British citizens flying to Canada must obtain an electronic travel authorization (eTA), which costs CAD $7, unless explicitly exempt. Meeting eTA Canada eligibility requirements for UK citizens involves satisfying specific health, background, and immigration criteria before booking your flight.
What Is a Canada eTA and Do You Need One?
A Canada eTA is a CAD $7 electronic travel authorization required for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada. Your eTA Canada eligibility depends on your nationality and method of travel: visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada require an eTA, while those arriving by land or sea do not.
- Air travel only: The eTA is required when flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport. It is not required for land or sea arrivals by car, bus, train, boat, or cruise.
- Electronically linked to your passport: The authorization is tied to the passport number you provide during the application. A new passport means you must obtain a new eTA.
- Exempt travellers who do not need an eTA:
- U.S. citizens travelling with valid U.S. identification
- U.S. lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) carrying proof of status (valid Form I-551) and a passport from their country of nationality
- Canadian citizens, including dual nationals (who must use a valid Canadian passport)
- Canadian permanent residents with a valid PR card or permanent resident travel document
- Travellers holding a valid Canadian temporary resident visa (TRV)
- Certain foreign diplomats and commercial air crew members
Confirming your eTA Canada eligibility is essential before booking your flight to avoid boarding denial.
eTA vs. Visitor Visa – Key Differences for 2026
The Canada eTA costs CAD $7 with minutes-long online processing, while a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) requires a formal embassy application and costs more. Citizens of visa-required countries like Mexico (since 1 December 2016) may opt for an eTA instead of a TRV when flying, but land and sea arrivals still need a visa.
| Requirement | Canada eTA | Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | CAD $7 | Higher fee (embassy application) |
| Validity | Up to 5 years or until passport expires | Typically shorter, tied to visa type |
| Processing time | Within minutes (up to 72 hours if documents requested) | Weeks to months |
| Application method | Online only via canada.ca | Embassy or visa application centre |
Your eTA Canada eligibility determines which document applies: visa-exempt nationals flying to Canada need an eTA, while visa-required nationals arriving by land or sea need a TRV. Study permit and work permit holders receive an eTA automatically upon approval (since 1 August 2015), but permit renewals do not extend the eTA. Assessing your eTA Canada eligibility correctly prevents unnecessary TRV applications.
eTA Canada Eligibility Requirements for UK Citizens
British citizens are visa-exempt and eligible for a Canada eTA but must disclose UK spent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
- British citizens flying to or transiting through Canada must obtain an eTA; land and sea arrivals are exempt from this requirement.
- The standard permitted stay is normally up to 6 months per visit.
- Your passport must be valid for the duration of your planned stay in Canada.
- UK “spent” convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 must still be disclosed on the eTA application, as Canada does not automatically recognise foreign spent-conviction rules.
- British-Canadian dual nationals cannot apply for an eTA and must travel on a valid Canadian passport.
UK applicants must disclose spent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; failure to do so can result in denial and a five-year ban from reapplying. Cross-reference the UK Foreign Travel Advice for Canada alongside Canadian government criteria when assessing your eTA Canada eligibility.
Passport and Document Requirements for a Canada eTA
A Canada eTA requires a valid passport, credit or debit card, and email address. Biometrics such as fingerprinting and photograph submission are not required for a Canada eTA, a common point of confusion with the TRV application process.
- Valid passport: Must be valid for the duration of your planned stay. The passport number is located at the top of the photo page.
- Credit or debit card: The CAD $7 fee is paid online during the application.
- Email address: Confirmation is sent electronically, typically within minutes.
- One person per application: No group submissions are accepted; each traveller must apply individually.
- Online only: Applications must be submitted via the Government of Canada portal at canada.ca before booking your flight.
Your eTA Canada eligibility depends on providing accurate passport details; an incorrect passport number invalidates the authorization and requires a new CAD $7 application. A friend or family member may complete the form on your behalf if needed.
Health Inadmissibility Requirements for a Canada eTA
Active communicable diseases such as tuberculosis can make a traveller inadmissible for a Canada eTA, but the excessive demand policy applies only to permanent residency applicants. Active communicable diseases like tuberculosis can lead to denial; however, the excessive demand policy (e.g., for diabetes or heart disease) applies only to permanent residency applicants, not short-stay eTA visitors.
Travellers must disclose relevant health conditions on the online application questionnaire. IRCC may deny an application when a traveller poses a danger to public health.
As of the current travel year, travellers who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the previous 21 days face a health assessment upon arrival in Canada. Asymptomatic individuals are subject to a 21-day quarantine; symptomatic travellers are isolated at a hospital. These measures, enacted under the Quarantine Act, were set to expire on 29 August 2026. These screening measures are periodically extended; always check the latest IRCC travel notices when assessing your eTA Canada eligibility.
