How Much Does a Canada eTA Cost for UK Citizens?

If you're a UK citizen planning a trip to Canada, you've probably heard about the eTA. It's an electronic travel authorisation that allows visa-exempt nationals to fly to Canada without a visa. The cost is minimal, but you need to know the details before you apply.

This guide covers everything: the exact fee, how to apply step by step, how long it lasts, and what to do if things go wrong. We'll also compare it with other travel authorisations and answer common questions.

Remember, this is general guidance. Always check official sources like the Government of Canada website before you travel.

What Is a Canada eTA and Who Needs It?

The Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a digital travel document linked to your passport. It's required for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada. UK citizens are visa-exempt for short stays (up to 6 months), so you need an eTA instead of a visa.

You don't need an eTA if you're arriving by land or sea – only by air. Also, if you have a valid Canadian visa, you don't need an eTA. And if you're a dual citizen with Canadian nationality, you must use your Canadian passport.

Not sure if you need one? Check Canadian immigration rules. For most UK citizens, the eTA is the way to go.

Who exactly is visa-exempt for Canada?

Visa-exempt countries include the UK, most EU nations, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many others. The full list is on the official Canada immigration website. If you hold a passport from a visa-exempt country, you need an eTA for air travel.

But there are exceptions. US citizens do not need an eTA or visa for Canada. They only need to show their passport.

Also, permanent residents of the US are not visa-exempt and may need a visa or eTA depending on their nationality.

If you are a UK citizen but also hold a passport from a non-visa-exempt country, always use your UK passport for travel to Canada. This ensures you can apply for an eTA easily.

Transit through Canada without an eTA

Even if you are only changing planes in a Canadian airport, you generally need an eTA. This applies to UK citizens transiting to the US or elsewhere. There is no transit exemption for air travellers.

However, if you are a US citizen or have a valid US visa, you might still need an eTA when transiting Canada. Always double-check the rules for your specific situation.

How Much Does a Canada eTA Cost for UK Citizens?

The Canada eTA fee is CAD $7. That's about £4, depending on the exchange rate. There are no additional processing fees or hidden charges.

The official Government of Canada website charges exactly CAD $7 – no more, no less.

Be careful: Some third-party websites charge extra for assistance. They might add service fees of $20-$100. Always use the official website (Canada.ca/eTA) to avoid overpaying.

Exchange rate impact on the cost

The CAD $7 fee converts to roughly £4, but exchange rates fluctuate. At a rate of 1.8 CAD to 1 GBP, it's about £3.90. If the Canadian dollar strengthens, it might be £4.20.

The exact amount you pay in pounds depends on your bank's conversion rate.

When paying by credit card, your card issuer may add a foreign transaction fee. This is not the Canadian government's fee, but your bank's charge. Some travel cards waive these fees, so check before you apply.

Payment methods accepted

The official eTA portal accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Debit cards with those brands also work. You must pay in Canadian dollars.

The site uses secure encryption.

You cannot pay via PayPal, bank transfer, or cash. Ensure your card has sufficient funds and is enabled for online international transactions.

Are There Any Additional Fees?

No. The CAD $7 fee covers everything: application processing, authorisation, and validity for up to 5 years. You won't be asked for extra payments unless you apply through a third party. If your eTA is denied, you don't get a refund, but that's the only risk.

Payment is by credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express). The website uses secure payment processing.

Why the fee is non-refundable

The CAD $7 processing fee covers the cost of checking your application against Canadian immigration databases. Whether approved or denied, that work has been done. So no refund is given if your application is rejected.

This is standard for most electronic travel authorisations. The US ESTA also charges a non-refundable fee. It's a small risk, but denials are rare for UK citizens.

How to spot and avoid third-party scam websites

Some websites look almost identical to the official Canada eTA site. They charge high service fees (sometimes $50 or more) and may even submit your application for you. But you are overpaying by a huge margin.

Always check the URL. The official site is Canada.ca/eTA or canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta. Avoid sites ending in .com or .org that are not government domains.

