Canada entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
180 days
Max stay
180 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
British passport holders can visit Canada for up to 6 months without a visa – but if you're flying, you must get an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before boarding. If you arrive by land or sea, no eTA is needed. This applies in 2026.
Apply for Canada eVisaOnly required when arriving by air; not needed for land/sea entry from the US. Linked electronically to your passport — no printout required.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)You must get this online approval before your flight; it is linked to your passport. Required before boarding | UK citizens need an eTA to fly to or transit through Canada. Apply online at the official eTA website (https://eta.cic.gc.ca/). The eTA costs CAD $7 and is usually approved within minutes, but can take a few days if extra documents are requested. It is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date – if it's too close, renew it before you travel. At least 6 months | Your UK passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Canada. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's a clean page for border officials to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a ticket out of Canada shows you plan to leave within your allowed stay. May be requested | Although not always required, Canadian border officers may ask to see proof of onward travel. It is strongly recommended to have a return or onward ticket booked. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry evidence of funds in case border officials ask how you'll support yourself. May be requested | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay. No specific amount is set, but be ready to show bank statements or credit cards. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill anything in before you fly – just do the usual customs form on arrival. Not required | Canada does not require a separate arrival declaration for UK citizens. You will complete a customs declaration upon arrival, either via a kiosk or the ArriveCAN app (optional). | Not required |
eTA is mandatory for air travel – no exceptions
If you show up at the airport without an approved eTA, you will be denied boarding. The airline has no way to issue one on the spot. Apply at least 72 hours before departure, though approval often comes within minutes.
eTA is not a visa
Some websites mix up eTA and a visa. They are different. An eTA is a quick authorisation for visa‑exempt travellers. You do not need a visa sticker in your passport. If a third‑party site asks for more than CAD $7, you're being overcharged.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eTA (if flying)
Use the official Canadian government eTA website – not a third‑party site. Fill in your passport details, pay CAD $7 with a credit card. Approval usually comes within minutes by email. Do this at least a few days before your flight, just in case.
2
At the airport (air travel) or border crossing
For air travel: show your boarding pass and passport. The airline will verify your eTA before you board. At Canadian customs (e.g., Toronto Pearson or Vancouver International), use a self‑service kiosk or the eDeclaration app to submit your customs declaration. Then see a border officer who will check your passport and may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, accommodation, return plans). For land/sea entry: no eTA needed. Present your passport and answer routine questions.
3
Receive entry stamp and authorised stay
The officer will stamp your passport and say how long you can stay – usually 6 months for UK tourists. They might write a date by hand. Check the stamp before leaving the counter. If you're not sure, just ask politely: 'How many days am I allowed to stay?'
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) – Visitor
Max stay6 months
ValidityUsually up to 10 years or until passport expiry
Cost$100 CAD
For those not eligible for eTA (e.g., if you have a criminal record or are a dual national of a visa-required country).
Work Permit (Employer-specific)
Max stayUp to 2 years (typical)
ValidityVaries; tied to job offer
Cost$155 CAD
Requires LMIA or LMIA-exempt offer; allows longer stay and work.
Study Permit
Max stayDuration of study program + 90 days
ValidityFor length of program
Cost$150 CAD
For academic courses longer than 6 months.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD 155 (~USD 115) employer compliance fee + CAD 100 (~USD 75) work permit fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from a Canadian employer. Requires Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Allows work and potential pathway to permanent residence.
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of study program + 90 days, renewable
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For international students accepted at a designated learning institution. Allows part-time work on campus and off-campus after 6 months.
Apply digital nomad visa
Canada's Digital Nomad Strategy (no specific visa)
Up to 6 months as a visitor, then may apply for work permit
Varies; visitor entry is free, work permit CAD 155 (~USD 115)
Canada encourages digital nomads to work remotely while visiting. No dedicated visa yet; stay as a visitor for up to 6 months, then consider a work permit if eligible.
retirement visa
No specific retirement visa; use Super Visa for parents/grandparents
Up to 2 years per entry
CAD 100 (~USD 75) for Super Visa
Canada does not have a retirement visa. Retirees may visit as tourists or, if they have children/grandchildren in Canada, apply for a Super Visa for longer stays.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) application feeRequired for air travel; valid for 5 years or until passport expiry. | $7 CAD |
| Visitor visa (TRV) application feeOnly if you do not qualify for eTA (e.g., dual national with inadmissibility issues). | $100 CAD |
| Visitor record (extension of stay) application feeFor extending stay beyond 6 months; apply before status expires. | $100 CAD |
| Biometrics fee (if required)Only for certain visa applications; not for eTA. | $85 CAD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Canada
No transit visa needed
British citizens transiting through a Canadian airport do not need a visa or eTA if they remain airside and depart within 24 hours. However, if you need to clear customs or change airports, you must obtain an eTA (if flying) or a visitor visa (if not eligible for eTA).
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you have a valid Canadian visitor visa, you do not need an eTA.
- If you are a dual national of a visa-required country, you may need a visa even for airside transit.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson (YYZ) · Vancouver (YVR) · Montréal–Trudeau (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease in wooded areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but present in summer months in some regions.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Generally safe food and water; standard hygiene practices recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Ottawa
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – Ottawa Office
219 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For in-person inquiries by appointment only; most applications are online.
Toronto
IRCC – Toronto Office
25 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4T 1M2
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visitor record extensions and other applications; appointments required.
Practical information for GB travellers
Country basics
CapitalOttawa
LanguageEnglish, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid in Canada.
Money
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.42 CAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame to -3h depending on province
vs Los AngelesSame to +3h depending on province
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in all major cities.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Canada
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. UK passport holders do not need a visa for tourist visits up to 6 months. But if you travel by air, you must get an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before boarding. eTA is not a visa – it's a quick online pre‑approval that costs CAD $7 and lasts up to 5 years.
Most UK visitors are allowed up to 6 months per entry. The border officer sets the exact duration on the spot – always check the stamp. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension from inside Canada, but do it before the expiry.
No – if you arrive by land (car, bus, train) or by sea (ferry, private boat), you do not need an eTA. You just present your passport at the border crossing. eTA is only required for air travel.
No. You must apply and receive approval before your flight. Airline staff will check it at check‑in. There is no way to obtain an eTA at the airport. Apply online at canada.ca/eta well in advance.
Yes – the eTA is electronically linked to your passport number. If you renew your passport, you must apply for a new eTA (it costs another CAD $7). The old eTA becomes invalid once the passport it's linked to expires.
A tourist visa waiver (or eTA) does not allow work or study beyond very short courses (under 6 months). For work, you need a work permit. For most study programs, you need a study permit. Apply to the Canadian visa office in London before you travel.
Yes – apply online for a visitor record extension from inside Canada before your authorised stay expires. There's a fee (about CAD $100). Approval is not guaranteed. Overstaying without permission can affect future travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.