Canada Visa RequirementsFor United Kingdom passport holders
British citizens do not need a visa to visit Canada, but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before flying. The eTA costs just CAD $7, is approved within minutes in most cases, and allows stays of up to 6 months per visit.
United Kingdom passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to Canada.
British citizens flying to Canada must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before travel. Apply online at the official portal: canada.ca/eta**.
Cost: CAD $7 (non-refundable), paid by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Visa Debit.
Processing time: Most applications are approved within minutes. If additional documents are requested, you will receive an email within 72 hours.
- A valid British passport
- A credit or debit card
- An email address
- Answers to basic travel and background questions
What you need:
Important: Your eTA is linked to your passport. If you renew or replace your passport, you must apply for a new eTA, even if the old one has not expired.
Air travel only: The eTA is only required when flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport. British citizens arriving by car, bus, train, or ferry do not need an eTA, though a valid passport is required.
The eTA is valid for 5 years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first) and allows multiple entries to Canada.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Allowed
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Valid British passport
The same passport you will travel with. Your eTA is electronically linked to this specific passport.
Credit or debit card
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Visa Debit, Debit Mastercard, UnionPay, or JCB. Required to pay the CAD $7 eTA fee.
Email address
A valid email address to receive your eTA approval notification. Keep the email with your eTA number for reference.
Travel and background information
Basic questions about your travel history, criminal history, health conditions, and any prior visa refusals. The online form cannot be saved mid-way -- have all information ready before you begin.
Required at Entry
Valid British passport (entry)
The same passport linked to your eTA. CBSA verifies the eTA electronically. Dual nationals who are Canadian citizens must travel on a Canadian passport.
Return or onward ticket
Flight booking showing your departure from Canada. CBSA officers may ask to confirm you intend to leave within the permitted period.
Proof of accommodation Recommended
Hotel bookings, rental confirmation, or contact details of your host if staying with friends or family.
Proof of sufficient funds Recommended
Bank statement, credit card, or cash to show you can support yourself during your stay.
Current Travel Situation
United Kingdom to Canada: What You Need to Know
Canada and the United Kingdom share deep historical ties as Commonwealth nations. This close relationship is reflected in Canada's visa policy: British citizens do not need a visitor visa for short stays. However, since 2016, an eTA has been required for all air travel to Canada by visa-exempt nationals, including UK passport holders.
When you arrive, a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer decides the actual length of your permitted stay. While the general rule allows up to 6 months, the officer can grant a shorter period based on the purpose and circumstances of your visit. You may be asked to show proof of onward or return travel and evidence of sufficient funds. British-Canadian dual nationals must travel on a valid Canadian passport and are not eligible to use the eTA.
How to Get There
- IEC Working Holiday: The International Experience Canada (IEC) program allows British citizens aged 18-35 to live and work in Canada for up to 2 years on an open work permit. Apply through canada.ca/iec during open invitation rounds
- Young Professionals (IEC): A category within IEC for those with a job offer in a professional field
- Study permit: Required for courses longer than 6 months. Apply before arrival
- Express Entry (PR): Points-based permanent residency system covering Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades programs
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Individual provinces can nominate skilled workers for permanent residency based on local labour needs
- Spousal/family sponsorship: For those with Canadian citizen or permanent resident partners
Money & Banking
Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD).
UK cards: Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards are accepted almost universally across Canada. Contactless payments are widely available. Notify your bank before travel to avoid fraud blocks.
ATMs: Readily available, but watch for fees. Your UK bank may charge a foreign transaction fee (typically 1-3%), and Canadian ATMs often add a surcharge of CAD $2-5 per withdrawal. Using a Wise or Revolut card reduces these costs significantly.
- Restaurants and bars: 15-20% (often suggested on the payment terminal, starting at 18%)
- Taxis and rideshares: 10-15%
- Hotel housekeeping: CAD $2-5 per night
Tipping culture: Tipping is expected and more generous than in the UK. Standard rates:
Not tipping in a restaurant is considered rude. Check the suggested amounts on card machines before tapping.
Practical Tips
- Drive on the right: Canada drives on the right side, the opposite of the UK. Take care at roundabouts and when turning. A UK driving licence is valid for short visits, but check with your car hire company about requirements
- Distances are vast: Canada is the second-largest country in the world. Flying between cities is often more practical than driving. Toronto to Vancouver is roughly 40 hours by road
- Weather extremes: Winters are severe across most of Canada, with temperatures regularly falling below -20C in cities like Winnipeg and Ottawa. Pack accordingly for the season
- No UK healthcare reciprocal agreement: Canada and the UK do not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement. Travel insurance with medical cover is essential. Emergency medical care in Canada is extremely expensive for uninsured visitors
- French-speaking Quebec: Quebec is officially French-speaking. While most people in tourist areas of Montreal and Quebec City speak English, learning a few French phrases is appreciated
- Electricity: Canada uses 120V/60Hz with Type A and B plugs (two flat pins). UK devices need both a voltage converter and a plug adaptor
Frequently Asked Questions
Do British citizens need a visa to visit Canada?
No. British citizens do not need a visitor visa for short stays in Canada. However, if you are flying to Canada, you must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before your trip. The eTA is not a visa -- it is a pre-travel screening requirement costing CAD $7.
British citizens arriving by land (car, bus, train) or by sea do not need an eTA, but must carry a valid British passport.
How do I apply for a Canadian eTA, and how much does it cost?
Apply online at the official Government of Canada portal: canada.ca/eta. The fee is CAD $7** (non-refundable), payable by major credit or debit card.
You will need your British passport, an email address, and a few minutes to complete the form. Most applications are approved within minutes, though some can take up to 72 hours. Your eTA is then electronically linked to your passport -- there is nothing to print, though keeping your approval email with your eTA number is recommended.
The eTA is valid for 5 years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first) and allows multiple visits.
How long can British citizens stay in Canada?
British visitors can generally stay for up to 6 months per visit. However, the actual length is at the discretion of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at the point of entry -- the officer may grant less than 6 months based on your circumstances.
The eTA itself is valid for 5 years and allows multiple visits. Each visit is treated separately.
Can British citizens do a working holiday in Canada?
British citizens aged 18 to 35 can apply for the International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday program, which provides an open work permit allowing you to work for any employer across Canada for up to 2 years.
Apply through the IEC pool at canada.ca/iec during open rounds. Other IEC categories include Young Professionals (requires a job offer in a professional field) and International Co-op (for full-time students). For longer-term options, Express Entry is Canada's main points-based pathway to permanent residency.
Are there direct flights from the UK to Canada?
Yes, there are many direct (non-stop) flights between the UK and Canada's major cities. London Heathrow (LHR) has the most routes, with direct flights to Toronto (Pearson), Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary operated by Air Canada, British Airways, WestJet, and others.
Manchester (MAN) and London Gatwick (LGW) also have seasonal or year-round direct routes to Toronto. Flying time is approximately 8 to 9 hours to Toronto and 9 to 10 hours to Vancouver from London.
When is the best time to visit Canada?
June to August is the most popular time, with warm to hot weather, festivals, and long daylight hours. The Canadian Rockies and national parks are spectacular in summer.
September and October offer stunning autumn foliage, especially in Quebec and Ontario, with fewer crowds.
December to March is ideal for winter sports (skiing in Whistler, Banff), though temperatures can be extreme (well below -20C inland).
Coastal British Columbia (Vancouver) has milder, wetter winters than the rest of the country and is a good year-round destination.