Do UK nationals need a Canada Visitor Visa or ETA?

Canada and the UK share a strong historical relationship, a common language, and similar cultural values. Unsurprisingly, more than 650,000 UK nationals visit Canada each year. While travel between these two countries has long been seamless, changes in 2016 required UK citizens to secure an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arriving in Canada.

But don’t worry—applying for an ETA is straightforward, and we’re here to walk you through the process step by step.

What is a Canada ETA?

The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a mandatory entry requirement for citizens of visa-exempt countries, including the UK, who wish to travel to or transit through Canada by air. You don’t need a visa if you’re a UK national, but you do need this ETA.

Key facts about the Canada ETA

• Stay duration: With an ETA, UK nationals can stay for up to 180 days per entry.
• Validity: The ETA is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
• Processing time: Applications take just minutes, with no need for in-person visits or lengthy government procedures.

Learn more about the Canada ETA for UK citizens.

Difficulty Rating: 3.5/5

Applying for an ETA is relatively straightforward, with a difficulty rating of 3.5/5. The application includes just 5 questions, requires 2 documents (a valid passport and proof of residential address), and takes about 5 minutes to complete.

There are no in-person procedures involved, and the government fee is 7 USD. The longest wait factor can be up to 5.3 hours, though this may vary depending on your processing choice.

How to apply for a Canada ETA

The ETA application is simple using our website or mobile app, requiring only three steps:

1. Complete your personal details and select your preferred processing time.

2. Review your information carefully before making payment.

3. Submit your application. In rare cases, you might be asked to provide additional documents, but that’s typically the exception, not the rule.

After you apply, we’ll handle the rest and email you your ETA approval. All you need to do is print it out and present it along with your passport when you arrive at the airport in Canada.

"As a frequent traveler, I appreciated how fast and easy the process was with iVisa. I had my ETA in less than a day and was ready for my trip!" — Sarah, London.

Processing times and fees

We offer three processing options to meet your travel needs:

• Standard processing (4 days): USD $103.49
• Rush processing (2 days): USD $137.49
• Super rush processing (24 hours): USD $201.49

Additional tips for Canada travel

• Traveling with family? Make sure each family member, including children, has their own ETA.
• If you’re planning to work in Canada, you’ll need a different visa—a work permit. The ETA is for short-term travel, such as tourism or visiting family, for up to 180 days per entry.

What if there’s a mistake in my application?

If you notice an error in your application, contact us immediately. We may be able to correct it before your ETA is processed. If the mistake is noticed after approval, you must reapply and pay the fee again (minus our service fee).

Over 5,000 UK travelers have secured their Canada ETA with us, and we’re proud to offer a smooth and successful process.

Need more information?

We’re here to make your travel experience seamless. If you have any questions, our customer service team is ready to assist you. Contact us anytime via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.