Canadians who want to walk across Big Ben or catch a show on the West End will be required to obtain a United Kingdom (U.K.) visa. Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) starting next year.

The U.K. government announced this week that it will begin strictly enforcing the new visa waiver system starting on Feb. 25, 2026. The program allows travellers from countries that don’t require a visa to enter the U.K. and stay for up to six months.

“No permission, no travel,” reads a news release from the government. “From February 2026, visitors will not be able to travel to the U.K. without advance permission.”

According to the U.K. Home Office , the visa waiver system was introduced to improve border security. Applicants must provide their biographic, biometric, and contact details and answ

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