British citizens need a Canada eTA for air travel, costing CAD $7 and usually processed within minutes. The eTA is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires. Applications are submitted online through the IRCC website.
For eTA Canada UK citizens planning their trip, the application requires a valid British Citizen passport, a credit or debit card, and an active email address. Each traveller, including infants, needs a separate application. Most approvals arrive by email within minutes, though processing can take up to 72 hours if additional documents are requested.
Last verified: September 2026. Immigration policies change frequently – always confirm current requirements on the IRCC website before applying.
Who Needs a Canada eTA? (and How It Differs from the UK ETA)
The Canada eTA is an electronic authorization, not a physical document. As a visa-exempt foreign national, you need a Canada eTA when flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport by air. If you are arriving by land or sea (car, bus, train, or cruise ship), no eTA is required. Transit by air through Canada also requires an eTA, even if you never leave the international zone. An approved eTA does not guarantee entry: a border services officer makes the final decision at the airport.
| Feature | Canada eTA | UK ETA |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Canada | United Kingdom |
| Cost | CAD $7 | £20 |
| Validity | Up to 5 years or passport expiry | 2 years or passport expiry |
| Application portal | IRCC website (canada.ca) | GOV.UK |
| Land/sea arrivals | Exempt | Exempt (British passport holders) |
UK citizen flying to Canada: you need the Canada eTA. Canadian citizen flying to the UK: you need the UK ETA. For eTA Canada UK citizens, apply via the IRCC portal at canada.ca.
eTA Eligibility, Passport Types & Documents for UK Citizens
UK citizens with a valid British Citizen passport, a credit or debit card, and an email address can apply for a Canada eTA – but holders of non-standard British passports may need a visitor visa instead.
As a British Citizen passport holder, you qualify for the Canada eTA provided your passport is valid for the length of your planned stay. If you transit through the United States, note that US immigration rules require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. This is a US requirement, not a Canadian one. For direct flights to Canada, your British Citizen passport must simply be valid for the duration of your planned stay.
- British Citizen passport → eTA eligible ✅
- British National (Overseas) / BNO → likely needs a visitor visa – contact the Canadian High Commission ❌
- British Overseas Territories Citizen / BOTC → likely needs a visitor visa – contact the Canadian High Commission ❌
- British Subject → likely needs a visitor visa – contact the Canadian High Commission ❌
- British-Canadian dual national → exempt from eTA – you must use a valid Canadian passport ⚡
- Canadian permanent resident → exempt from eTA – use your valid PR card ⚡
Before applying, have ready: your valid British Citizen passport (number, issue/expiry dates), full name as printed, date of birth, a credit or debit card for the CAD $7 fee, and an active email address. Each person – including babies and children – requires a separate application; no group submissions are accepted. Use IRCC’s eligibility tool to confirm whether you need an eTA or a visitor visa: canada.ca/eta/eligibility.
How to Apply for a Canada eTA – Steps, Fees & Common Mistakes
UK citizens apply for a Canada eTA in 6 online steps via the IRCC website, paying CAD $7 per person. Most applications are approved within minutes, but beware of unauthorized websites charging excessive fee.
Prepare your documents
Gather your valid British Citizen passport, a credit or debit card, and an active email address before starting.
Visit the IRCC application page
Go to Canada.ca eTA application to begin. No other site is needed.
Enter passport details
Input your passport number, found at the top of the photo page, plus your full name, date of birth, and issue/expiry dates. The most common mistake is entering the passport number incorrectly – verify it twice before submitting.
Fill in personal information
Provide your contact email address and travel details.
Answer background questions
Declare any health conditions (tuberculosis, infectious diseases), criminal history, and prior visa refusals, including US ESTA denials. These are yes/no questions, not a medical exam.
Pay the CAD $7 fee
Pay by credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable (approximately £4 depending on exchange rate). Each traveller, including children and infants, requires a separate application and individual payment.
Most Canada eTA applications are processed within minutes; if you don’t receive a response after 72 hours, check your eTA status at IRCC or submit an enquiry via the IRCC Help Centre. Avoid third-party sites charging £30-100+ for a CAD $7 government service. No priority processing option exists. Only use the Canada.ca portal linked above.
eTA Processing Time, Status Checks & Avoiding Scams
Most Canada eTA applications are processed within minutes, but some take up to 72 hours. If no response arrives after that window, submit an enquiry through the IRCC Help Centre. If IRCC requests additional supporting documents, processing can take several days – apply at least 72 hours before departure.
