Last updated: September 2026 – based on Government of Canada IRCC guidelines.
A Canada eTA is valid for up to 5 years from approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Each visit allows a stay of normally up to 6 months, determined by the border officer. The eTA permits unlimited multiple entries within its validity period. Understanding eTA Canada validity is essential for UK travellers planning trips by air, as the electronic travel authorization (eTA) is linked to your passport and governs entry, not duration of stay.
How Long Is Your Canada eTA Valid & Passport Linkage
Canada eTA validity lasts for up to 5 years from the date of approval or until the linked passport expires – whichever comes first. Validity starts on the approval date, not your first trip, and applies to all air travel within that remaining window.
Canada eTA validity requires a valid passport because the authorisation is electronically linked to the passport number used during application. Per the Government of Canada’s eTA facts page, they cannot function independently. For example, if approved on 8 September 2026, the eTA is valid until 8 September 2031 or passport expiry, whichever comes first. Canada does not require a strict 6-month passport validity buffer – your passport must simply be valid for your intended stay, though airlines may enforce their own policies.
Passport-Linked Validity – What Happens When You Renew Your Passport?
Renewing a UK passport automatically voids any existing Canada eTA linked to the previous passport number. UK travellers must apply for a new eTA before any future flight to Canada, as the old authorisation becomes instantly invalid.
Renew your UK passport
Note the new passport number
Submit a new eTA application
Use the new passport details
Previous eTA is voided automatically
No separate cancellation is needed
This rule applies even if the 5-year validity period has not yet elapsed, since passport expiry always takes precedence over the remaining eTA term.
Duration of Stay per Visit & Cumulative Limits
Each visit allows up to 6 months, but the border officer at the port of entry determines the exact stay. This is separate from the eTA validity (up to 5 years or passport expiry, whichever comes first). The officer stamps or notes the authorised departure date in your passport. Airline staff scan your passport at check-in to confirm a valid eTA is linked – denied boarding occurs without one.
| Concept | What It Means | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| eTA validity period | How long your eTA authorisation lasts | Up to 5 years |
| Duration of stay per visit | How long you can remain in Canada per entry | Up to 6 months |
| Border officer discretion | Exact stay determined at the port of entry | May be shorter than 6 months |
Is There a Maximum Total Stay in Canada per Year?
No. Canada imposes no cumulative annual stay limit comparable to the Schengen 90/180-day rule. Each entry is assessed independently by the border services officer, who may authorise a fresh stay of up to 6 months regardless of how many days you have already spent in Canada that year. A short exit (e.g., a weekend in the US) does not automatically reset the 6-month clock – re-entry triggers a new assessment with no guarantee of another full 6 months.
| Region | Cumulative Stay Limit | Re-entry Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Canada (eTA) | None | Independent per entry |
| Schengen Area | 90 days per 180 | Rolling window |
| United States (ESTA) | 90 days per entry | Independent per entry |
However, Canada eTA validity does not guarantee entry. A border services officer may deny re-entry or shorten the authorised stay if there are concerns about admissibility or if the traveller appears to be residing in Canada without proper status.
Multiple Entries & eTA Expiry During Your Stay
A single Canada eTA permits unlimited multiple entries during its validity period, and expiring mid-stay does not force departure. Each re-entry is assessed independently by the border services officer at the port of entry, who determines admissibility and the authorised duration of stay. For example, multiple trips in 2026 are all covered by the same eTA.
If your eTA expires while in Canada, you may stay until your authorised departure date (e.g., entered 15 May 2026, eTA expires 1 June 2026, authorised stay until 15 November 2026). The eTA is required only for entry by air, not for remaining in the country. Your temporary resident status – normally up to 6 months – remains valid until the officer-authorised departure date. You will need a new eTA for any future flight to Canada.
eTA for UK Passport Holders & Managing Your Authorisation
British citizens are visa-exempt foreign nationals and require a Canada eTA costing CAD $7 for air travel, valid up to 5 years. Post-Brexit rules do not change Canadian eTA requirements for UK passport holders. The eTA applies to UK passport holders flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport; it is not required for entry by land, sea, bus, train, or boat, nor for domestic travel within Canada.
