Canada eTA and CBSA form for UK citizens

Yes, all British nationals must hold an eTA visa-waiver for Canada when travelling by air. Your eTA is valid for the purposes of:

Your travel authorisation means you can enjoy visa-free stays under Canada’s visa waiver program.

Brits do not need an eTA to enter Canada by car, bus, train, or boat (including on a cruise ship). You can stay visa-free for up to 6 months but will need a visa for longer or permanent stays.

Yes, British nationals require an eTA to disembark an aircraft at a Canadian airport and change flights, even if they do not plan to stay in the country.

With a valid eTA, you’ll be able to leave the airport and spend time in Canada between flights.

No, only air passengers need an eTA for Canada. If you’re arriving via a land border crossing, train, or at a seaport, British passport holders do not need a travel authorisation.

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. The process is 100% online. Fill out the application, and once approved, your permit is electronically linked to your passport.

No, the Canada eTA is not a tourist visa, or any other type of visa. It's an electronic authorisation to travel to Canada. If you plan to stay longer than 6 months, or intend to work, study, or live in the country, you'll need to apply for a visa instead.

Yes, all travellers with a UK passport require an individual travel authorisation for Canada. This applies to children and babies of all ages. You can apply on their behalf through our online service.

If you have a UK criminal record, you can apply for a Canadian travel authorisation. You’ll be asked to disclose your criminal history through a series of eligibility questions.

If your request is denied, you can apply for certification of criminal rehabilitation under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Alternatively, you can apply for a visa. Visit a Canadian embassy or consulate to proceed with the next steps.

You’re recommended to submit your application at least 2 working days before you travel. OnTrailVisa offers a Priority Service for last minute requests — opt in to get yours within 12 hours, or choose Express Priority for 1 hour turnaround time.

No, you must apply for your entry permit before travelling. It only takes a few minutes to complete our online application form. Fill it out when preparing for your trip.

If you notice an error on your application, contact us as soon as possible. We’ll help you with the next steps.

We’re confident that your travel authorisation will be approved when you apply through our site. If your application is denied, we’ll inform you by email and provide information on what to do next.

If your eTA has expired, you must apply for a new one before travelling to Canada. Make your renewal request using the usual eTA application form.

You need a new eTA if any of the following circumstances apply:

You’ll find the eTA number in your confirmation email. This is issued when your application is approved. Your eTA reference number is not needed when boarding a flight or entering Canada.

Your travel pass is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If your passport is due to expire soon, you’re recommended to renew it before applying for your travel authorisation.

Yes, the electronic travel authorisation allows multiple entries. You’ll be able to visit Canada as many times as you wish during its 5-year validity period.

Each trip must be less than 6 months. Border officials must be satisfied that you’re travelling as a genuine visitor, and that you’re not intending to work or study during your time in the country.

Health insurance is not required for entry to Canada, but it’s recommended for all visitors. UK citizens are not eligible for free healthcare during their stay, so it’s best to take out an insurance policy to cover your trip.

To check the status of your travel pass, look for our confirmation email of your travel authorisation. It contains all the information you used to apply, as well as your travel authorisation’s expiry date.

Border officials do not require a printed copy of your eTA on arrival in Canada. It’s electronically linked to your passport, so it’s visible when scanned at immigration control. However, it’s recommended to print and keep a copy for your records.

If your travel authorisation expires while you’re in Canada, you must apply for a new one before leaving the country. To avoid delays or problems on departure, apply to renew your travel pass well in advance of its expiry date.

To extend your stay beyond 6 months, you must apply for a visitor record before your travel authorisation expires. The visitor record is not a visa — it’s a type of extension document which gives you permission to stay in the country for longer.