United Kingdom entry requirements for Canadian passport holders (2026): visa and passport validity
Visa (Government of Canada): Read the official visa text below
Passport validity (Government of Canada): Valid for at least the expected duration of your stay in the United Kingdom.(the official text adds more details) Official text
Official source: Government of Canada – United Kingdom travel advice and advisories (travel.gc.ca), section “Entry and exit requirements” · page last updated 5 October 2026 · checked on 17 October 2026 · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada.
Whether Canadians need a visa for the United Kingdom and how long a Canadian passport must be valid, as published by the Government of Canada, quoted word for word with the date of the official page.
Other passports: Australian passport
Driving in the United Kingdom, do you need an international driving permit? Canadian licence · Australian licence
Do Canadians need a visa for the United Kingdom?
We quote the official text word for word and do not summarise it. The official text also mentions an electronic travel authorization, e-visa, arrival card, online form or registration, tourist card or fee: read it in full.
Official text, “Visas”:
Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 6 months
Business visa or work permit: required
Student visa: required
You may need a work permit or visa even if you plan to do:
- unpaid work
- volunteer work
- part-time work
- temporary work
A marriage visitor visa is also required if you plan to get married or register a civil partnership in the United Kingdom.
You must apply online for your visa before you travel to the UK. The High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom, in London, cannot assist you in your visa application process. Useful links
- Check if you need a UK visa - UK Government
- UK Visas and Immigration - UK Government
- Pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application - UK Government
Also in the official “Entry and exit requirements” section:
Travelling to the UK as a dual citizen
Starting February 25, 2026, the United Kingdom will begin strict enforcement of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for all travellers. If you’re a Canadian citizen but also a citizen of the United Kingdom or Ireland, you cannot apply for an ETA. You must travel on your British, Irish, or British overseas territories citizen passport. If you do not have any of these documents, you will need to apply for one, or apply for a certificate of entitlement to travel on your Canadian passport.
If you are unsure whether you are a citizen of the United Kingdom or Ireland, you must verify your status before you travel. You may be denied boarding if you do not present the required documentation to enter the UK.
Useful links
- More information on the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
- Electronic travel authorisation (ETA): guide for dual citizens – UK Visas and Immigration
- Apply for a certificate of entitlement – Citizenship and living in the UK
- Check if you're a British citizen – Citizenship and living in the UK
- British High Commission Ottawa
Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.
The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
You need to apply for an ETA before travelling to the UK. You must travel on the passport used for your ETA application.
You do not need an ETA if, for example, you:
- are transiting through an airport in the UK without passing border control
- are a dual national travelling on your British, Irish, or British overseas territories citizen passport
- have a visa or permission to live, work or study in the UK
- live in Ireland and you are travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
Useful links
- Travelling to Europe
- Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) – UK Visas and Immigration
More from the official “Entry and exit requirements” section (other requirements)
Other entry requirements
UK Border officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your stay.
If you are unable to do so, or if you seek entry as a visitor but are found with items indicating that you intend to seek any type of employment (such as curriculum vitae or educational certificates), you may be denied entry and expelled from the country.
Similarly, if you seek entry as a visitor and are suspected of planning to reside in the UK for any reason, including having a UK-based partner, you may be denied entry.
If you have previously been refused entry, contact the British High Commission in Ottawa to enquire about entry clearance before making plans to visit the UK, even if a visa is normally not required.
Transiting through a United Kingdom airport
If you plan to transit through a United Kingdom airport, make sure you comply with the entry requirements of your final destination. If you don’t meet the entry requirements of your final destination, you may be denied boarding or forced to wait in the UK to apply for a new passport, which can take several days.
Unplanned layovers could lead to substantial travel costs and delays. You should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance related to changes to your travel plans.
Official source: Government of Canada – United Kingdom travel advice and advisories (travel.gc.ca), section “Visas” · page last updated 5 October 2026 · checked on 17 October 2026 · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada.
How long must my Canadian passport be valid for the United Kingdom?
In short: Valid for at least the expected duration of your stay in the United Kingdom (the official text adds more details).
Our one-line summary of the official sentence below, which matches a wording we recognise. Your airline may apply stricter rules.
Official text, “Regular Canadian passport”:
Your passport must be valid for at least the expected duration of your stay in the United Kingdom. This requirement may also apply when travelling to Northern Ireland from other parts of the United Kingdom, and vice versa.
Official source: Government of Canada – United Kingdom travel advice and advisories (travel.gc.ca), section “Regular Canadian passport” · page last updated 5 October 2026 · checked on 17 October 2026 · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada.
For Canadian passport holders. These rules are published by the Government of Canada (Global Affairs Canada) for Canadian citizens travelling on a regular Canadian passport. Before You Fly is an independent site: it is not a Government of Canada site and is not endorsed by the Government of Canada. The airline and the border officials of the destination decide whether you can travel or enter: this site is information, not legal advice. British passport? See the UK (FCDO) rules.
Read the full official travel advice for the United Kingdom (safety, health, local laws) before you travel.
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