Canada eTA
Electronic Travel Authorization · For United Kingdom citizens
Planning a trip to Canada as a British citizen? You can travel visa-free with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Apply online for CAD $7, receive approval within minutes, and enjoy stays of up to 6 months. Your eTA is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires. With a 97% approval rate and over 843,000 UK visitors annually, entering Canada is straightforward for most British travelers.
Canada eTA for British Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For United Kingdom citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
A valid UK passport is required for eTA application and entry to Canada
A valid email address to receive your eTA confirmation
A valid payment method for the CAD $7 application fee
Honest answers about any criminal history, arrests, or convictions
Confirmation that you do not have conditions making you inadmissible
Recommended (Optional)
Basic information about your travel plans to Canada
Traditional visitor visa for those ineligible for eTA
What is the Canada eTA?
The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a mandatory entry requirement for British citizens flying to Canada.1 It is not a visa, but an electronic screening system that determines your eligibility to travel to Canada before you board your flight.
As a UK passport holder, you are visa-exempt for tourism and business visits to Canada.1 The eTA simply pre-screens travelers electronically, allowing Canadian authorities to identify any potential issues before you arrive.
eTA Application Process
Apply only through the official Government of Canada website.2 Beware of unofficial websites that charge excessive fees.
1. Visit the Official eTA Website
Go to canada.ca/eta and select “Apply for an eTA.”2 The application takes approximately 5 minutes to complete.
2. Enter Your Passport Information
Provide your UK passport details exactly as they appear in your passport. Your eTA will be electronically linked to this passport number.1
3. Provide Personal Information
Enter your contact details, employment information, and basic travel details. You can apply without confirmed flight bookings.1
4. Answer Eligibility Questions
Respond to questions about criminal history, previous visa refusals, and health conditions.3 Answer truthfully. Misrepresentation leads to denial and potential future inadmissibility.
5. Pay the Fee
Pay CAD $7 via credit card, debit card, or prepaid card.2 The fee is non-refundable.
6. Receive Your Decision
Most applications receive instant approval.6 Check your email for confirmation. Some applications require up to 72 hours for additional review.
Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| eTA Application | CAD $7 (approximately £4) |
| Visitor Visa (if eTA denied) | CAD $100 |
| Temporary Resident Permit | CAD $200 |
| Criminal Rehabilitation Application | CAD $200 - $1,000 |
The eTA fee is charged regardless of the outcome.2 If denied, you only lose the $7 application fee.
Entry Requirements at the Border
Having an approved eTA does not guarantee entry to Canada.1 At the airport, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers will:
Verify your identity
Present your passport to the CBSA officer or use the automated kiosk at major airports. Your eTA is electronically linked to your passport.1
Answer questions about your visit
Be prepared to explain:5
- Purpose of your visit (tourism, visiting family, business)
- Length of intended stay
- Where you will be staying
- Proof of funds for your trip
- Ties to the UK (employment, property, family)
Possible document requests
Officers may ask to see:
- Return or onward flight confirmation
- Hotel reservations or host contact information
- Bank statements or credit cards showing sufficient funds
- Employment letter from your UK employer
Admission decision
If admitted, the officer will stamp your passport and indicate your authorized stay period. Most visitors are admitted for up to 6 months.1
What You Can Do in Canada
Your eTA permits a wide range of activities:1
Tourism and Leisure
- Sightseeing across all provinces and territories
- Visiting national parks and attractions
- Attending sporting events, concerts, or festivals
- Vacation travel throughout Canada
Visiting People
- Staying with family or friends
- Attending weddings or family celebrations
- Visiting Canadian relatives
Business Activities
- Attending meetings, conferences, or trade shows
- Negotiating contracts (but not signing employment contracts)
- Consulting with business associates
- Conducting site visits
Short-term Study
- Courses or programs less than 6 months
- Language courses
- Single academic course (not leading to a credential)
What You Cannot Do
The eTA does NOT permit:1
- Any paid or unpaid employment
- Working for a Canadian employer
- Full-time study programs lasting 6+ months
- Establishing a business in Canada
- Providing professional services for payment
If you need to work or study in Canada, you must apply for the appropriate visa or permit.
