An eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) costs $7 CAD, is valid for up to 5 years, requires only a passport and email, and is approved within minutes, but it is only for visa-exempt nationals travelling by air. A Canadian Visitor Visa costs $100 CAD (plus $85 CAD for biometrics), can be valid for up to 10 years, requires extensive documentation including financial proof, and takes weeks to process, but it is necessary for nationals from visa-required countries.
A Canadian eTA costs $7 CAD and processes in minutes for visa-exempt nationals flying to Canada. A Visitor Visa costs $185 CAD total and is required for visa-required nationals. UK passport holders need only an eTA for air travel to Canada. For UK travellers, the choice depends on nationality and travel mode. Our guide breaks down the exact fees, document requirements, and processing times to help you prepare for your 2026 trip.
This article was last updated on 8 September 2026 and fact-checked against the IRCC fee schedule published at canada.ca. This is an independent informational portal for travellers, not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada or IRCC. Always confirm details on the canada.ca website before applying. Our editorial team re-verifies all visa and fee information against government sources every 90 days.
eTA vs Visitor Visa: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Dimension | eTA | Visitor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $7 CAD (~£4.25) | $100 CAD (~£60) + biometrics $85 CAD |
| Validity | Up to 5 years or until passport expires | Up to 10 years or until passport expires |
| Max stay per visit | Up to 6 months | Up to 6 months |
| Processing time | Minutes to 72 hours | 2 weeks to 8+ months |
| Application method | Online only | Online (IRCC Secure Account) or via VAC |
| Passport submission | No – electronically linked | Yes – physical passport at VAC |
| Biometrics | Not required | Yes – $85 CAD, valid 10 years |
| Financial proof | Not required | Required (bank statements, employment letter) |
| Interview | No | Yes – at officer’s discretion |
| Transport mode | Air travel only | Air, land, and sea |
| Family application | Separate per person (incl. infants) | Can bundle submissions |
| Extension | Visitor Record ($100 CAD) | Visitor Record ($100 CAD) |
| Refusal recourse | Apply for Visitor Visa instead | Federal Court judicial review |
| Entry guarantee | No – border officer decides | No – border officer decides |
Key takeaway: in the eTA Canada vs visa comparison, the eTA is faster, cheaper, and simpler, but only available to visa-exempt nationals travelling by air.
Cost and Validity Compared
A Canadian eTA costs $7 CAD (~£4.25) per person ($28 CAD for a family of four). A Visitor Visa costs $185 CAD total ($100 fee + $85 biometrics), up to $740 CAD for a family of four. The eTA remains valid for up to 5 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. A Visitor Visa can stay valid for up to 10 years or until passport expires. Both allow up to 6 months per visit, set by a border services officer at the port of entry.
A new eTA is required whenever a traveller renews their passport, since the authorization is electronically linked to the original document. A Visitor Visa in an expired passport can sometimes still be used with a new passport, unlike an eTA.
Application Requirements and Processing Times
eTA: passport, email, credit card only. Visitor Visa: biometrics, financial proof, and physical passport submission required. The eTA is an online-only process with no biometrics or financial documentation at the application stage. IRCC processes eTA submissions typically within minutes, with a standard maximum of 72 hours; if supporting documents are requested, processing extends to several days. Tip: eTA approval emails sometimes land in spam or Promotions folders, so check all inboxes if you do not receive confirmation within 72 hours.
The Visitor Visa requires 4 to 6 months of bank statements, an employment letter, proof of ties to home country, and biometrics ($85 CAD) collected at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). A physical passport must be submitted for visa foil stamping, and an in-person interview may be required at the officer’s discretion. Processing times range from 2 weeks to 8+ months, varying by country of residence and excluding passport delivery time. Check the IRCC processing times tool for your specific country.
Do I Need an eTA or a Visitor Visa? Decision Guide
Canadian citizen or permanent resident?
You need neither. Travel on a valid Canadian passport or PR card.
US citizen or US lawful permanent resident (green card holder)?
You need neither. Present a valid US passport, or passport plus green card.
What is your nationality?
