Last reviewed: September 8, 2026. This guide is based on the current Canadian eTA process; always check the Government of Canada website before applying.
To apply for eTA Canada, visit canada.ca/eta, complete the 7-step online form using a valid passport, and pay the $7 CAD fee. Most applications are approved within minutes and sent to your email. This electronic Travel Authorisation is mandatory for UK nationals flying to or transiting through Canada – apply at least 72 hours before departure. The eTA Canada is valid for up to 5 years or until your linked passport expires, whichever occurs first.
Avoid fraudulent websites such as avecanada.com or canada-ave.com, which charge up to $130 per application. Use only the Government of Canada portal to ensure your personal data remains secure and your eTA Canada application is processed correctly. Learn how to spot an eTA Canada scam website before you start.
What Is a Canadian eTA and Who Needs One?
A Canadian eTA is a mandatory $7 CAD electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals (including UK citizens) flying to or transiting through Canada. It is valid for up to 5 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. The eTA Canada is electronically linked to your passport. For a broader overview, see our complete eTA Canada guide covering what it is, who needs it, and how to apply in 2026.
| Your situation | eTA needed? | Action |
|---|---|---|
| UK citizen flying to Canada | Yes | Apply online before boarding |
| Transiting through a Canadian airport | Yes | Apply online before boarding |
| Entering Canada by land or sea | No | No action required |
| US citizen | No | Carry valid US passport |
| Holder of a valid Canadian visa | No | Travel on existing visa |
| British-Canadian dual national | No | Travel on a valid Canadian passport |
If you are only connecting through a Canadian airport, read our dedicated guide on whether you need an eTA for transit through Canada in 2026.
What You Need Before You Start – Pre-Application Checklist
The eTA Canada online application process requires a valid passport, an active email address, and a Visa or Mastercard (credit or debit) to pay the $7 CAD fee (approx. £4 GBP in 2026). The form has no save function, so prepare all items before opening the eTA Canada application.
| Checklist Item | What to Prepare |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Passport number + expiry date; must remain valid for your full planned stay |
| Credit or debit card | Visa or Mastercard only – see accepted methods below |
| Active email address | Confirmation is sent here; double-check for typos |
| Occupation & employer | Job title, employer/institution full legal name, start year |
| Travel dates & flight info | Airline name, flight number, intended arrival date |
| Previous UCI number | 8- or 10-digit number from a prior Canadian visa, study, or work permit (leave blank if none) |
| Card Type | Accepted? |
|---|---|
| Visa Credit / Debit | ✅ Yes |
| Mastercard Credit / Debit | ✅ Yes |
| American Express | ❌ No |
| Prepaid card | ⚠️ Not guaranteed |
| UnionPay | ❌ No |
How to Apply for eTA Canada – Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Go to the Government Website & Start Your Application
Open canada.ca and click “Apply online.”
Enter Your Passport Details
Type the passport number exactly as printed on the data page.
Fill In Your Personal Information
Enter your name exactly as on your passport and provide an active email address.
Provide Your Travel Details & Employment Information
Select your occupation, enter employer’s name, and input UCI if applicable.
Answer Background & Eligibility Questions
Answer all security, criminal history, and health screening questions truthfully.
Review, Sign & Pay
Review all fields, type your full legal name as signature, and pay $7 CAD.
Receive Your eTA Confirmation
Most approvals arrive within minutes; sent electronically to your email.
Step 1 – Go to the Government Website & Start Your Application
Open canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html and click “Apply online.” Beware of fraudulent sites (e.g., avecanada.com, canada-ave.com) charging up to $130. The form has no save function and times out after approximately 20 minutes of inactivity, per the Government of Canada eTA instructions.
Step 2 – Enter Your Passport Details
Type the passport number exactly as printed on the data page – no spaces or dashes. A single typo invalidates the eTA Canada application and requires a new $7 CAD payment.
Step 3 – Fill In Your Personal Information
Enter your name exactly as on your passport, including all accents, hyphens, and diacritical marks. Do not transliterate. Provide an active email address – the eTA Canada confirmation is sent here. Double-check for typos.
Step 4 – Provide Your Travel Details & Employment Information
Select your occupation from the dropdown, enter your employer’s full legal name (not abbreviations), and input your UCI (8- or 10-digit number) only if you previously held a Canadian visa or permit. Enter your intended arrival date, airline name, and flight number if known.
Step 5 – Answer Background & Eligibility Questions
Answer all security, criminal history, and health screening questions truthfully. False declarations can result in inadmissibility to Canada. If you answer “yes” to any disqualifying question, your eTA Canada application will likely be refused.
