If it is on your mind to travel to Canada from the UK for a short time, it is essential that you know about the travel requirements first. Those with a British passport can visit Canada for a short while without a visa, for an eTA suffices. 

The land of Maple trees beckons you, and you, as a UK citizen, wish for a brief getaway to Canada. But whether you wish to be amazed at the wonder of Niagara Falls or roam about the city of Montreal, there are a few travel permits you have to keep in mind. Do you need a Canada visa to the UK? No! As of 2016, UK citizens are required to have a simple eTA to get entry access into Canada. But what is an eTA? Is the application process more complicated than applying for an online visa?

Worry not, for your questions will be answered in this blog! Considering as of 2024, around 77,800 of UK citizens had traveled to Canada, the application process of eTA cannot be difficult, right? 

What Are Canada’s Entry Requirements for UK Citizens?

British citizens, British subjects, citizens of British Dependent Territories, and citizens of the British Overseas who are re-admissible to the UK wanting to enter Canada do not have to apply for a Canada visa UK; they need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) instead. Since the United Kingdom falls under the category of visa-exempt countries for Canada, citizens who are traveling by air need to acquire an eTA (those going by sea or land do not need an eTA).

• The eTA will let you enjoy tourist-y activities in Canada for 180 days at a stretch
• The eTA comes with a 5-year validity, but your passport should remain valid throughout as well (the eTA expires otherwise)
• The eTA requires renewal if you have a new passport
• The eTA application can be made online and is quite a hassle-free procedure

Please note that you need to show the eTA at the time of boarding the flight. If you have an expired eTA, or one whose details do not match with your passport, you will be stopped from boarding the flight. So, be cautious at the time of filling out the eTA application form, and double- and triple-check every detail.

If a UK citizen travels to Canada by land or sea, they do not need an eTA; they need to show the passport as an ID proof. Also, Canadian officials at the border may ask them to show their return or onward ticket as proof of their honest intent. Also, proof of having enough means to sustain the stay in the country has to be shown, even if the person is staying at a friend’s or a relative’s house.

How to Apply for the eTA

The entry requirements for Canada are not extensive; you simply need your passport, a mode of payment, and an email. The eTA application gets completed in a few simple steps.

• Get on our website and fill out the online application form (make sure that the details you give match to that with your passport)
• Upload the necessary documents
• Make the application fee payment 

The application process is done! eTA approval does not take long; you are likely to receive the approval in just about a few minutes. 

Every UK citizen traveling to Canada requires an eTA, so do not make the mistake of not applying for an eTA for a child going with you. Also, note that the eTA allows you to go sightseeing, take part in festivals, visit friends (not direct relatives**) but not get employment in Canada.

** If you are visiting Canada to meet family members who are of Canadian citizenship and wish to stay with them for a longer time, apply for the Super Visa after checking the visa requirements for Canada. This will allow you to remain without having to renew the authorized stay. 

• Parents and/or grandparents of Canadian citizens are eligible
• Lets you stay for 5 years
• Grants multiple entries

Make Your Entry into Canada More Seamless

Besides following the usual Canada entry requirements for UK citizens, you need one more thing to make the border experience more seamless – use the ArriveCAN app and complete the Advance CBSA Declaration. Do this 72 hours before your estimated arrival time in Canada so that upon arrival, you save considerable time during customs and immigration. 

This step is helpful if you are arriving at any of these airports:

• • Halifax Stanfield International Airport
  • Toronto Pearson International Airport 
  • Edmonton International Airport
  • Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
  • Montreal-Trudeau International Airport 
  • Vancouver International Airport
  • Calgary International Airport
  • Ottawa International Airport 

• Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport 

• Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport 

However, while filling out the form online definitely will speed up the customs process, remember that there are certain rules about what you may not bring into Canada.

In the case that you are found in possession of cannabis, any plant or animal that poses a threat to the country, or anything endangered, you will be charged a hefty fine. The item will, of course, be confiscated. For certain prescription drugs that you may be taking, make sure to have written authorization in order to not face any hassle.

How about Traveling to Canada on a Personal Aircraft or Private Boat?