If you accidentally use a third-party site, you might still get the eTA – but you will pay extra. You have no guarantee of faster processing. Stick to the official site.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Canada eTA

Applying is quick. Here are the numbered steps:

Step 1: Gather your documents. You'll need a valid UK biometric passport (or other eligible nationality). Have your passport details ready, plus a credit card for payment. You don't need a photo upload or printed documents for the application.

Step 2: Go to the official website. Visit Canada.ca/eTA. This is the only official site. Avoid third-party sites that look similar.

Step 3: Fill in the online form. You'll be asked for personal info: full name, date of birth, passport number, country of citizenship, employment details, and travel plans. Answer truthfully – inaccurate info can lead to denial.

Step 4: Answer a few health and background questions. It's standard: Do you have a criminal record? Serious medical issues? Reasonable questions to ensure you're admissible to Canada.

Step 5: Pay the fee. The cost is CAD $7. Enter your card details. The website processes payment in seconds.

Step 6: Submit and wait. Most applications are approved within minutes. You'll receive an email with your eTA confirmation. In rare cases, it can take up to 72 hours.

Apply well before your flight.

Step 7: Check your eTA status. You can check or update your eTA online using the reference number from the email. Print a copy for your records, but it's electronically linked to your passport.

That's it. You're good to go to Canada.

Common mistakes in each step

In Step 1, ensure your passport has at least six months validity from your planned departure. Canada does not strictly require this, but airlines often do. A passport with less than six months remaining may cause boarding issues.

In Step 3, double-check your passport number. A single typo can cause your eTA to be invalid when you travel. Also, make sure your name matches exactly as on your passport, including middle names.

In Step 4, be honest about any DUI or minor criminal record. Canada is strict about inadmissibility. Even a driving under the influence conviction can disqualify you from eTA eligibility.

You may need a visa instead.

What to do if the website is slow or crashes

Sometimes the official site experiences high traffic. If the page doesn't load or times out, wait a few minutes and try again. Do not use a third-party site out of frustration.

You can also try using a different browser or device. The application session may expire after 20 minutes of inactivity. If that happens, start over – you won't be charged until you submit payment.

How Long Does the Canada eTA Take to Process?

Most eTA applications are approved automatically within seconds. You'll get an email confirmation almost immediately. But sometimes it takes longer – up to 72 hours in rare cases.

If you have a complex history (like a past visa refusal), it might be referred to an immigration officer.

You can check processing times on the official website. Our advice: apply at least a few days before your flight. Don't wait until the last minute.

Why some applications are delayed

If you have a common name that matches a watchlist, your application may be flagged for manual review. This is rare but can delay approval by a few days. Similarly, if you answer "yes" to any background question, you might need additional scrutiny.

Applications for citizens from certain non-UK countries (if you hold dual nationality) may also take longer. Always apply well in advance to avoid stress.

Can you expedite an eTA application?

No, there is no expedited option. The fee is the same regardless of processing time. You cannot pay extra for faster service.

The only way to speed things up is to apply early and ensure your information is accurate.

If your application is delayed beyond 72 hours, you can contact Canadian immigration via their web form. They may provide a status update.

How Long Is the Canada eTA Valid?

Once approved, the Canada eTA is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first. So if your passport expires in 2 years, your eTA expires then too. When you renew your passport, you'll need to apply for a new eTA.

During the validity period, you can make multiple trips to Canada, each stay up to 6 months. It's a multiple-entry authorisation.

What counts as a "trip" under the eTA?

You can leave Canada and re-enter multiple times within the 5-year validity. There is no limit on the number of entries. However, each stay cannot exceed 6 months unless you get an extension from Canadian immigration.

If you are a frequent traveller for business or family visits, the eTA is very convenient. You don't need to reapply for each trip as long as your passport remains valid.

What happens when you renew your passport after eTA approval

Your eTA is electronically linked to your old passport. When you get a new passport, the link is broken. You must apply for a new eTA with your new passport details.

The good news is that the fee is still CAD $7.

If you have multiple passports (e.g., UK and another nationality), you must apply with the passport you intend to travel with. You cannot use the eTA from an older passport.

