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Canada Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

UK citizens flying to Canada need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), applied for online for CAD 7, usually approved within minutes and valid for up to 5 years.

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

What you need

  • A valid British passport (eTA is linked electronically to your passport number)
  • A valid email address to receive your eTA approval
  • A debit or credit card to pay the CAD 7 fee online
  • Basic personal, passport, and travel details (no supporting documents normally required)
  • No photo required for the eTA application
  • No biometrics required for UK citizens using the eTA (biometrics apply mainly to visa-required nationals applying for visitor visas, not UK eTA holders)
  • Travel health insurance recommended, especially given the high cost of healthcare in Canada, though not mandatory for entry

Visa types

  • eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization): for visits by air, valid up to 5 years or until passport expiry (whichever is sooner), allows multiple entries, each stay typically up to 6 months, fee CAD 7
  • Visitor visa (TRV): only needed if arriving by land/sea in certain circumstances or if the eTA is refused; UK nationals do not normally need this for standard air travel
  • Study and work permits are separate application categories requiring their own online applications and documentation, not covered by the eTA

How to apply online

  • Apply only through the official Government of Canada website (canada.ca) - avoid third-party sites that charge extra for the same service
  • Enter your passport details, contact information, and answer background questions
  • Pay the CAD 7 fee by credit or debit card
  • Most applications are approved within minutes; some take up to 72 hours if additional review is needed
  • Approval is linked electronically to your passport - no physical document or printout is required, though keeping a copy of your confirmation email is sensible

Fees & processing time

  • eTA fee: CAD 7 (roughly USD 5), paid online by card
  • No VFS/BLS service fee - apply directly on the official government site
  • Processing time: usually minutes, occasionally up to 72 hours for manual review
  • No express service needed given the near-instant standard processing
  • Total cost estimate: CAD 7 plus standard travel costs; no other visa-related fees for short tourist/business visits by air

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • Apply for your eTA before booking flights if possible, though approval is usually fast enough to do right after booking
  • Double-check your passport number and personal details match exactly - mismatches are the most common reason for delays or refusal
  • The eTA is only valid for air travel; if entering by land or sea from the US, you generally don't need an eTA but should carry your passport as usual
  • If your passport is renewed after getting an eTA, you'll need a new eTA since it's tied to the specific passport number
  • Keep your confirmation email accessible on your phone in case airline check-in staff ask for proof of a valid eTA

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

More visa guides for United Kingdom passport holders

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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.