You can check your eTA status online through IRCC using your passport number and application number – no account or login is required. Keep both reference numbers from your confirmation email to retrieve your status quickly.
Unauthorized websites routinely charge £30-£100+ for what is a CAD $7 government service. Red flags include URLs not ending in canada.ca and any site claiming to offer “priority processing” for an extra fee – no expedited option exists. Apply only through the IRCC portal at canada.ca.
eTA Validity, Permitted Stay & Canadian Border Requirements
A Canada eTA is valid for up to 5 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first, allowing stays of up to 6 months per visit – but border officers may request a return ticket and proof of funds.
If you get a new passport (renewal, name change, or replacement), you must apply for a new Canada eTA and pay the CAD $7 fee again – there is no mechanism to update an existing authorization. To extend your stay beyond 6 months, apply for a Visitor Record through IRCC before your current status expires.
At the border, a border services officer may ask for your return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your stay. An approved Canada eTA does not guarantee entry – the officer makes the final decision. Airlines verify eTA electronically at check-in; a printed copy is optional but recommended as a backup.
Special Cases: Transit, Children, Remote Work & Stay Extensions
Special rules apply to children travelling alone, remote workers, and applicants with a criminal record.
If a child is travelling alone or with only one parent, carry a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent or legal guardian. Canadian immigration officers have the authority to question children using simple, appropriate language regarding child abduction concerns.
Working remotely for a UK employer while visiting Canada on a Canada eTA sits in a legal grey area. IRCC has not published definitive guidance on digital nomad scenarios. Contact IRCC or the Canadian High Commission for case-specific advice before you travel.
Applicants with a criminal record should contact the Canadian High Commission before applying to clarify entry eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a Canada eTA if I’m only transiting through a Canadian airport?
Yes. The Canada eTA is required for all air transit through Canada, including airside connections without leaving the international zone. A transit visa is also an acceptable alternative.
How much does the Canada eTA cost for UK citizens in GBP?
The Canada eTA costs CAD $7 per person (approximately £4 depending on exchange rate). The fee is non-refundable and payable by credit or debit card on the IRCC website.
How long is my Canada eTA valid?
The Canada eTA is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Multiple entries are allowed within the validity period. Each visit permits a stay of up to 6 months.
Can I apply for a Canada eTA with a British National (Overseas) passport?
BNO passport holders are unlikely to qualify for the eTA. Only full British Citizen passport holders are covered by IRCC guidance as eligible. BNO holders will probably need a visitor visa – contact the Canadian High Commission in the UK or use the IRCC visa tool to confirm.
My eTA application was denied. What should I do next?
If your Canada eTA application is denied, you may be eligible to apply for a visitor visa through the Canadian embassy or high commission. Contact IRCC or the Canadian High Commission in the UK for guidance on your specific situation.
Do I need to print my eTA confirmation for the flight?
No. Airlines verify your Canada eTA electronically when they scan your passport at check-in. However, carrying a printed copy of the confirmation email is recommended as a backup in case of technical issues.
I changed my name after getting married. Do I need a new eTA?
Yes. If your passport was reissued with a new name, you need a new passport and a new Canada eTA. The eTA cannot be updated because it is electronically linked to the specific passport number used in your original application. You must pay the CAD $7 fee again.
What health questions does the Canada eTA application ask?
The form includes yes/no questions about tuberculosis treatment, infectious diseases, and certain medical conditions. This is a digital declaration, not a medical exam. Answer honestly, as non-disclosure can lead to problems with your application or entry to Canada.
Can I extend my stay in Canada beyond 6 months on an eTA?
Yes, by applying for a Visitor Record through IRCC before your 6-month status expires. This is a separate application with its own fee. For work, study, or permanent residence, a specific visa is required rather than an eTA.
Does a previous US ESTA refusal affect my Canada eTA application?
Past visa or travel authorization refusals, including US ESTA denials, may be asked about in the Canada eTA form. You must answer honestly. A refusal does not automatically disqualify you, but non-disclosure can lead to problems.
Can I work remotely for my UK employer while visiting Canada on an eTA?
This is a legal grey area. Working in Canada for a Canadian employer requires a work permit. Working remotely for a foreign employer is not explicitly addressed by IRCC guidance. Contact IRCC or the Canadian High Commission for case-specific advice before travelling.
What happens if I don’t get an eTA response within 72 hours?
Submit an enquiry through the IRCC Help Centre at ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=1056&top=16. Include your application number and passport details.
Our editorial team has researched this topic using official IRCC sources and verified the application process end-to-end in September 2026.
