Visas & entry
Canada: do I need an eTA?
British visitors don't need a visa for Canada, but you need an eTA to fly in, including when changing planes there. Short visits can last up to 6 months.
- No visa needed
- Apply online before you go
- Visa on arrival
- Visa in advance
The eTA is linked to your passport, so if you renew your passport you need a new one. Arriving by land from the US, or by sea on a cruise, doesn't need an eTA, just your passport.
How you arrive
- Flying in (including transit)Apply online before you go
eTA required, applied for online on the official Canadian government site.
- By land or seaNo visa needed
No eTA. Show your passport.
- British-Canadian dual nationalsNo visa needed
Travel on your Canadian passport.
How to apply
- Apply on the official Government of Canada site. It costs a few Canadian dollars.
- Most approvals come within minutes, but some take several days.
- It lasts 5 years or until your passport expires.
- Use the same passport you applied with when you check in.
At the border
Border officers ask about your plans, where you're staying and how long. A criminal record, including old drink-driving convictions, can make you inadmissible, so check before you book. Declare all food and more than CA$10,000 in cash.
Before you go
- Apply on the official Government of Canada site. The fee is a few Canadian dollars, so anything costing much more is unofficial.
- Emergency number: 911.
Official advice: FCDO entry requirements for Canada
Stay and do
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