Criminal Inadmissibility
Canada has strict rules regarding criminal inadmissibility that apply regardless of eTA approval.3 Even if your eTA is approved, you can be refused entry at the border if you have a criminal record.
Offenses that commonly cause inadmissibility:
| Offense Type | Inadmissibility Period |
|---|---|
| DUI (after Dec 2018) | 10 years from sentence completion |
| DUI (before Dec 2018) | 5-10 years depending on circumstances |
| Theft, fraud, assault | Varies by severity |
| Drug offenses | Serious, often permanent without rehabilitation |
Important notes:3
- Canadian law does NOT recognize UK “spent” convictions. All convictions must be declared.
- A single DUI is classified as “serious criminality” in Canada
- Border officers can access UK criminal records through shared databases
- Misrepresenting your criminal history is itself grounds for permanent inadmissibility
Options if you have a criminal record:
-
Deemed Rehabilitation: If 10+ years have passed since completing your sentence for a non-serious offense, you may be automatically considered rehabilitated.3
-
Individual Rehabilitation: Apply to IRCC if 5+ years have passed since completing your sentence. Costs CAD $200-$1,000 depending on offense severity.3
-
Temporary Resident Permit (TRP): Allows entry despite inadmissibility for a specific purpose. Costs CAD $200 per application.5
If you have any criminal history, apply for your eTA well in advance and consider consulting a Canadian immigration lawyer.
If You Are Denied Entry
If a CBSA officer determines you are inadmissible, you will be refused entry.5
At the border:
- You will be interviewed about the reason for denial
- You may be searched and your belongings examined
- You can withdraw your application for admission (preferable to formal denial)
- A formal denial creates a record that affects future applications
After denial:
- You cannot re-enter Canada until the inadmissibility issue is resolved
- For criminal inadmissibility, apply for rehabilitation or TRP before returning
- Seek advice from a Canadian immigration lawyer for complex cases
- Do not attempt to enter again without addressing the underlying issue
Extending Your Stay
If you need to stay in Canada longer than 6 months, you must apply for an extension BEFORE your authorized stay expires.1
How to extend:
- Apply online through the IRCC portal at least 30 days before your status expires
- Pay the CAD $100 extension fee
- Provide reasons for the extension and proof of financial support
- Your status is maintained while the application is pending
Extensions are granted at IRCC discretion. You should have compelling reasons for staying longer and demonstrate ongoing ties to the UK.
eTA vs Visitor Visa Comparison
| Feature | eTA | Visitor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | CAD $7 | CAD $100 |
| Processing time | Minutes to 72 hours | Several weeks |
| Maximum stay | Up to 6 months | Up to 6 months |
| Validity | 5 years | Up to 10 years |
| When required | Flying to Canada | If eTA denied, or complex cases |
| Interview required | No | Rarely |
| For criminal record | Usually denied | Allows presenting evidence |
For most British travelers, the eTA is the faster and more economical option. The visitor visa is necessary only for those denied an eTA or with complex circumstances requiring additional documentation.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Criminal Record
Any criminal conviction can trigger eTA denial. Canada has strict inadmissibility rules, and even minor offenses or spent convictions under UK law may cause rejection. The Canadian system can access UK criminal records through international databases.
How to avoid: If you have any criminal record, apply well in advance. You may need a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or criminal rehabilitation application. Consult an immigration lawyer for complex cases.
DUI or Driving Offenses
Canada treats DUI (driving under the influence) as a serious criminal offense. A single DUI conviction can make you inadmissible for 10 years. This is one of the most common reasons British travelers are denied entry at the border.
How to avoid: If your DUI was more than 10 years ago, you may be 'deemed rehabilitated.' Otherwise, apply for criminal rehabilitation (if 5+ years since sentence completion) or a Temporary Resident Permit.