What Happens if Your eTA Is Denied?

Denials are rare for UK citizens, but they happen. Reasons include: incomplete application, criminal record, or inaccurate information. If denied, you'll receive an email explaining why.

You can reapply with corrected info, but the fee is non-refundable.

Alternatively, you may need to apply for a visitor visa instead. That's a longer process with a higher fee (CAD $100). Contact the Canadian visa office in the UK for guidance.

Don't panic – many problems can be resolved by calling or emailing Canadian immigration.

Most common reasons for denial

Aside from criminal history, a past visa refusal from Canada or another country can trigger denial. Also, if your passport is not biometric (for UK citizens this is rare but possible for older passports), you may be ineligible.

Another common issue is providing inconsistent information between your application and your travel history. Always tell the truth.

How to reapply after a denial

You can submit a new eTA application at any time. Make sure you address the reason for denial. For example, if you accidentally answered "yes" to a medical question when the answer should have been "no", correct it.

There is no appeal process; reapplying is the only option.

If you believe the denial was an error, you can contact immigration to request a review. Provide your reference number and explain the mistake. However, the fee will not be refunded even if the error is on their side.

When you need a visitor visa instead

If you are denied an eTA due to inadmissibility (criminal record or serious health issues), you may not be eligible for a visitor visa either. But if the denial is for administrative reasons, a visitor visa application is possible. The fee is CAD $100 for a single or multiple entry visa.

Processing a visitor visa takes weeks or months. Plan far in advance. The UK visa application centre in London handles Canadian visas.

Canada eTA vs Other Travel Authorisations

You might wonder how the Canada eTA compares to other similar schemes. For example, UK citizens can also travel to Australia under the Australia ETA visa for UK citizens, which costs AUD $20. The process is similar but the fee is higher.

The concept of a visa waiver program is common. The US has its own system, but UK citizens still need a visa or ESTA to visit the US – the ESTA costs $21. Canada's eTA is among the cheapest.

Another example: visa waiver program countries like South Korea or Japan have different rules. And if you're heading to the Middle East, you might need a Saudi Arabia travel authorisation UK citizens – that's a separate process.

Moral of the story: always check the specific requirements for each country. The Canada eTA is straightforward and affordable.

Detailed cost comparison

The US ESTA costs $21, the Australia ETA is AUD $20 (around £10), and the Canada eTA is CAD $7 (about £4). Among these, Canada is the best value. However, the ESTA is valid for 2 years, while the Canada eTA lasts up to 5 years.

The UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme for visitors to the UK costs £20 and will be required for many nationalities from 2025. That is another point of comparison.

What about the New Zealand NZeTA?

New Zealand's NZeTA costs NZD $9 (about £4.50) and is also for visa-exempt travellers. It is comparable to Canada's eTA in price and validity (up to 2 years). However, the NZeTA also requires an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $35, making it more expensive overall.

Canada's eTA has no additional levy. So for pure cost, the Canada eTA is among the cheapest travel authorisations globally.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many UK citizens make small errors when applying for their Canada eTA. These can lead to delays, denials, or problems at the border. Here are the most frequent mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

First, using a third-party website is the biggest mistake. Always go directly to Canada.ca/eTA. Second, entering passport details incorrectly is common.

Double-check every digit.

Third, applying too close to your flight. Even though most approvals are instant, some take 72 hours. Apply at least a week before departure to be safe.

Mistaking eTA for a visa

Some travellers think the eTA is a visa. It is not. It is a travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals.

If you have a criminal record, you may not be eligible for an eTA and must apply for a visitor visa. Do not assume the eTA will cover you if you have a serious criminal history.

If you are unsure about your admissibility, check the Canadian immigration website or consult an immigration lawyer.

Assuming land or sea crossing also needs eTA

If you are driving from the US to Canada or taking a ferry to Victoria, you do not need an eTA. You only need your passport. However, if you fly into Canada and then leave by land, your eTA for the air entry is still required.

Remember: eTA is for air travel only. Land and sea arrivals are visa-exempt for UK citizens without any authorisation (aside from passport).

