Do UK citizens need a visa or an eTA for Canada?
UK citizens are visa-exempt for Canada, which means they do not need to apply for a Canadian visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) for short-term visits. Instead, they must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before travelling by air. The eTA is a lighter, faster, and less costly requirement than a full visa. It was introduced in 2016 and is required for all visa-exempt air travellers, including UK passport holders.
UK citizens need
A Canada eTA — an electronic pre-clearance linked to your passport. Fully online, no embassy visit.
UK citizens do not need
A Canadian visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) — this is for nationals of non-exempt countries.
Key differences between a Canada eTA and a visitor visa
Here is how the eTA and the visitor visa compare across the most important categories:
Canada eTA
Visitor Visa (TRV)
When would a UK citizen need a full visa instead of an eTA?
In normal tourism, business, transit, or short-term study circumstances, UK passport holders need an eTA — not a visa. However, a UK citizen would need a different type of permit in the following situations:
How to apply for a Canada eTA
The Canada eTA application is fully online. You need a valid UK biometric passport, an email address, and a payment method. The process takes most applicants under 10 minutes to complete. Once approved, the eTA is linked electronically to your passport — there is nothing physical to carry. At the airport, airline staff and Canadian border officers can verify your eTA electronically.
5 years
Validity
6 months
Max stay per visit
100% online
Application
£49
Cost from UK
Frequently asked questions
Can UK citizens travel to Canada without a visa?
Yes. UK citizens are visa-exempt for Canada. They need an eTA for air travel, not a visitor visa. If travelling by land or sea from the US, no eTA is required either — though you should carry your passport.
Is an eTA the same as a visa?
No. An eTA is a lightweight electronic pre-clearance for visa-exempt travellers. A visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) is a separate category issued to nationals of countries that are not visa-exempt. UK citizens use an eTA, not a visa.
How long is the eTA valid?
A Canada eTA is valid for 5 years from the date of issue, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. It allows multiple entries into Canada, each for up to 6 months.
Have a question?
Read our full FAQ or contact us if you need help with your application.
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