UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for Canadians: Requirements and Travel Medical Coverage Options

If you are a Canadian planning a trip to the United Kingdom in 2026 or later, there is a new requirement you cannot ignore.

Starting February 25, 2026, most Canadians will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before travelling to the UK. Without it, airlines and other carriers will refuse boarding, even if you have a valid passport and return ticket.

In this guide, we break down what the UK ETA is, who needs one, how to apply, and how it fits into your broader travel preparation. We will also cover an often-overlooked topic that matters just as much as entry permission: how to make sure you are protected for medical emergencies while travelling, including how some Canadian health and dental plans already include travel coverage.

What Is the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorization, or ETA, is a digital travel clearance required for visitors from visa-exempt countries, including Canada.

It is not a visa. Instead, it is a pre-travel screening system that allows the UK to review travellers before they arrive, similar to the U.S. ESTA or Canada’s eTA for foreign visitors.

An approved ETA allows you to travel to the UK, but it does not guarantee entry. Border officials still determine admissibility when you arrive.

Key things to know about the UK ETA

• Cost: £16 per person
• Validity: Up to 2 years, or until your passport expires
• Multiple entries: Yes
• Maximum stay: Up to 6 months per visit
• Permitted activities: Tourism, visiting friends or family, short business trips, conferences, and short-term study

The ETA is digital and linked to your passport. There is no paper document to carry.

When Does the ETA Become Mandatory?

The UK has been gradually introducing the ETA system, but full enforcement begins on February 25, 2026.

From that date forward, Canadians who require an ETA but do not have one will not be allowed to board flights, ferries, or trains to the UK. Travel carriers are legally required to check for authorization before departure.

If you are booking travel for 2026 or beyond, the ETA should be treated as a required step, not an optional one.

Who Needs a UK ETA and Who Does Not?

Most Canadians travelling to the UK for short visits will need an ETA, but there are some important exceptions.

Canadians who need a UK ETA

You will need an ETA if you:

• Hold a Canadian passport
• Are travelling for tourism, family visits, or short business trips
• Are staying in the UK for less than six months
• Do not already hold a UK visa or immigration status

This applies to the majority of Canadian travellers.

Canadians who are exempt

You do not need an ETA if you:

• Are a British or Irish citizen and travel using that passport
• Already hold a valid UK visa, residence permit, or settled status
• Are transiting through a UK airport and remain airside without passing border control

If you are unsure whether an exemption applies to you, it is safest to apply for an ETA in advance.

How to Apply for a UK ETA

Applying for a UK ETA is done entirely online and usually takes only a few minutes.

You can apply through the official UK government website or by using the UK ETA mobile app. These are the only legitimate application channels.

What you will need to apply

• The passport you plan to travel with
• A digital photo of yourself
• Basic travel details
• Answers to eligibility questions related to criminal or immigration history
• A credit or debit card to pay the £16 fee

Many applications are approved quickly, but not all. To avoid last-minute problems, it is recommended to apply at least a few days before departure, or earlier if your travel plans are confirmed.

Avoiding ETA Scams

Whenever new travel rules are introduced, scam websites and third-party “services” tend to appear.

Be cautious of:

• Websites charging more than the official £16 fee
• Ads claiming to “expedite” or “guarantee” approval
• Emails or texts requesting additional payments

You do not need an agent or travel service to apply for an ETA. Applying directly through official channels is simple and inexpensive.

Travel Insurance and Medical Coverage: What Canadians Often Miss

Getting permission to enter the UK is only one part of travel planning. Making sure you are protected if something goes wrong medically is just as important.

Many Canadians assume their provincial health coverage will protect them abroad. This is a common and costly mistake.

Canadian government health plans provide little to no coverage outside the country. They do not pay foreign hospitals directly, and reimbursement amounts, if any, are minimal.

The UK’s National Health Service is not free for Canadian visitors. Foreign travellers are billed for care, and hospitals may require payment or proof of insurance.

A medical emergency abroad can result in bills worth tens of thousands of dollars, especially if hospitalization or medical evacuation back to Canada is required.

Two Ways Canadians Can Get Travel Medical Coverage

There is more than one way to protect yourself while travelling, and many people are unaware of their options.

Standalone emergency travel medical insurance

This is a short-term policy purchased specifically for a trip. It is designed to cover unexpected medical emergencies, hospital stays, and medical evacuation while you are outside Canada.

This option works well for:

• Occasional travellers
• Longer or higher-risk trips
• People without private health coverage

Health and dental plans that include travel coverage

Many Canadian health and dental insurance plans include built-in emergency travel medical coverage as part of the plan benefits.

This can be an efficient option if you:

• Are self-employed or do not have employer benefits
• Want ongoing health and dental coverage in Canada
• Travel occasionally and want automatic coverage when you do

Rather than buying separate travel insurance for each trip, having a health plan with travel coverage means protection is already in place whenever you leave the country, subject to plan limits and conditions.

How Aeva.ca Makes This Easier

Understanding which health plans include travel coverage, and how that coverage works, is not always straightforward.

Aeva.ca allows Canadians to compare health and dental insurance plans in minutes, including plans that offer emergency travel medical benefits.

You can quickly see:

• Which plans include travel coverage
• Coverage limits and duration
• How plans compare side by side

This makes it easier to decide whether a health plan with travel benefits fits your needs, or whether standalone travel insurance makes more sense for your situation.

In Summary

If you are travelling to the UK in 2026 or later, preparation matters.

You will need:

1. A valid UK Electronic Travel Authorization before departure
2. A plan for medical emergencies while outside Canada

Travel medical coverage can come from a standalone policy or from a health and dental plan that includes travel benefits. The right choice depends on how often you travel and whether you want ongoing coverage beyond a single trip.

If you want to explore health plans that include travel coverage, Aeva.ca makes it easy to compare your options. Find a health plan with travel coverage in minutes and travel with greater confidence knowing you are protected.