- Visa-exempt: Yes, British citizens do not need a visitor visa (temporary resident visa)
- eTA required for flights: Yes (air travel and transit only)
- eTA required for driving or ferry: No
- Cost: CAD $7
- Validity: Up to 5 years or until passport expires, whichever comes first
- Processing time: Normally within minutes via email confirmation; may take several days if supporting documents are requested
How to Check Your eTA Status
Use the IRCC eTA status-check tool by entering your eTA number or passport details along with personal data. The result is shown immediately. Check your eTA status after renewing your passport or before booking a new flight.
When Should You Renew Your eTA?
You can apply at any time; a new eTA replaces the old one immediately upon approval with no penalty. We recommend applying at least 2 weeks before your next planned trip. Canada eTA validity cannot be extended beyond the 5-year cap or the linked passport’s expiry.
How to Extend Your Stay Beyond 6 Months
If you wish to remain in Canada longer than the authorised period (normally up to 6 months), you must apply for a Visitor Record online before your current status expires. The application fee is CAD $100, and you should submit it at least 30 days prior to the expiry of your authorised stay. You may remain in Canada while the application is processed. A Visitor Record is separate from the eTA, which governs entry only.
Exemptions: U.S. citizens are exempt from the eTA requirement. Canadian citizens (including dual citizens) and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA – they must use a valid Canadian passport or permanent resident card. Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. are also exempt from the eTA requirement for air travel, provided they carry official proof of status (e.g., Green Card) and a valid national passport. Visa-required travellers, stateless individuals, and alien’s passport holders are ineligible for a standard eTA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about eTA Canada Validity
How long is a Canada eTA valid for UK citizens?
Up to 5 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. UK citizens are visa-exempt foreign nationals. The eTA remains valid for multiple entries during this entire period, provided you travel with the same passport.
Can I enter Canada multiple times with one eTA?
Yes, a single Canada eTA permits unlimited multiple entries during its validity period without needing re-application. You can fly to Canada as often as you want within the 5-year timeframe. Each entry is assessed independently by a border services officer at the port of entry.
How long can I stay in Canada per visit with an eTA?
You can normally stay for up to 6 months per visit, but the border services officer determines the exact authorised duration. This duration of stay is separate from the 5-year validity period of your eTA.
Does my eTA expire with my passport?
Yes. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport number. Renewing your UK passport automatically voids your current eTA – you must apply for a new one with your new passport number before any future flight.
What happens if my eTA expires while I’m in Canada?
Your eTA expiring mid-stay does not force you to leave. The eTA is required only for entry, not for remaining in Canada. Your temporary resident status remains valid until the departure date authorised by the border officer. You will need a new eTA for any future flight to Canada.
How do I check if my eTA is still valid?
You can verify your eTA validity online using the IRCC eTA status-check tool. Enter your eTA number or passport details along with personal data. The result is shown immediately. Check your status after renewing your passport or before booking a new flight.
Can I extend my stay in Canada beyond 6 months?
Yes, you can apply online for a Visitor Record before your current status expires. Apply at least 30 days prior to the expiry of your authorised stay. The fee is CAD $100, and you may remain in Canada while your application is being processed.
Is there a maximum total stay in Canada per year?
No, Canada imposes no cumulative annual stay limit like the Schengen 90/180-day rule. Each entry is assessed independently by the border services officer. However, officers may deny entry if they suspect the traveller is living in Canada without proper status.
Do I need 6 months of passport validity remaining to enter Canada?
No. Canada does not enforce a strict 6-month passport validity buffer. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay. However, airlines may have their own policies, so we recommend maintaining a few months of buffer.
Can my eTA be cancelled or revoked?
Yes. IRCC can revoke an eTA without notice. Grounds include criminal conviction, misrepresentation, or medical inadmissibility. If your eTA is revoked, you will need to address the underlying issue before reapplying.
This article is for general guidance only. For authoritative information, consult the Government of Canada’s eTA page or an immigration lawyer.
