Do UK citizens need an eTA to visit Canada?
Yes. UK citizens travelling to Canada by air are required to obtain a Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before boarding their flight. This has been a requirement since November 2016 when Canada introduced the eTA system for visa-exempt travellers.
The eTA is not a visa — it is an online pre-clearance linked electronically to your passport. Many applications receive a decision within minutes of submission, though IRCC may take up to 72 hours or longer in some cases. Without a valid Canada eTA, UK travellers will be denied boarding by the airline.
✓ eTA required
Travelling to Canada by air as a UK passport holder
✗ eTA not required
Travelling by land or sea (e.g. via the US border)
Canada eTA requirements checklist for UK travellers
Tick all boxes to confirm you are eligible to apply for a Canada eTA as a UK citizen:
If you ticked all boxes, you are eligible. Start your Canada eTA application →
Documents needed to apply for a Canada eTA from the UK
Unlike a visa application, the Canada eTA requires very few documents. You will need:
Valid UK biometric passport
Must be valid for your entire stay in Canada
Email address
To receive your eTA confirmation and status updates
Payment method
Debit or credit card — total cost is £49 (first applicant)
Travel dates
Approximate dates are sufficient at the time of application
Personal details
Full name, date of birth, address, occupation as shown on your passport
No physical documents, interviews, or embassy visits required. The entire Canada eTA application is completed online in under 10 minutes.
Passport requirements
Your UK passport must meet the following conditions:
Important: Your Canada eTA is linked to your passport number. If you renew your passport after applying, you will need to apply for a new eTA before travelling.
Which UK nationalities qualify for the Canada eTA?
The Canada eTA is available to the following UK nationalities:
British citizens
Including all holders of a British passport
British Overseas Territories citizens
e.g. Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar
British Nationals (Overseas)
BN(O) passport holders from Hong Kong
Who does not need a Canada eTA?
Valid purposes of travel
A Canada eTA covers short-term travel for:
Not covered by the Canada eTA
Canada eTA quick facts for UK travellers
5 years
Validity
or until passport expires
6 months
Max stay per visit
per entry
Minutes–72h+
Processing time
decided by IRCC
Multiple
Number of entries
unlimited trips
£49
Cost from UK
first applicant, incl. gov fee
100% online
Application
no embassy visit needed
How much does it cost?
£49 first applicant · £29 each additional traveller. Government fee included.
See full pricing →Got questions?
Read our full FAQ covering processing times, eligibility, and what to do if your eTA is rejected.
Read the FAQ →Official information sources
Requirements information is based on official Government of Canada guidance. For authoritative and up-to-date information, refer to:
Ready to apply for your Canada eTA from the UK?
Applications often receive a decision within minutes. Expert review included. No embassy visit needed.
Apply for Canada eTA →This is a private service and not affiliated with the Government of Canada.