This is an independent informational guide, not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the Government of Canada or IRCC. All content is verified against official sources. Last updated: 8 September 2026.
In 2026, Canada’s eTA programme retains its $7 CAD fee and 5-year validity for UK travellers. Key eTA Canada changes 2026 include IRCC system maintenance on 8 September and temporary border health measures for specific regions. British passport holders face no new eTA-specific restrictions.
Immigration document suspensions for nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan remain in place until 28 August 2026, and Ebola-related quarantine measures under the Quarantine Act apply until 29 August 2026. UK travellers transiting through or arriving from affected regions within the previous 21 days may face health assessments at the port of entry. The UK ETA (launches 25 February 2026) is a separate system and does not replace the Canada eTA requirement.
Key eTA Canada Changes and Updates in 2026
The 2026 eTA Canada changes confirm unchanged $7 CAD fee and 5-year validity, plus IRCC maintenance and temporary border health measures. The IRCC eTA page was last updated on 3 September 2026.
| Date | Change | What It Means for You | Affects UK Travellers? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 September 2026 12:00 am to 5:30 am ET |
IRCC system maintenance; eTA application form unavailable | Submit your Canada eTA application outside this window to avoid delays | Yes, if applying on this date |
| Until 28 August 2026 | Immigration document suspension for nationals of Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan | Affected nationals cannot rely on prior authorisations; verify status before travel | Only if holding one of these nationalities |
| Until 29 August 2026 | Ebola border measures under the Quarantine Act; 21-day quarantine for asymptomatic travellers present in DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan within the previous 21 days | Health assessment at port of entry; symptomatic travellers isolated at hospital for further assessment | Yes, if transiting through affected regions |
For verification, consult the IRCC eTA page as an external source.
eTA Canada Basics: What It Is, Who Needs It, Cost, and Validity in 2026
Canada’s eTA is a mandatory $7 CAD electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals flying into Canada, valid for 5 years or until passport expiry. The eTA Canada changes 2026 confirm the core framework remains intact.
What Is the eTA and Who Needs It?
eTA is passport-linked, mandatory for visa-exempt air travellers; land/sea entry remains exempt in 2026. Core exemptions include US citizens, US Green Card holders, and British-Canadian dual nationals, who must carry a valid Canadian passport instead. A Canadian visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa, TRV) costs $100 CAD and allows stays of up to 6 months; the eTA at $7 CAD covers the same duration for visa-exempt nationals. Check your eligibility via the IRCC eligibility page.
Conditional Eligibility: 15 Countries
Citizens of 15 countries – including Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, the Philippines, and Thailand – face conditional eligibility. They qualify only if they currently hold a valid US nonimmigrant visa or held a Canadian visa within the past 10 years. This rule was introduced for Mexican nationals on 29 February 2024 due to increased asylum claims; previous Mexican eTAs were automatically cancelled unless linked to a valid Canadian work or study permit.
Cost, Validity, and Passport Rules
$7 CAD fee – non-refundable; 5-year validity or until passport expiry; passport renewal voids existing eTA, requiring a new $7 application. Multiple entries allowed within validity, up to 6 months per visit.
How to Apply for a Canada eTA in 2026
A Canada eTA application is completed online via the IRCC portal, costs $7 CAD, and most approvals arrive within minutes. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
Visit the IRCC eTA page
Go to canada.ca to begin your application.
Complete the online form
Provide passport details, personal information, travel history, and background questions including criminal history.
Pay $7 CAD by credit card
The fee is non-refundable, even if the application is refused or a duplicate is submitted.
Receive decision
Most approvals arrive within minutes; if no confirmation after 72 hours, use the IRCC enquiry form.
Each traveller (including infants) needs an individual Canada eTA; submitted applications cannot be amended – resubmit with $7 CAD. Documents required: valid passport, credit card, email address, and travel details. Paper applications are available only for applicants unable to use the electronic system due to a physical or mental disability.
eTA Canada Guide for UK Travellers in 2026
UK citizens flying to Canada need an eTA; the UK ETA (launches 25 Feb 2026) is a separate system for UK entry. The eTA Canada changes 2026 do not alter requirements for British passport holders.
| Feature | Canada eTA | UK ETA |
|---|---|---|
| Who needs it | Visa-exempt nationals flying to Canada | Visitors entering the UK from visa-exempt countries |
| Fee | $7 CAD | Separate UK system |
| Validity | 5 years or until passport expiry | Separate UK system |
| Entry mode | Air travel only | Entry to the UK |
British passport holders remain visa-exempt and need a Canada eTA only when flying. Land or sea entry requires no eTA. British-Canadian dual nationals must carry a valid Canadian passport. At the Canadian border, a Border Services Officer makes the final entry decision – eTA does not guarantee entry. Financial proof is not required for the eTA application but border officers may ask. Children travelling alone or with one parent should carry a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent or guardian. Banned food products may result in confiscation and fines; declare farm visits on your Customs Declaration Card. For visa and eTA inquiries, contact the Canadian High Commission in the UK.
Criminal Records, Business Travel, and Transit Tips
Criminal Record and eTA – What You Need to Know
The eTA Canada changes 2026 retain criminal history questions on the application. DUI, serious convictions, or criminal inadmissibility may result in refusal; affected travellers may need a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP). Answer all questions honestly.
Business Travel with an eTA
Permitted activities under a Canada eTA include meetings, conferences, trade shows, and training. Working for a Canadian employer or providing services requires a work permit. Study permits are required for courses longer than 6 months.
Transit Without Visa at Canadian Airports
Most visa-exempt travellers need a Canada eTA even for sterile air transit. Some airlines participate in the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) programme – check with your carrier. If in doubt, apply for an eTA at $7 CAD.
eTA Canada Changes 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an eTA for Canada as a UK citizen in 2026?
Yes. British passport holders are visa-exempt and must hold a valid eTA when flying. Land or sea entry requires no eTA. British-Canadian dual nationals must carry a valid Canadian passport instead.
What are the latest eTA fees for Canada in 2026?
The eTA fee remains $7 CAD in 2026, payable by credit card. Non-refundable, even if refused or duplicate submitted. No fee increase this year.
How far in advance should I apply for a Canada eTA?
Most approvals arrive within minutes. Apply at least 72 hours before your flight. If no confirmation after 72 hours, complete the IRCC enquiry form online.
Does my eTA transfer to a new passport?
No. Your eTA is linked to your passport number. Renewing your passport voids your existing eTA – you must submit a new application and pay $7 CAD again.
Do children and babies need a separate eTA for Canada?
Yes – each traveller, including infants, needs a separate eTA. No group option. Children alone or with one parent should carry a consent letter.
Can I get a refund if my eTA application is refused?
No – $7 CAD is non-refundable for refusals or duplicates. Double-check before submitting; policy unchanged in 2026.
Is there an emergency fast-track eTA service?
No. Most approvals arrive within minutes, but apply at least 72 hours before departure. If at the airport without confirmation, contact the Canadian High Commission in the UK or use the IRCC enquiry form.
I made a mistake on my application, can I fix it?
No. Once submitted, an eTA application cannot be amended. You must submit a new application and pay $7 CAD again.
What is the UK ETA and how is it different from Canada eTA?
The UK ETA launches on 25 February 2026 for visitors entering the United Kingdom. It is completely separate from Canada’s eTA. Canadians visiting the UK may need a UK ETA; British travellers flying to Canada still need a Canada eTA.