There is no need for an eTA. However, your arrival must be reported to the Canada Border Services Agency beforehand, for traveling by personal means calls for an oral declaration.

• Let the concerned officials know about the items you are carrying
• No carrying of prohibited items (as mentioned above) allowed in the aircraft or on the boat
• There should be other documents, such as the passport, as your ID proof
• Personal aircraft will require pre-clearance from customs

Crossing the US Border when Entering Canada

If you plan to travel by road and cross the US border to reach your destination, there is going to be a slight change in the entry requirements for Canada. No applying for an eTA anymore! You have to opt for an ESTA, which, like eTA, is going to act as your travel permit to grant you entry into the United States of America. 

The application process of ESTA is the same as that of eTA, so there’s no hassle. You are going to receive your confirmation in just a few minutes. 

The ESTA will serve as proof at the Canada border that you have lawfully traveled across the USA. Upon reaching the Canada-USA border, you have to show your ESTA and passport to the officials and may also need to show proof of other requirements, like the span for which you plan to stay in the country or if you have the means to sustain your stay.

Triple check all documents. Remember that the Canada Border Services Agency reserves the right to deny you entry if it remains unsure of your travel plans or if you are unable to show valid documentation. 

Crucial Tips for the British to Remember when Traveling to Canada

Not only the eTA application, but there are a few other things as well you need to consider when planning for a Canada trip. 

Pick the right time: Knowing when traveling to Canada will be the most fruitful. If outdoor escapades excite you, a summer getaway is ideal. Or if you wish to spend Christmas elsewhere, make bookings for the winter season. Spring and autumn have fewer crowds, so you can roam in peace.

Book in advance: Book flight tickets well in advance so as to get good deals. But when making a hotel booking, it is advisable to not spend a fortune on it. While Canada does have luxurious and boutique hotels, the scope for adventures is such that you are likely to spend more time outdoors anyway!

Pack wisely: When packing clothing items, remember to have versatile pieces for varying temperatures. Also, pack boots or comfortable shoes according to what you have planned for the trip. 

Keep time zones in mind: You are probably used to having just Greenwich Mean Time as the standard, but know that there will be different time zones here as Canada is expansive.

Time Zone of Canada	Difference in time (earlier than the UK)
Pacific	8 hours
Rocky Mountains	7 hours
Central	6 hours
Eastern	5 hours
Atlantic	4 hours
Newfoundland	3.5 hours

Table: Time difference between Canada and the UK

A Special Note for Someone Traveling to Canada WITHOUT a British Passport

Say, you have been in the UK for the past few years for work or for studying. And your fellow colleagues or students have planned a trip to Canada. Fret not; there is no stopping you from tagging along with them! While you certainly do not apply for the eTA as other British citizens do, you follow the rules that Canada requires to grant entry. 

• Show your travel document, i.e., the passport from your homeland (it should be valid)
• Check the visa requirements for Canada from your home land and make the application for an eTA or a visa accordingly (do not have to apply for anything if you are from a visa-waiver country)
• Be hale and hearty
• No past criminal records or immigration-related problems
• Show proof of your intent that you are soon to return to the UK
• Have enough means to sustain your stay

Ready to Take a Short Trip to Canada?

If you do not have enough time to plan an extensive vacation to the other part of the world, a short getaway to Canada is just perfect. There is no hassle of overcoming the language barrier, the weather remains pleasant, and you do not have to go through the time-consuming process of applying for a Canada visa UK at the embassy. Getting an eTA will serve your purpose. So, simply get on the website and submit the necessary documents to get your Electronic Travel Authorization. For more queries about the eTA, contact us.

US citizens do not require a Canada eTA or Canada Visa to enter Canada.

However, all international travellers including United States citizens must carry acceptable identification and travel documents when entering Canada.

Acceptable documents to enter Canada

According to Canadian law all visitors entering Canada must possess a proof of identity and citizenship. A current United States passport or a NEXUS card or passport card also satisfies these requirements for United States citizens.

US visitors under 16  only need to show proof of U.S. citizenship.

Entering by air

You will either need a Passport or NEXUS card.

