused.

• Lack of genuine visitor status

  How to avoid: Be prepared to demonstrate strong ties to Canada (e.g., employment, family, property) to convince immigration officials that you intend to return home after your visit.

• Criminal record or security concerns

  How to avoid: If you have a criminal record, research the specific rules on GOV.UK or consult legal advice before travelling, as certain offences can lead to automatic refusal of entry.

• Always carry your passport and relevant documents (e.g., return ticket, accommodation details) with you, especially when arriving at the border.
• Be honest and clear about your intentions when speaking with immigration officers. Any misrepresentation can lead to refusal of entry.
• Familiarize yourself with UK customs regulations regarding what you can bring into the country to avoid issues upon arrival.
• Ensure you have travel insurance to cover any unforeseen medical emergencies or travel disruptions during your trip.

• Can I extend my stay in the UK as a Standard Visitor?

  Generally, you cannot extend your stay beyond 6 months as a Standard Visitor. In very limited circumstances, such as for private medical treatment or academic research, extensions might be possible, but this is not typical for general tourism.

• Can I work in the UK while visiting visa-free?

  No, you are not permitted to work in the UK, paid or unpaid, while visiting as a Standard Visitor. This includes most forms of volunteering.

• Do I need a visa if I am only transiting through the UK?

  Canadian citizens usually do not need a visa to transit through the UK, whether 'airside' (without passing through border control) or 'landside' (passing through border control for an onward flight). However, you must have a confirmed onward flight departing within 24-48 hours and meet standard entry requirements.

• What is the maximum duration I can stay in the UK as a Canadian tourist?

  The maximum duration for a single visit as a Standard Visitor for tourism is 6 months. Repeated or successive long visits without sufficient time spent outside the UK may raise questions about your intentions.

• What if I have a criminal record?

  Having a criminal record may affect your eligibility to enter the UK. Depending on the nature and severity of the offence, you may be refused entry. It is advisable to check specific guidance on the GOV.UK website or seek legal advice if you have concerns.

• My passport expires in 5 months - can I still travel to the UK?

  Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the United Kingdom. There is no specific minimum validity period beyond your intended departure date for Canadian citizens. However, it is generally recommended that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date to avoid any potential issues.

• How much money do I need to show at the border for my trip to the UK?

  There is no fixed amount of money you must show to enter the UK as a Canadian tourist. You should be able to demonstrate to a Border Force officer that you have sufficient funds to cover your accommodation and living costs during your stay without working or accessing public funds. This can be shown through recent bank statements, credit card statements, or a letter from a sponsor.

• I am self-employed, what documents should I bring to show I will return to Canada?

  As a self-employed individual, you should bring documents that demonstrate your ties to Canada and your intention to return. This could include business registration documents, recent tax returns, or contracts showing ongoing work in Canada. You may also want to bring proof of property ownership or family ties in Canada.

• I want to visit Paris for a few days during my trip to the UK, can I re-enter the UK afterwards?

  Yes, as a Canadian citizen visiting the UK visa-free, you can generally re-enter the UK after a short side trip to another country like France. Your total stay in the UK, including all entries, must not exceed 6 months within any 12-month period. Be prepared to explain your travel itinerary and show proof of onward travel from the UK upon your final departure.

• I am travelling to the UK with my child, but their other parent is not coming. What documents do I need?

  When travelling with a child and only one parent, it is highly recommended to carry a consent letter from the non-travelling parent. This letter should state that they approve of the child's travel to the UK with you. You should also bring the child's birth certificate and your marriage certificate or divorce papers, if applicable, to clarify your relationship.

• How much does a United Kingdom visa cost for Canadian citizens?

  You pay online when you apply. The total is usually the government travel authorisation fee plus any card or processing charge. Government fee: Set by the destination and charged when you submit the travel authorisation application. Processing / card charge: Some official portals add a small payment-handling charge on top. Third-party sites: Unofficial sites charge far more for the same application — always apply on the official portal. Fees change regularly, so confirm the current amount on the official source linked on this page before you apply.

• Do I need a separate visa for London, or does this cover all of United Kingdom?

  You do not need a separate visa for any individual city. Entry rules are set nationally, not city by city, so a United Kingdom visa is valid for the whole country — including London, Edinburgh, Scottish Highlands and Bath. Apply once for United Kingdom and you can travel anywhere inside it, up to the permitted length of stay.