Canada eTA for Families: Applying for Children and Groups

If you are travelling with children, each child must have their own eTA. There is no family application. Each traveller, including infants and minors, pays CAD $7 and submits a separate form.

You need the child's passport details. For babies without a separate passport (e.g., included on parent's passport) – but UK children always have their own biometric passport. So apply for each child individually.

If you are travelling as a group, remember that each application is independent. You cannot apply for everyone in one session. However, you can fill them one after another on the same device.

Special rules for minors

There are no additional requirements for minors beyond the standard eTA application. However, if a child travels without both parents, Canadian border officers may ask for a letter of consent. This is not an eTA issue but a travel document requirement.

Always carry a signed letter from the non-travelling parent(s) authorising the child's travel, especially if the parents are separated.

What to Do After eTA Approval: Travel Tips for UK Citizens

Once your eTA is approved, you can travel to Canada. Print the confirmation email for your records. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport, but having a copy can help if there is a system glitch.

Check your passport's expiry date. If it expires during your trip, you may face re-entry issues. Ensure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay.

Also, note that the eTA does not guarantee entry. The Canadian border officer has the final say. They may ask about your purpose of visit, funds, and ties to the UK.

What if your passport is lost or stolen after eTA approval?

If your passport is lost or stolen, you must get a new one. Your eTA is linked to the old passport number and is invalid. Apply for a replacement eTA with your new passport.

The fee is CAD $7 again.

Report the loss to the UK police and get a crime reference number. Also inform the Canadian immigration authorities if you have travel plans soon.

Travel insurance and health requirements

Canada does not require travel insurance for eTA holders, but it is highly recommended. Medical care in Canada is expensive for foreigners. The public healthcare system covers residents only.

Have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and baggage loss. Check with your provider that it includes coverage for Canada.

No vaccinations are required for UK citizens entering Canada unless you are coming from a yellow fever endemic country. Check the latest health advisories before travel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Canada eTA Cost

Here are answers to common questions UK citizens ask about the Canada eTA fee.

Is the fee per person or per passport?

The fee is per person per passport. Each traveller pays CAD $7 for their own eTA. Infants and children also pay the full fee.

Can I get a refund if I make a mistake in my application?

No, the fee is non-refundable even if you submit an incorrect application. You would need to reapply with correct information and pay again. So be careful when entering your details.

Does the fee change frequently?

The CAD $7 fee has been stable for years. However, the government could change it anytime. Check the official website for the current fee before applying.

Can I pay in UK pounds?

No, the payment is processed in Canadian dollars. Your bank will convert the amount. The total in pounds depends on the exchange rate and any foreign transaction fee from your card issuer.

Is there a fee to check my eTA status?

No. Checking your eTA status online is free. You just need your passport number and date of birth.

Alternatives to eTA: Visitor Visas and Other Options

If you are not eligible for an eTA – for example, if you have a criminal record or your country is not visa-exempt – you will need a visitor visa. The application process is longer and more expensive.

A single-entry visitor visa costs CAD $100. A multiple-entry visa is also CAD $100, but the processing time is several weeks. You may need to submit biometrics and attend an interview at a visa application centre.

For UK citizens, this is rarely needed. But if you have dual nationality from a non-visa-exempt country and cannot use your UK passport, you might need a visa.

Transiting Canada without eTA

There is no transit without an eTA for air travellers. However, some nationalities may use the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program if they hold a valid US visa and book a flight through a participating Canadian airport. UK citizens do not qualify for TWOV; they need an eTA.

If you are unsure, contact your airline. They can advise on whether you need an eTA for your itinerary.

Key Takeaways

• Canada eTA costs CAD $7 (about £4) for UK citizens – no hidden fees.
• Apply online at Canada.ca/eTA – avoid third-party sites.
• Most applications approved in minutes; valid up to 5 years.
• Required for air travel only. Land/sea arrivals don't need it.
• If denied, you may need to apply for a visitor visa.

This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify current requirements with the official Government of Canada website before traveling.

For official guidance, visit the UK Government ETA.

See also: Schengen travel insurance requirements