Entering by land or sea

Acceptable documents are either one like Passport, Passport card, NEXUS card or Enhanced Driver’s Licenses.

US passport holders under age 16 may present a birth certificate when entering by land or sea.

Please note that birth certificates issued from hospital, voter registration cards, and affidavits cannot be used.

Passport card

A passport card is an alternative to Passport for specific travel situations.  Therefore, like Passport it also includes your personal details and photo. This one also resembling a driver’s license in size and format.

The passport card is also ideal for land or sea crossings between the United States and Canada.

Passport cards are not accepted as valid identification for international air travel.

NEXUS card

The NEXUS program jointly developed and managed by Canada and the U.S. offers a convenient way to travel between the two USA and Canada.

To be eligible for NEXUS, you must be a pre-approved along with low-risk traveler. You will also need to apply with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and appear in person for the interview.

You can use NEXUS card for air, land, or sea travel between Canada and the U.S.

Enhanced Driver’s Licenses

Residents of Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, or Washington can utilise EDLs offered by their states to plan and enter Canada by car. DLs are currently only valid for land and sea travel to Canada. So, they cannot be used for air travel.

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As part of recent changes to Canada eTA program, U.S. green card holders or lawful permanent resident of the United States (U.S.), no longer need Canada eTA. Read more at Travel to Canada for United States Green Card Holders

 

Visitors entering Canada can declare certain food items and goods intended for their personal use as part of their permitted personal baggage.

Bringing food into Canada for personal use

You can bring packaged snacks, tobacco products, and alcohol. But, you must declare them to Canadian customs. So, always follow the rules. That way, your trip stays hassle-free. And you can focus on enjoying your journey.  Visitors must declare all food items they bring into Canada. The law requires strict compliance. So, honesty at customs is essential. That way, travelers avoid penalties. It is also ensure a smooth entry into the country.

This category encompasses agricultural products, animal products, and food items, including their derivatives. Authorities will seize any food item deemed unsafe for entry into Canada. Strict regulations ensure food safety. So, travelers must comply with these rules. That way, they avoid complications. And ensure a hassle-free arrival.

Food Items You Can Bring into Canada

Travelers can bring packaged snacks, alcohol, and tobacco products into Canada. However, they must declare these items to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) upon arrival. So, honesty is key. That way, you avoid any travel hiccups. And enjoy a smooth entry into the country.

Allowable imports include commercially pre-packaged or canned food items, such as those typically found in grocery stores, and pre-cooked bakery goods and commercially produced sandwiches.

Permissible limits of some common food items

• Dairy Products: up to 20 kgs.
• Spices, Tea, Coffee: Permitted – 20kg
• Eggs and Processed Egg products: 5 dozen eggs

What about Alcohol and Tobacco

Alcohol: 1 and half liters of wine or couple of 750-milliliter bottles. In case of beer, 8.5 liters (around 24 cans ) or one large standard bottle of liquor which is usuall 40 ounces.

Tobacco: Travelers can bring up to 200 cigarettes or as many as 50 cigars into Canada. However, they must adhere to customs regulations. So, staying informed is key. That way, they avoid issues. And enjoy a smooth entry into the country. Unlike the United States, Canada allows Cuban cigars by travelers for personal use.

Bring Pets into Canada

Planning to travel to Canada with your furry friend? Here’s what you need to know:

Rabies Vaccination Certificate: Dogs and cats entering Canada need proper documentation. A licensed veterinarian must provide a signed, dated certificate confirming rabies vaccination within the past three years. So, pet owners should prepare ahead. That way, their furry companions can cross the border without hassle. Everyone can also enjoys a smooth journey. Therefore, this certificate is mandatory.

 Puppies and Kittens: An exception applies to pets under three months of age. Young animals do not need a rabies vaccination certificate for entry. So, pet owners can breathe a little easier. However, checking regulations in advance is always wise. That way, they ensure a smooth journey. And avoid any unexpected complications.

Items You Cannot Bring into Canada

Food

Fresh vegetables, fruits, fish or animal products.