Step 6 – Review, Sign & Pay
Review all entered fields for accuracy. Type your full legal name as an electronic signature – this constitutes a legal attestation that all information is true and complete. Pay $7 CAD with Visa or Mastercard (credit or debit). American Express is not accepted.
Step 7 – Receive Your eTA Confirmation
Most eTA Canada approvals arrive within minutes; some take up to 72 hours, per IRCC processing guidance. The eTA links electronically to your passport – no printing required. If no confirmation arrives within 72 hours, complete the Government of Canada web form at cic.gc.ca.
Check Your Application Status & Correct Mistakes
After submission, you cannot edit your eTA application. To check status, visit the “Check your application status” service on canada.ca with your passport and reference number. For a detailed walkthrough, see our guide on how to check your eTA Canada status and verify validity in 2026. Possible outcomes: approved, refused, or pending. Any error requires a new $7 CAD eTA Canada application; the previous eTA is automatically voided when the new one is issued.
If no confirmation email arrives within 72 hours, check your spam folder first, then complete the Government of Canada web form at cic.gc.ca to enquire about your eTA Canada application status.
What Happens If Your eTA Is Refused?
A refused eTA means you must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) instead. Refusal is based on one of nine inadmissibility grounds defined under Canadian immigration law. The eTA Canada online application process flags any “yes” answer to the background screening questions as a potential disqualifier. For next steps, read our guide on what to do if your eTA Canada is rejected in 2026.
- Security risk to Canada
- Human or international rights violations
- Criminal conviction, or an act committed outside Canada that would be a crime under Canadian law
- Ties to organised crime
- Serious health problems
- Serious financial problems
- Misrepresentation – lying during an interview or in an application
- Non-compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
- Having a family member who is inadmissible to Canada
If your eTA Canada application is refused, submit a TRV application through IRCC. The TRV process involves a longer processing time than the eTA, may require biometrics, and demands supporting documents. If the refusal stems from criminality, explore the criminal rehabilitation process before reapplying for your eTA Canada.
Important Advice for UK Travellers
UK passport holders need an eTA Canada for air entry to Canada with a passport valid for the full length of their planned stay. British-Canadian dual nationals must travel on a valid Canadian passport and do not need an eTA.
The eTA Canada online application process requires your British citizen passport to remain valid for the full duration of your planned stay, per gov.uk guidance. Canadian border officials may request proof of a return or onward ticket and evidence of sufficient funds for your visit. When returning to the UK, carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement.
Children travelling alone or with one parent may need a consent letter from non-travelling parents or guardians. If you are applying on behalf of a minor, see our guide on how to apply for a Canada eTA for your child as a UK family. Consult TravelHealthPro’s Canada guide for current health requirements. Ebola-related temporary border measures under the Quarantine Act were in effect until August 29, 2026; travellers arriving from affected regions should confirm current entry requirements before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How far in advance should I apply for my eTA Canada?
Apply for your eTA Canada at least 72 hours before departure. Most eTA Canada applications are approved within minutes; complex cases up to 72 hours.
Can I get an eTA at the airport?
No. You must have a valid eTA Canada before boarding your flight. Airlines deny boarding to any passenger without a valid eTA Canada.
How much does the Canadian eTA cost from the UK?
The eTA Canada costs $7 CAD (approx. £4 GBP in 2026). Pay only on the government website for your eTA Canada; fraudulent sites charge up to $130.
Do I need to print my eTA confirmation?
No. Airlines verify your eTA Canada electronically by scanning your passport. Saving a PDF of your eTA Canada confirmation email is recommended.
What if I made a typo after submitting my eTA application?
Cannot edit a submitted eTA Canada application. Submit a new eTA Canada application ($7 CAD); previous eTA voided automatically.
Do I need an eTA if I’m only connecting through a Canadian airport?
Yes. Even transiting through Canada requires a valid eTA Canada or a transit visa to board your connecting flight. Apply for your eTA Canada before travel.
What is a UCI number and do I need to enter it?
A UCI is an 8- or 10-digit number from a prior Canadian visa/permit. Enter it in the eTA Canada form if you have one; otherwise leave blank on your eTA Canada application.
My name has accents or hyphens – how do I enter it?
Enter your name exactly as on your passport, including all accents and hyphens. The eTA Canada form accepts standard Latin characters – do not transliterate your name on the eTA Canada application.
Can I apply for my family on a single application?
No. Each traveller, including infants, requires a separate eTA Canada application and a separate $7 CAD payment for their eTA Canada.
About this guide: This eTA Canada tutorial is produced by our UK-based editorial team, who have completed the eTA Canada application process multiple times and documented each step for British travellers.
This article is an independent guide published by an informational travel portal. We are not affiliated with the Government of Canada. The only government eTA application website is canada.ca/eta.
