Canada entry requirements for travellers from the UK
Visa Requirement Summary
British citizens travelling from the UK to Canada for tourism, short business visits or transit do not usually need a visa for a short stay. Most travellers arriving by air need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before they travel. For a standard visit, travellers are often allowed to stay for up to 6 months. This covers common trips to places such as Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary and Ottawa.
How long travellers can stay
Visitors are usually allowed to stay in Canada for up to 6 months.
In many cases, this is the period granted on arrival, although border officers can give a shorter stay depending on the circumstances of your trip. If you plan to work, study or move to Canada, you will need the correct immigration permission rather than entering as a visitor.
Passport validity requirements
Your passport should be valid for the full length of your stay in Canada.
British travellers do not usually need six months of extra passport validity for Canada itself, but you should still check any transit-country rules if you are changing planes on the way.
Blank passport pages
Canada does not clearly publish a standard blank-page requirement for short visits by British travellers.
In practice, it is sensible to travel with spare blank pages, but the key requirement is that your passport is valid and accepted for travel.
Proof of funds
Canadian border officials may ask you to show that you have enough money for your stay.
This is not always checked as a routine document requirement, but you should be ready to show that you can support yourself during your visit, even if you are staying with friends or family.
Onward or return travel requirements
You may be asked to show proof of your return or onward travel.
Carrying a return ticket or other evidence of your departure plans can help show that you intend to leave within the period allowed for your visit.
Entry forms and declarations
Most British travellers flying to Canada need an eTA before departure.
An eTA is linked electronically to your passport and is usually valid for up to 5 years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You must travel with the same passport you used for the application.
ArriveCAN is not mandatory, but Canada allows travellers to use its Advance Declaration feature before arrival to save time at the border.
Health requirements
There are no routine vaccination or COVID-related entry requirements for most travellers arriving from the UK under normal circumstances.
It is still worth checking current travel health advice before departure and making sure you have suitable travel insurance for your trip.
Other entry requirements
This guidance applies to travellers using a full British citizen passport.
If you are arriving in Canada by land or sea, you do not usually need an eTA, although you still need the right travel documents. If you are transiting through Canada by air, you may still need an eTA or a transit visa.
Children travelling alone, or with only one parent or guardian, should carry a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent or guardian.
FAQs
Do UK citizens need a visa for a holiday in Canada?
Usually not. British citizens normally do not need a visa for a short holiday, but most travellers flying to Canada do need an approved eTA before departure.
Do I need an eTA if I enter Canada by land from the USA?
No. An eTA is generally for air arrivals. If you enter by land or sea, you usually do not need one.
How long can I stay in Canada as a visitor?
Most visitors are allowed to stay for up to 6 months, although border officers can set a different length of stay.
Is ArriveCAN required?
No. It is optional, but using it can help speed up arrival procedures.
Can a child travel to Canada with only one parent?
Yes, but it is recommended that the child carries a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent or guardian.