Previous Immigration Violations
History of overstaying previous visits, being deported from Canada, or violating immigration rules in Canada or other countries can result in eTA denial.
How to avoid: Be honest about any previous immigration issues. Apply for a visitor visa instead if you have a history of violations, as it allows you to explain circumstances.
Misrepresentation
Providing false information on your eTA application, including omitting criminal history or previous visa refusals. Canada takes misrepresentation very seriously.
How to avoid: Always answer truthfully. Misrepresentation can lead to a 5-year ban from entering Canada. If you made an error, contact IRCC to correct it before traveling.
Security Concerns
Suspected involvement in espionage, terrorism, human rights violations, or organized crime. These are rare but result in automatic denial.
How to avoid: If denied for security reasons, you have limited options. Consult an immigration lawyer specializing in Canadian immigration law.
Medical Inadmissibility
Certain serious communicable diseases or conditions that could impose excessive demand on Canadian health or social services may result in denial.
How to avoid: Standard health conditions are not a concern. Only serious public health threats or conditions requiring extensive treatment are relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do British citizens need a visa to visit Canada?
No. UK citizens are visa-exempt for short visits to Canada. You need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when flying to Canada, which costs CAD $7 and can be obtained online in minutes. If arriving by land or sea from the United States, you do not need an eTA.
How long does Canada eTA approval take for UK citizens?
Most eTA applications are approved within minutes. Some applications may take up to 72 hours if additional review is required. In rare cases requiring further documentation, processing can take several days. Apply before booking flights to avoid issues.
How much does the Canada eTA cost for British citizens?
The Canada eTA costs CAD $7 (approximately £4). This is a one-time fee that covers your eTA for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. The fee is non-refundable even if your application is denied.
How long is the Canada eTA valid for UK passport holders?
The eTA is valid for 5 years from approval, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you can make unlimited trips to Canada, with each stay limited to 6 months maximum.
How long can British citizens stay in Canada?
UK citizens can stay in Canada for up to 6 months per visit. The exact duration is determined by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at the port of entry. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for an extension before your authorized stay expires.
Do I need an eTA if I am driving to Canada from the USA?
No. The eTA is only required when flying to Canada. If you are entering Canada by land or sea (such as driving from the United States), you do not need an eTA. However, you still need a valid passport and may be subject to questioning at the border.
Can I work in Canada with an eTA?
No. The eTA only permits tourism, visiting family or friends, business activities (meetings, conferences), and short-term study courses. Any paid employment requires a separate work permit. Business visitors can attend meetings but cannot work for a Canadian company.
Will a criminal record prevent me from getting a Canada eTA?
Possibly. Canada has strict inadmissibility rules regarding criminal records. Even minor offenses or spent convictions under UK law may result in eTA denial. If you have any criminal history, your application may be flagged for additional review or denied. You may need to apply for criminal rehabilitation or a Temporary Resident Permit.
Can I enter Canada with a DUI conviction?
A DUI conviction makes you potentially inadmissible to Canada. If your DUI was less than 10 years ago, you may be denied entry. Options include applying for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or, if 5+ years have passed since completing your sentence, applying for criminal rehabilitation.
What happens if my Canada eTA is denied?
If your eTA is denied, you will receive an email explaining the decision. You cannot travel to Canada under the eTA program. Instead, you must apply for a visitor visa (CAD $100), which allows you to provide additional documentation and context. For criminal inadmissibility, you may need a Temporary Resident Permit.
Do children need their own Canada eTA?
Yes. Every traveler, including infants and children, must have their own eTA when flying to Canada. Each child needs their own valid passport, and a separate application with payment must be submitted for each individual.
Can I transit through Canada with an eTA?
Yes. British citizens transiting through a Canadian airport need an eTA even if they are not entering Canada. The eTA allows you to pass through Canadian immigration during your layover. Transit without a visa is only available at certain airports for specific nationalities.