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Canada Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

UK citizens require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to Canada — apply online at the Government of Canada portal; CAD 7 fee; most approvals are granted within minutes, up to 72 hours; stays up to 6 months per visit.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Canada; the eTA is linked to the passport you use at the time of application, and if your passport expires while you are in Canada the eTA becomes invalid.
  • Specific forms: No separate form is required for an eTA; apply online via the Government of Canada eTA portal. If you do not qualify for an eTA or you are travelling by land or sea, you may instead apply for a Visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) using IMM 5257 (online or paper).
  • Financial proof: eTA does not require financial proof. You should carry evidence of funds or be prepared to show proof of funds to border officials if asked; there is no fixed amount for an eTA.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: There is no mandatory requirement to book accommodation or hold a return ticket for the eTA, but have your travel plans and onward/return arrangements ready in case border officers request them.
  • Photo spec: No photo upload is required for the eTA; you travel with the passport you used to apply. If you later apply for a Visitor visa (TRV) you will need a photo that meets IRCC guidelines.
  • Biometrics: Biometrics are not required as part of the eTA application.
  • Travel health insurance: Not required for an eTA; however, having travel medical insurance is strongly recommended for any international trip.
  • Notes: The eTA is valid for multiple entries over up to 5 years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first); each visit can be up to 6 months unless border officers indicate a shorter period.

Visa types

  • Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada; official name: Electronic Travel Authorization; validity: up to 5 years or passport expiry; max stay per visit: up to 6 months; single/multiple entry: multiple entries; approximate fee: CAD 7 (USD about 5).
  • Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor visa, TRV) for UK travellers not eligible for or choosing not to use the eTA; official name: Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) / Visitor visa; validity: multiple entries commonly up to 10 years (depends on issuing visa); max stay per visit: up to 6 months; single/multiple entry: multiple entries; approximate fee: CAD 185 total (CAD 100 processing + CAD 85 biometrics) – USD about 140.
  • Study permit (for academic study): official name: Study Permit; validity: for the duration of the program plus 90 days after completion; max stay: as allowed by permit during study; single/multiple entries: multiple entries; approximate fee: CAD 235 total (CAD 150 processing + CAD 85 biometrics) – USD about 174.
  • Temporary Work Permit (for employed work in Canada): official name: Temporary Work Permit; validity: length of job offer/contract; max stay: as per the permit; single/multiple entries: usually multiple entries; approximate fee: CAD 340 total (CAD 255 processing + CAD 85 biometrics) – USD about 251.

Application process

  • How to apply online (eTA): Go to the Government of Canada eTA portal (online); Steps: 1) Ensure you are eligible for an eTA as a visa-exempt traveller; 2) Enter passport and personal details; 3) Pay CAD 7 online; 4) Submit and wait for the eTA to be linked to your passport; 5) You will receive confirmation; 6) Your eTA is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires and allows multiple entries; 7) When travelling, present the passport with the valid eTA; if your passport changes, you must reapply.
  • How to apply for TRV (if not using eTA): Most UK applicants apply online via IRCC or submit at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) / VAC partner; Steps: 1) Determine you need a TRV; 2) Gather required documents (passport, photo meeting IRCC specs, proof of funds, travel itinerary, invitation letter if any, ties to home country); 3) Create an IRCC account and complete the online application IMM 5257 for visitors; 4) Pay CAD 100 processing fee and, if biometrics are required, CAD 85 biometrics; 5) Submit biometrics at a VAC; 6) Attend an interview if requested; 7) Wait for processing (times vary; usually weeks to months); 8) If approved, TRV will be issued as a visa placed in your passport; 9) Travel to Canada with TRV.
  • Note on study/work permits: For study/work permits you apply separately (often online) and must provide program acceptance (LOA), proof of funds, and related documents; biometrics may be required and a separate processing fee applies.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy: eTA applications are online directly via the Government of Canada site. For TRV and other permits, many applicants use VAC/VFS Global centers or the Canadian embassy/consulate network, depending on country of residence; check the local VAC page for submission options, appointment scheduling, and document requirements.

Fees & processing time

  • eTA: CAD 7; USD approx 5; processing: minutes to 72 hours in rare cases; note that approvals are electronically linked to your passport and you do not receive a separate visa document.
  • TRV (Visitor visa): CAD 185 total (CAD 100 processing + CAD 85 biometrics) per applicant; USD approx 140; typical processing: several weeks to a few months depending on country and individual circumstances; some cases may take longer; biometrics service fees if applicable are included in the CAD 85 biometrics.
  • Study permit: CAD 235 total (CAD 150 processing + CAD 85 biometrics) per applicant; USD approx 174; processing times vary by country, often several weeks to a few months; biometrics are required as part of the process.
  • Temporary Work Permit: CAD 340 total (CAD 255 processing + CAD 85 biometrics) per applicant; USD approx 251; processing times vary widely by program and country; biometrics included in the fee.
  • VFS/BLS service fees: If you submit via a VAC/VFS center, additional service fees apply and vary by country; check your local VAC page for exact amounts.

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • Apply well in advance: eTA can be quick, but apply after you have your travel plans; if you need a TRV instead, factor in longer processing times.
  • Common rejection reasons for UK applicants: incorrect or mismatched passport details, insufficient ties to your home country, insufficient funds when border officials request proof, prior immigration or criminal concerns, purpose of visit not clearly demonstrated, or misinformation/misrepresentation in your application.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: For eTA, apply online directly through the Government of Canada site. For TRV or study/work permits, you may need to use a VAC/VFS center or the Canadian embassy/consulate in the UK; follow the instructions on the official site and your local VAC page.
  • Travel advisories and bilateral notes: Check the UK government travel advice for Canada and ensure you meet entry requirements; stay updated on any changes to eTA, TRV, or border procedures before travel.
  • Extension options inside Canada: If you are in Canada on a visitor status and wish to stay longer, you can apply to extend your stay as a visitor before your current status expires (using IRCC) and while in Canada; approval is not guaranteed and is subject to meeting eligibility and demonstrating ties to return home.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.