Last updated: 8 September 2026. To renew an expired eTA Canada or update it after getting a new passport in 2026, submit a new application online at the IRCC website. There is no separate renewal form. Each application costs CAD $7 and is typically approved within minutes.
An eTA is electronically linked to your passport number and remains valid for up to 5 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. When you receive a new British passport, your old eTA becomes functionally unusable because airline check-in systems cannot match the new passport to the old record.
What Is an eTA and Who Needs One to Enter Canada?
An eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that visa-exempt foreign nationals need before flying to Canada. The eTA Canada renewal process applies to travellers from visa-exempt countries, including British passport holders, but excludes U.S. citizens. U.S. Green Card holders are also exempt from the eTA requirement for air travel (effective April 26, 2022) and must present a valid passport plus their Green Card.
The authorization is electronically linked to your passport number, not issued as a physical document. It remains valid for 5 years from the date of issuance or until passport expiry, whichever comes first, permits multiple entries, and allows stays of up to 6 months per visit.
An eTA is required for air travel only; land or sea entry does not require one. Travellers from visa-required countries must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) instead. UK passport holders planning flights to Canada must hold a valid eTA before departure, and the eTA Canada renewal process becomes necessary whenever the current authorization expires or a new passport is issued.
Can You Carry Both Passports at Boarding When Updating Your eTA?
Airline check-in systems match the eTA to the passport number, so presenting a new passport without a linked eTA will result in boarding denial. The eTA Canada renewal process requires submitting a new online application whenever a new passport is issued. The old eTA is not explicitly revoked by IRCC; it becomes functionally unusable once the old passport is cancelled because airline systems cannot match the new passport number to the old eTA record.
| Scenario | Old Passport Still Valid | Old Passport Expired |
|---|---|---|
| Can you board with both passports? | Airlines may not match the eTA to the new passport, risking boarding denial. | You cannot board with an expired passport. |
| Recommended action | Complete the eTA Canada renewal process on the new passport before travel. | Apply for a new eTA linked to the new passport before departure. |
Step-by-Step: How to Renew Your eTA in 2026
There is no dedicated renewal form. Each submission costs CAD $7.
Go to the IRCC eTA application page
Access the official IRCC website to start your application.
Confirm you have a valid passport, email address, and credit or debit card
Ensure you have these three items ready before starting.
Complete the form
Enter your new passport details, contact information, and answer eligibility questions.
Pay the CAD $7 processing fee
Use your credit or debit card to pay the required fee.
Submit the application
Note that the form cannot be saved midway.
Check your email for approval
Most arrive within minutes (up to 72 hours in delayed cases).
What You Need Before You Start
You need three items: a valid passport, a credit or debit card for the CAD $7 fee, and an email address for confirmation. The passport does not need 6+ months remaining validity to submit an eTA application, but it must be valid at the time of application. A paper form is available only for applicants with a physical or mental disability that prevents online submission.
| Attribute | Initial Application | Renewal / Update |
|---|---|---|
| Form used | Same IRCC online form | Same IRCC online form |
| Cost | CAD $7 | CAD $7 |
| Documents needed | Passport, email, payment card | Passport, email, payment card |
| Processing time | Within minutes (up to 72 h) | Within minutes (up to 72 h) |
| Difference | – | None, it is a new application |
When to Apply, Cost & Processing Time for eTA Canada Renewal
Renewal costs CAD $7, is usually approved within minutes (max 72 hours via email), and should be started as soon as you get your new passport, ideally at least 2 weeks before travel. You can also apply before the old eTA expires; the new approval automatically supersedes it. In emergency situations where your trip is imminent, apply immediately online. If delayed, contact IRCC via their web form at canada.ca.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cost | CAD $7 (no renewal discount) |
| Standard processing | Within minutes |
| Delayed processing | Up to 72 hours (IRCC emails you) |
| Recommended timing | As soon as new passport received; at least 2 weeks before travel |
Common Mistakes When Renewing Your eTA (and How to Fix Them)
A typo in the passport number during an eTA Canada renewal requires a brand-new application costing CAD $7, since submissions cannot be edited after sending.
- Typo in passport number: The application cannot be edited after submission. Submit a new application (CAD $7 again) with the correct passport number. The erroneous application will not affect the new one.
- Wrong country of citizenship selected: IRCC may refuse the application. Contact IRCC via the web form at canada.ca to explain the error. You may need to submit a new application.
- Duplicate applications submitted: The second application replaces the first. Only one eTA will be active, the most recently approved one. No penalty for multiple submissions.
- Applying with old or expired passport number: The eTA will be linked to a passport you no longer hold. Reapply with the new passport details (CAD $7).
- Not checking spam or junk folder: Approval notifications from IRCC may be filtered. Check all email folders; use the IRCC eTA status check tool to verify.
- Assuming there is a renew button: There is no dedicated renewal form. Every eTA application is submitted through the same Apply form at the IRCC website.
If your eTA is refused, you may need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) instead. Common refusal reasons include criminal inadmissibility or previous immigration violations. Contact IRCC via the web form for clarification.
eTA Canada Renewal FAQ
Do I need to renew my eTA if it has expired?
Yes. An expired eTA cannot be used to board a flight to Canada. Submit a new application online before departure.
Can I update my existing eTA after getting a new British passport?
No. A new passport invalidates the old eTA. Submit a new application linked to your new passport.
Does it cost more to renew than to apply the first time?
No. Every eTA application costs CAD $7, whether it is your first or fifth. There is no renewal premium or discount.
How do I check if my eTA is still valid?
Use the IRCC eTA status check tool at onlineservices-servicesenligne.cic.gc.ca/eta/applicationQuery. Enter your passport number and application number to verify the current status.
I’m a dual UK-Canadian citizen, do I need an eTA?
No. Dual citizens must enter Canada on their valid Canadian passport. If you hold both UK and Canadian citizenship, you are ineligible for an eTA.
Can someone else renew my eTA for me?
Yes. A friend, family member, or travel agent can complete the online application on your behalf. They will need your valid passport details and a payment card for the CAD $7 fee.
Do I need to print my eTA confirmation?
No, printing is not required. The eTA is stored electronically against your passport number. A printout is recommended as a backup.
What happens if my eTA application is refused?
You may need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) instead. Common refusal reasons include criminal inadmissibility or previous immigration violations. Contact IRCC via their web form for clarification.
Is there an eTA renewal app?
No dedicated mobile app exists. Use the IRCC website on any browser. The eTA check tool is mobile-friendly.
I received my new passport but my trip is tomorrow, what should I do?
Apply immediately online at the IRCC website. Most approvals arrive within minutes. If delayed, contact IRCC via the web form. Present your approval confirmation email to airline staff alongside your new passport.
Can I renew my eTA before my old one expires?
Yes. You can apply for a new eTA at any time. If approved, it replaces the old eTA and is linked to your current passport.
I hold a study or work permit, is my eTA renewed automatically when my permit renews?
No. The eTA is automatically issued with an initial study or work permit (effective August 1, 2015), but it is not automatically renewed when the permit is renewed. If you get a new passport, you must apply for a new eTA separately.
Disclaimer: This site is an independent information portal for travellers and is not affiliated with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Always verify the latest requirements on the official IRCC website.