Criminal Background Checks and eTA Eligibility
A DUI or DWI is treated as a serious criminal offence in Canada and can render a traveller ineligible for a Canada eTA. Under section 36(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), a DUI is considered serious criminality subject to inadmissibility. When you submit your application, IRCC and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) perform background checks against law-enforcement databases. The online form directly asks: “Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence?” A DUI conviction is treated as a serious criminal offence and will likely result in eTA denial. Minor offences like petty theft may require further review.
| Offence Category | Example | Impact on eTA Canada Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Serious criminal offence | DUI, DWI | Likely denial |
| Minor offence | Petty theft | May require further review |
| No conviction | Clean record | No impact |
UK “spent” convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 must still be disclosed, as Canada does not automatically recognise foreign spent-conviction rules. Section 40(1)(a) of IRPA outlines misrepresentation consequences, including a five-year ban from Canada for failure to disclose.
In 2025, we assisted a British traveller who was denied an eTA because they answered “No” to a prior DUI from 2012. By guiding them through deemed rehabilitation (single non-serious offence, over 10 years), they successfully obtained a new eTA within 14 days. Criminally inadmissible travellers may pursue deemed rehabilitation (conviction over 10 years ago) or individual rehabilitation (~12 months processing). These pathways can restore eTA Canada eligibility before reapplying.
What Happens If Your eTA Is Refused or Cancelled?
A refused Canada eTA does not permanently bar reapplication. Travellers can address inadmissibility through criminal rehabilitation or apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP). If your eTA Canada eligibility is questioned due to past offences, three pathways exist:
Deemed rehabilitation
Conviction over 10 years ago for a single non-serious offence with no further charges
Individual criminal rehabilitation
Formal application for more recent or serious convictions (~12 months processing)
Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
Last-resort option costing CAD $230
An eTA does not guarantee entry. A border services officer makes the final decision upon arrival at a Canadian port of entry. Your eTA Canada eligibility must be resolved before reapplying through any of these pathways.
Common eTA Application Mistakes to Avoid
Entering an incorrect passport number on a Canada eTA application invalidates the authorization and requires a new CAD $7 application. Common mistakes include:
- Incorrect passport number: Invalidates the eTA; you must reapply and pay the CAD $7 fee again.
- Using unofficial websites: Unauthorised sites charge extra fees; only the canada.ca portal should be used.
- Applying too late: Apply before booking your flight, at minimum before airline check-in for flights to Canada.
- Not receiving confirmation: If no confirmation email arrives within 72 hours, submit a case-specific enquiry to IRCC.
- Missing documentation at check-in: Airline staff scan your passport to confirm a valid eTA during check-in.
Verify your Canada eTA eligibility and application status online directly with the Government of Canada to avoid these errors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do British citizens need an eTA for Canada in 2026?
Yes. All visa-exempt travellers, including British citizens, must hold a valid eTA when flying to or transiting through Canada. The eTA costs CAD $7, is valid for up to 5 years, and is obtained entirely online. It is not required for land or sea entry.
Can I get a Canada eTA with a criminal record or DUI?
A DUI or DWI is treated as a serious criminal offence in Canada and can render a traveller ineligible. The application asks if you have ever been convicted, and you must disclose UK spent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Failure to disclose risks denial and a five-year ban under section 40(1)(a) of IRPA.
What health conditions make you inadmissible for a Canada eTA?
Active communicable diseases such as tuberculosis can make a traveller inadmissible. Travellers from DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan within the previous 21 days face health assessments upon arrival. The excessive demand medical policy applies to permanent residency applications, not short-stay eTA visitors.
Do I need an eTA or a visitor visa for Canada?
Visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada need an eTA, which costs CAD $7 and processes within minutes. A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) requires a formal embassy application and costs more. Travellers arriving by land or sea do not need an eTA.
What happens if my eTA is refused – can I reapply?
A refused eTA does not permanently bar reapplication. Travellers can address inadmissibility through criminal rehabilitation (deemed rehabilitation for convictions over 10 years ago or individual rehabilitation taking around 12 months) or apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) costing CAD $230.
Are biometrics required for a Canada eTA application?
No, biometrics such as fingerprinting and photograph submission are not required for a Canada eTA application. This is a common point of confusion with the visitor visa or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) application process, which has different requirements.
Is travel medical insurance mandatory for Canada eTA holders?
Canada does not legally mandate travel medical insurance for short-term visitors entering on an eTA. However, it is strongly recommended given the high healthcare costs in the country for non-residents during their stay.
Can a Canadian dual citizen (British + Canadian) apply for an eTA?
No, Canadian citizens, including dual citizens like those holding both British and Canadian nationality, cannot apply for an eTA. They must travel to Canada using a valid Canadian passport. British citizens returning to the UK must use a valid British passport.
How long is a Canada eTA valid and when should I apply?
A Canada eTA is valid for up to 5 years or until the linked passport expires, whichever occurs first. It is recommended to apply before booking your flight, or at a minimum before airline check-in for flights to Canada.
Do I need an eTA for domestic flights within Canada?
No, an eTA is not required for domestic travel within Canada. The eTA is strictly an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to or transiting through a Canadian airport by air. You only need it for your international flight.
This article was last reviewed on 8 September 2026. The information provided here is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Always verify requirements directly with the Government of Canada (canada.ca) before applying.
