This article is an unofficial tourism information guide. It is not affiliated with the Government of Canada, IRCC, or UK HM Passport Office. Always confirm current requirements on canada.ca or gov.uk before you travel.
If you lose the passport linked to an approved eTA Canada, you must reapply for a new eTA. No transfer mechanism exists, and the CAD $7 fee is non-refundable and applies again. An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is electronically linked to a single passport number, so any passport replacement invalidates the approved eTA immediately. Report the loss, obtain a replacement passport, and submit a fresh eTA application before your next flight.
How eTA Canada Is Linked to Your Passport – and Why a Lost Passport Matters
An eTA is electronically linked to a single passport number, so any passport replacement invalidates the approved eTA immediately. Airlines scan your passport at check-in to confirm a valid eTA. A passport number mismatch means boarding is denied. An eTA Canada remains valid for up to 5 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. When you obtain a replacement passport, you must apply for a new eTA on canada.ca and pay the CAD $7 fee again.
| What the eTA links to | What happens if it changes |
|---|---|
| Passport number | eTA becomes invalid; new application required |
| Passport expiry date | eTA expires on that date or at the 5-year limit |
| Traveller’s legal name | No amendment function; reapply with new passport |
U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents are exempt from the eTA requirement. Dual nationals holding a British passport plus a second passport from a visa-exempt country can apply for an eTA Canada using whichever passport they will present at check-in. The eTA must match the travel document you fly with.
Lost Passport – What Happens to Your Approved eTA Canada?
A lost passport does not automatically cancel the eTA, but it becomes unusable because airlines check the passport number at check-in. The approved eTA remains in the IRCC system, yet any attempt to board with a replacement passport triggers a passport number mismatch and boarding is denied.
- What happens: A new application is required – the eTA cannot be transferred.
- What you should do: Report the loss to local police, obtain a replacement passport, and apply for a new eTA Canada online. The CAD $7 fee applies again and is non-refundable.
- Recovered passport: If you find your old passport after reporting it lost, do not use the eTA linked to it. The document is flagged in airline and government systems, and airlines may reject it.
Travel insurance can cover passport replacement costs and rebooking fees, so check your policy before your trip.
Step-by-Step Guide – From Lost Passport to New eTA Canada
British travellers must complete four steps – report the loss, get a replacement passport from HM Passport Office, apply for a new eTA online, and present the new passport at the airport.
Report your lost passport
Contact local police and obtain a police report. UK residents should contact HM Passport Office via gov.uk; if abroad, contact the nearest British embassy or consulate. Foreign nationals in Canada must report to local police and return found documents to IRCC.
Apply for a replacement passport
UK standard service takes 8 weeks; fast-track costs approximately £155 within 1 week; same-day service costs approximately £199. Abroad, consular officials can issue an Emergency Travel Document (ETD).
Apply for a new eTA Canada
Submit the online form at the canada.ca eTA application page using your new passport number. The fee is CAD $7. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
Present your new passport at the airport
Airline staff scan the exact passport used for the new eTA application at check-in. If you hold a POE Letter, tell the Border Services Officer that you replaced your passport.
UK Passport Replacement and Urgent eTA Canada Travel
British passport holders can replace a lost passport through HM Passport Office – standard processing takes 8 weeks, fast-track costs approximately £155 in 1 week, and same-day service costs approximately £199. UK fast-track fees and 8-week standard processing were checked against HM Passport Office guidance in September 2026. Fees may change before your departure.
| Service | Timeframe | Cost | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 8 weeks | – | HM Passport Office (gov.uk) |
| Fast-track | 1 week | ~£155 | HM Passport Office |
| Same-day | 1 day | ~£199 | London or Liverpool Passport Office |
Abroad, consular officials at a British embassy or consulate can issue an Emergency Travel Document (ETD), which carries a different passport number from your standard passport, making any existing eTA Canada invalid. No express eTA service exists from IRCC; Canadian authorities recommend applying at least 72 hours before departure. For urgent travel within 24 to 72 hours, combine UK fast-track or same-day passport replacement with an immediate new eTA application.
Name Changes, Incorrect Details & UK Emergency Travel Documents
A legal name change (deed poll, marriage, divorce) invalidates the existing eTA – a new application is mandatory. Update your UK passport first through HM Passport Office using a deed poll, marriage certificate, Change of Name Deed, or divorce decree, then reapply for eTA Canada with the updated details.
Any mismatch in passport number, full legal name, date of birth, or gender – even a typo – requires a new eTA application. The eTA system uses data matching against airline records, and any passport number mismatch risks boarding denial. The CAD $7 fee applies again and is non-refundable.
UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) issued by British embassies or consulates abroad carry a different passport number, so any existing eTA Canada approval is invalid. Dual nationals who lose their primary passport can apply with a second passport from a visa-exempt country instead.
Pre-submission checklist: Before submitting, double-check passport number, full legal name, date of birth, gender, and nationality against your passport.
FAQ: Lost Passport, Name Changes and eTA Canada
Can I transfer my approved eTA to a new passport without reapplying?
No – the eTA is tied to the passport number. You must reapply with the new passport and pay CAD $7 again.
Do I need to tell IRCC my passport was stolen?
Report to local police and your own passport authority. No direct IRCC notification is required, but carry the police report to the Canadian border.
How do I verify my eTA is linked to my new passport?
As of September 2026, no public self-service tool exists. Reapply and check that your new eTA approval email shows the correct passport number matching your replacement passport.
I found my old lost passport. Can I use the eTA linked to it?
No. A reported lost or stolen passport is flagged in airline and government systems. Use your replacement passport and new eTA.
Can I get a refund for a mistake on my eTA application?
No. The CAD $7 fee is non-refundable. Use the eTA Help Guide (PDF, 1.62 MB) before submitting to avoid errors.
My eTA was approved with a typo in my middle name. Is it valid?
No. Your name must match your passport exactly. Any mismatch can result in boarding denial or entry refusal. Reapply with correct details.
How long does eTA processing take after a passport change?
Standard: minutes; up to days with supporting documents. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
Do I need travel insurance for passport loss before my Canada trip?
Not required for eTA, but recommended. Travel insurance can cover passport replacement costs and flight rebooking fees.
Can I use a UK Emergency Travel Document with my existing eTA?
No. An ETD carries a different passport number, making the old eTA invalid. Apply for a new eTA linked to the ETD number before flying.
What if I hold a POE Letter and lost my passport before arriving in Canada?
Tell the Border Services Officer that you replaced your passport so your work permit information matches. Present your new passport and the POE Letter at the border. Source: IRCC Help Centre, qnum 938.
Last reviewed: 8 September 2026 by a Canadian entry-requirements researcher. For the official application, see the IRCC eTA page on canada.ca. UK passport replacement fees and processing times via HM Passport Office on gov.uk, accessed September 2026. Canadian lost passport reporting guidance: canada.ca lost and stolen passports.