Visa-exempt nationals (UK, EU, Australia, Japan) proceed to Step 4. Visa-required nationals must obtain a Visitor Visa.
How are you travelling?
By air, you need an eTA ($7 CAD). By land or sea, visa-exempt nationals need no eTA.
Conditional eligibility?
Citizens of Brazil, Mexico, Bulgaria, Romania, and (from May 26, 2026) Indonesia and Malaysia may qualify for an eTA if they held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years or hold a valid US nonimmigrant visa.
Travelling from the UK to Canada in 2026
UK passport holders are visa-exempt and need only a $7 CAD (~£4.25) Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for air travel to Canada, with no biometrics or financial proof required. The eTA is mandatory when flying from UK airports such as Heathrow, Manchester, or Glasgow, but UK travellers arriving by land (driving from the US) or sea (cruise) do not need an eTA or any visa. Processing is typically instant to a few hours, with confirmation sent via email.
For UK citizens, the eTA covers tourism, family visits, and short-term business trips including meetings and conferences. If connecting through the United States before flying to Canada, a separate US ESTA may also be required alongside the eTA. The eTA exempts UK applicants from biometrics enrolment, financial documentation, and in-person appointments, making it a straightforward online-only process. In the eTA Canada vs visa comparison, UK travellers never need a Visitor Visa for standard tourism or business purposes.
Refusals, Extensions, and Changing Plans
If an eTA is refused, apply for a full Visitor Visa instead. Common reasons: criminal inadmissibility, prior immigration violations, or false information. Refusal does not equal an entry ban; it means the lightweight authorisation was not granted. The Visitor Visa application involves biometrics ($85 CAD), financial proof, and a possible in-person interview, but allows more opportunity to explain circumstances and provide supporting documents. No formal appeal process exists for eTA refusals; a visa refusal can be challenged via Federal Court judicial review.
Both eTA and Visitor Visa holders admitted for up to six months can extend their stay by applying for a Visitor Record before current status expires. Extension costs $100 CAD. Overstaying risks entry denial and removal proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I work or study in Canada with an eTA?
No. An eTA and a visitor visa are for tourism and short-term business only. Work or study require separate permits. Business visitors may attend meetings, conferences, and training, but cannot be employed by a Canadian company.
Do I need an eTA if I’m only transiting through Canada?
Yes, if transiting by air and from a visa-exempt country. Visa-required nationals may qualify for the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) programme at $0 CAD. US citizens need nothing for transit.
How long does the Canadian eTA last?
Up to 5 years from the issue date, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you must apply for a new eTA.
Can my eTA application be denied?
Yes. Common reasons include criminal inadmissibility, prior immigration violations, or incorrect information. If refused, you can apply for a full Visitor Visa instead, which involves biometrics and financial proof.
What is the Super Visa, and is it different from a visitor visa?
The Super Visa is for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. It allows stays up to 5 years per visit and is valid up to 10 years. It has the same $100 CAD fee but requires additional medical insurance.
Does a Canadian visitor visa allow multiple entries?
Yes. Most visitor visas issued are multiple-entry and valid up to 10 years. Some may be single-entry depending on your specific circumstances.
Can dual Canadian citizens use an eTA?
No. Dual Canadian citizens must travel on a valid Canadian passport. US-Canadian dual citizens can enter on a valid US passport and do not need an eTA.
What happens if I overstay in Canada?
Overstaying can result in future entry denial, removal proceedings, and difficulty obtaining any Canadian immigration document. Always apply for a Visitor Record before your current status expires to avoid these issues.
Is an eTA the same as a visa?
No. An eTA is a lightweight electronic pre-screening for visa-exempt nationals flying to Canada. A Visitor Visa (TRV) is a formal immigration document for visa-required nationals, involving biometrics and more rigorous assessment.
How much does a Canadian visitor visa cost for UK citizens in pounds?
UK citizens do not need a visitor visa. They need only an eTA, which costs $7 CAD (~£4.25). A hypothetical visitor visa would cost $100 CAD (~£60) plus $85 CAD (~£51) for biometrics, totalling ~£111.
