Canada entry requirements for travellers from the United Kingdom
Do British citizens need a visa for Canada?
the United Kingdom passport holders do not need a visitor visa to enter Canada. However, if you are travelling to Canada by air, you must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before you fly. The eTA is not a visa. It is a simple digital requirement linked to your passport, and it costs CA$7.
You do not need an eTA if you are entering Canada by land or sea.
Canada and the United Kingdom share a long history and close ties. There is a large British diaspora in Canada, and many British nationals visit to see family, for business, or as tourists. The two countries also have a working holiday scheme through International Experience Canada (IEC), which operates separately from visitor entry and requires a work permit.
What is the Canada eTA?
The eTA is an electronic authorisation that allows visa-exempt nationals to board flights to Canada. Once approved, it is linked electronically to your passport and is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. There is no sticker or stamp in your passport.
Most eTA applications are approved within minutes. Occasionally, an application may take up to 72 hours if additional review is needed.
If you renew your passport, you must apply for a new eTA before your next trip to Canada.
How long can you stay in Canada?
British passport holders can stay in Canada for up to six months per visit. The exact permitted duration is determined by the Canada Border Services Agency officer at the port of entry, who will record your authorised stay in your passport.
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must be valid throughout your stay in Canada. It is advisable to have at least six months of validity remaining at the time of travel, though Canada does not formally require this. Your eTA is tied to your passport number, so renewing your passport means applying for a new eTA before you next fly to Canada.
Proof of funds
You may be asked to show that you have sufficient funds to cover your visit. There is no official minimum, but the border officer may ask about your ability to support yourself during your stay and to return home.
Onward or return travel
A return or onward ticket is not a strict entry requirement, but border officers may ask about your plans if you do not have one. Showing you intend to leave before your authorised stay expires helps entry proceed smoothly.
Applying for your eTA
Apply at canada.ca/eta before booking your flight. You will need your British passport, an email address, and a credit or debit card to pay the CA$7 fee.
The form takes a few minutes to complete. Most applications are approved within minutes, and approval is sent to your email. The eTA is linked to your passport electronically. You do not need to print anything, though keeping the confirmation email is useful.
Airlines check for a valid eTA at check-in. Apply before purchasing your flight if possible.
Health requirements
No vaccinations are required to enter Canada. All COVID-19 entry requirements have been removed.
Other entry requirements
The ArriveCAN app is no longer required. If you are carrying more than CAD $10,000 in cash or monetary instruments, you must declare this at the border.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an eTA if I am transiting through Canada?
Yes. Visa-exempt nationals transiting through a Canadian airport by air generally need a transit eTA. Check the Government of Canada website for the latest transit rules before you travel.
Can I get an eTA at the airport?
No. The eTA must be obtained before you fly. Airlines check for a valid eTA at check-in and may deny boarding without one. Apply in advance at canada.ca/eta.
How long is the eTA valid?
The eTA is valid for five years from the date of issue, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can make multiple trips to Canada within that period without reapplying.
What if my eTA application is refused?
If your eTA is refused, you will receive an email with the outcome. You may be able to apply for a visitor visa (TRV) instead. Contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for further guidance.
Do children need their own eTA?
Yes. Every traveller, including children and infants, needs their own eTA when flying to Canada on a visa-exempt passport.
Is the eTA required for land border crossings?
No. If you are entering Canada by car, coach, train, or ferry, you do not need an eTA.