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🇬🇧 Does a British need a visa for Canada 🇨🇦?

What this means for your trip

An ETA (electronic travel authorisation) is not a visa: it is an online pre-screening that airlines check before boarding.

It is normally approved within minutes to a few days; apply before you book non-refundable travel.

Your passport should normally be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and have blank pages for stamps; many countries apply this rule.

Canada at a glance

Capital: Ottawa · Currency: Canadian dollar (CAD, $) · Official languages: English, French · Calling code: +1

U.S. State Department travel advisory for Canada: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions (updated 11 June 2025). It is written for U.S. citizens; read the advisory before you book.

Plugs and voltage

You need a travel adapter: Canada uses plug types A, B, the United Kingdom uses G. Mains voltage differs (Canada: 120 V; the United Kingdom: 230 V): most phone and laptop chargers accept 100–240 V, but single-voltage devices such as some hair dryers need a converter.

More about entering Canada →

Your embassy in Canada

If your passport is lost or stolen, or you need help in an emergency in Canada, contact the embassy of the United Kingdom:

• British High Commission, Ottawa · gov.uk
• British Consulate-General Calgary · gov.uk
• British Consulate-General Montreal · gov.uk
• British Consulate-General Toronto · gov.uk

Missions from Wikidata (CC0), checked 2026-09-26. Addresses and opening hours change: check the mission's website before you go.

Easier destinations near Canada for British passport holders

• 🇲🇽 Mexico — Visa-free 180 days
• 🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda — Visa-free 180 days
• 🇦🇷 Argentina — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇧🇸 Bahamas — Visa-free 240 days
• 🇧🇧 Barbados — Visa-free 180 days
• 🇧🇿 Belize — Visa-free
• 🇧🇴 Bolivia — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇧🇷 Brazil — Visa-free 90 days

The other way round

🇨🇦 Canadian passport holders visiting the United Kingdom: Canadian passport holders do not need a visa for the United Kingdom, but must get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) online before travelling.

The British passport at a glance

All destinations for United Kingdom passport holders → · Who needs a visa for Canada →

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