Weapons

Canada bans firearms, ammunition, fireworks, and mace or pepper spray from entering the country. Violating this rule can lead to serious consequences. So, travelers must follow regulations. That way, they avoid legal trouble. And ensure a smooth trip. An exception is also exists for travelers bringing firearms for registered hunting or sporting events. In such cases, you must declare your firearms to customs officials upon arrival at the border.

Illegal drugs

Canada strictly prohibits the import of illegal drugs. Violating this rule also leads to severe penalties. So, travelers must comply with the law. That way, they avoid serious consequences. And ensure a trouble-free trip.

Cannabis

You cannot bring marijuana into Canada even though you may possess a prescription for medical cannabis (from the U.S., Canada, or another country). While cannabis is legal for recreational use in both Canada and Washington State, it is illegal to transport cannabis products across the international border between the United States and Canada. This applies to all forms of cannabis, including CBD oil and other cannabis products.

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To ensure a smooth arrival, understanding entry requirements is crucial. So, citizens of certain visa-exempt countries can obtain an eTA online. Certain nationalities must obtain a traditional visa to enter Canada. However, in rare cases, travelers can enter with just a valid passport—no visa or eTA needed. So, checking entry requirements in advance is crucial. That way, travelers avoid surprises. And ensure a smooth arrival.

Nowadays, the accessibility of visas significantly influences travelers’ plans. Electronic visas, or eTAs, have revolutionized the application process, providing unprecedented convenience and efficiency. Canada’s awe-inspiring natural scenery and dynamic urban centers establish it as a premier international destination.

The introduction of the Canada eTA has notably streamlined the visitation process, as evidenced by the over 22 million international visitors in 2023, indicative of heightened interest despite prior visa-related challenges.

Now, let’s meet Emily, a free-spirited adventurer with a passion for exploring the world’s wonders. Since childhood, Emily dreamed of Canada’s beauty and culture. As she grew, her wanderlust intensified. Yet, visa complexities dimmed her hopes. Traditional processes seemed daunting, until she discovered eTAs, which can make her Canadian dream a reality. It’s not just Emily’s story, there are countless travelers in the same situation.

Still confused?

Emily’s journey exemplifies how eTAs streamline visa processes. Therefore, let’s explore the specifics of the Canada eTA application process in this blog to understand how you too can make your dreams a reality.

Let’s get started.

Online Canada Visa Application: What is it Exactly?

The Canada eTA serves as an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals visiting Canada. Linked electronically to the traveler’s passport. Additionally, It’s valid for up to five years, aligning with the passport’s expiration.

Renewing your passport also requires a new Canada eTA application.

Who is Required to Submit the Online Canada Visa Application?

Visa-exempt travelers must apply for a Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This requirement applies to visitors from countries such as Andorra, Australia, Belgium, Chile, & more.

Who is Ineligible to Apply for the Online Canada Visa Application?

• Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, must use a valid Canadian passport. American-Canadians can use either a Canadian or US passport.
• Canadian permanent residents need a valid PR card or travel document.
• Those from visa-required countries, alien passport holders, & stateless individuals must apply for a Canada Visitor Visa if they are not from a visa-exempt country.

What are the Steps to Fill out the Canada Visa Application?

Before applying for the Online Canada Visa (Canada eTA), ensure you have:

1. A passport from a country exempt from visa requirements
2. Functional email address
3. Online payment options accepted for the eTA fee like a Debit or Credit card.

How Much Time Does it Usually Take to Complete the Online Canada Visa Application?

Canada eTA Application Form is fast and easy to complete, taking only a few minutes. You’ll also need a valid passport, internet access, an active email, and a valid credit or debit card for payment. Although, most applications are processed within hours.

Final Lines

If you’re planning a trip to Canada, then don’t let the traditional visa application process hold you back. Discover the freedom of the Canada eTA application, making travel easier. As eTAs become more widespread, expect smoother processes, opening new travel opportunities.

Here, Emily’s story showcases the ease of eTAs, turning a daunting task into a seamless journey.

So visit our website and apply for a Canada eTA now.

READ MORE:
Explore various Canadian visa options in this complete guide! Find the perfect visa for your Canadian adventure and start your journey today! Learn more at A Complete Guide to Different Types of Canadian Visas.