Travel Rules For British Citizens Visiting Canada

British citizens are required to apply for a Canadian eTA visa to enter Canada for a short period of time (less than 90 days) for tourism, business, transit, or medical purposes. This only applies to passengers arriving by air on a commercial or charter flight. The eTA program was introduced in 2016 to screen travellers arriving from overseas, secure Canada's borders, and provide real-time data on all passengers entering the country. Most applicants get their eTA approval within minutes, and the authorization is sent by email.

British citizens can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to enter Canada

To be eligible for an eTA, travellers must have a machine-readable electronic passport and be over 18 years old (or have a parent/guardian apply for them). The eTA is only valid for arrival by air, and British citizens must apply for a full Canadian visitor visa if they plan to enter Canada by car, train, bus, or boat. The eTA application can be completed on a desktop, tablet, or mobile device, and it is advised to submit the application at least 72 hours before departure. Processing times are usually within 30 minutes, and the authorisation is sent via email. There is no need to print or present any documents at the airport, as the eTA is stored electronically against the passport in the Canadian immigration system.

It is important to note that an eTA does not guarantee entry into Canada, as the final decision is made by Canadian Immigration officials. Additionally, travellers may be asked to show a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. If a British citizen wishes to stay in Canada for more than 90 days or for purposes other than those covered by the eTA, they will need to apply for a different visa.

eTA is only valid for arrival by air

British citizens are allowed to travel to Canada, but they need to meet certain entry requirements. To enter Canada, a British citizen's passport must be valid for the length of their planned stay. In addition, most people need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada, but not both.

The eTA is an electronic travel authorization that serves as an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to or transiting through Canada, typically by air. It allows Canadian authorities to screen travellers before they arrive, enhancing security and visibility. The eTA is only valid for arrival by air, and travellers must present the passport used to apply for the eTA when checking in for their flight.

When arriving in Canada by air, travellers' fingerprints will be automatically checked at a primary inspection kiosk. This biometric verification process ensures that the traveller's identity matches the information provided during the application. If travellers enter Canada through smaller airports or land ports of entry, their fingerprints may be checked during a secondary inspection by a border services officer.

It is important to note that having a valid eTA and travel document does not guarantee entry into Canada. Border services officers will conduct an identity check, health assessment, and verify compliance with entry requirements before determining the length of stay or granting entry. Travellers must also declare any prohibited goods or items subject to tax or duty to avoid confiscation and potential fines.

eTA is for visits under 90 days

British citizens are allowed to travel to Canada, but they need to have a valid passport and may need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). An eTA is a requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. It is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

If you are a British citizen and you are travelling to Canada by air, you will need an eTA unless you have a valid Canadian visa. An eTA allows you to travel to Canada multiple times for short stays of up to 6 months at a time. It is important to note that an eTA does not guarantee entry into Canada, and the final decision is made by a border services officer upon arrival.

The eTA application process is simple and can be completed online before booking your flight. You will need a valid passport and a credit or debit card to pay the CAD $7 fee. Most applications are approved within minutes, but some may take longer if additional documents are required.

It is worth mentioning that if you are travelling to Canada by car, bus, train, or boat, you do not need an eTA or a visa as a British citizen. However, you must carry acceptable travel documents and identification.

British citizens need a valid passport for the length of their stay

For British citizens to enter Canada, they must have a valid passport for the length of their stay. This is a requirement for all British citizens, regardless of the purpose of their visit. It is important to note that while a visa is not mandatory for short visits, British citizens travelling to Canada by air are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This can be done through a simple online process, and it is recommended to apply for it before booking your flight.

The eTA grants entry into Canada, but the length of stay is determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry. Therefore, if a British citizen intends to stay in Canada for an extended period or for specific purposes, they may need to apply for a visa or permit. It is advised to check the requirements for visas and permits before travelling to ensure compliance with Canadian immigration laws.

When travelling to Canada, it is also essential to be aware of the entry requirements for any countries that may be visited on the way. Many countries require a passport to have at least six months' validity remaining for entry. Canadian border officials may also request to see a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay, even if staying with family or friends.

In conclusion, British citizens must possess a valid passport for the duration of their intended stay in Canada. Additionally, an eTA or visa may be required, depending on the length and nature of the visit. It is important to be aware of and comply with all entry requirements to ensure a smooth travel experience.

British-Canadian dual nationals need a valid Canadian passport

British-Canadian dual citizens are required to carry a valid Canadian passport when travelling to Canada. This requirement came into effect on November 10, 2016, when the Government of Canada implemented a new electronic system to verify that all passengers have the appropriate travel documents before boarding a flight to Canada. This system automatically checks travellers' documents during the check-in process for their flight.

The Canadian government requires dual citizens to present an acceptable travel document that confirms their Canadian citizenship. A valid Canadian passport is the only universally accepted form of identification that proves one's citizenship and right to enter Canada without being subjected to immigration screening. Therefore, it is essential for British-Canadian dual citizens to carry their Canadian passport when travelling to Canada, even if their other country of citizenship requires them to use its passport for exit and entry.

It is important to note that British-Canadian dual citizens who do not have a valid Canadian passport may be eligible for a special authorisation that will allow them to board their flight. To qualify for this special authorisation, individuals must meet certain criteria, including having a valid passport from a visa-exempt country and not being a Canadian-American dual citizen. However, this authorisation is only valid for four days from the selected date of travel, and travellers must carry proof of Canadian citizenship, such as a citizenship certificate.

In addition to a valid Canadian passport, British-Canadian dual citizens may also need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) or a visa, depending on the purpose and duration of their visit to Canada. It is recommended to check the entry requirements before travelling to ensure a smooth journey.

Frequently asked questions