Canada Visa Guide for UK BRP / eVisa Holders

Overview

Canada welcomes millions of visitors each year, offering vast natural landscapes from the Rocky Mountains to Niagara Falls, vibrant multicultural cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, and a quality of life consistently ranked among the highest in the world. For UK BRP holders, the route to visiting Canada depends entirely on your passport nationality.

If your nationality is eTA-eligible — including citizens of most EU countries, Japan, South Korea, and several others — you simply need to apply online, pay CAD 7, and receive approval (usually within minutes). If your nationality is not eTA-eligible, you must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), which involves an online application, biometrics at a VFS Global centre, and processing times of 4-8 weeks.

Canada Visa at a Glance

Detail	Information
eTA cost	CAD 7 (~£4)
Visitor visa (TRV) cost	CAD 100 (~£60) + CAD 85 biometrics
eTA validity	5 years or until passport expires
TRV validity	Up to 10 years (multiple entry)
Maximum stay	Up to 6 months per visit
eTA processing	Minutes to 72 hours
TRV processing	4-8 weeks average
Biometrics centre	VFS Global, 66 Wilson Street, London EC2A 2BT

eTA — Electronic Travel Authorization

The Canadian eTA is a simple online process. Visit the official IRCC website, fill in your passport and personal details, pay CAD 7, and receive approval by email. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport. It is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires. Each visit can be up to 6 months. The eTA is only for air travel — if entering Canada by land from the USA, different rules apply.

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

Step 1: Apply Online

Create an account on the IRCC website and complete the visitor visa application. You will need to upload a digital photo, passport scan, proof of funds (bank statements), travel itinerary, employment letter, and proof of ties to the UK. A cover letter explaining your travel purpose strengthens the application.

Step 2: Biometrics at VFS London

After submitting your application, you will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL). Book an appointment at VFS Global London (66 Wilson Street, EC2A 2BT) or other VFS centres in the UK. The biometrics fee is CAD 85. You will have fingerprints and a photo taken. The process takes about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Wait for Processing

Processing times vary by nationality and time of year, typically 4-8 weeks. You can check your application status online through your IRCC account. If the visa office needs additional documents, they will request them electronically. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have your visa.

Step 4: Receive Your Visa

If approved, you will need to send your passport to the visa office (instructions provided). The visa sticker will be placed in your passport and returned by courier. The TRV is usually issued as a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years.

Travel Tips for Canada

• Getting there — Direct flights from London to Toronto (8 hours), Vancouver (9.5 hours), Montreal (7.5 hours), and Calgary (9 hours).
• Currency — Canadian Dollar (CAD). Cards accepted everywhere.
• Health — No vaccinations required. Travel insurance strongly recommended as healthcare for visitors is very expensive.
• Best time — June to September for summer activities. December to March for skiing and winter sports. Shoulder months offer lower prices.
• Budget — Canada is moderately expensive. Hotels from CAD 120-250/night. Meals from CAD 15-30.
• Driving — UK driving licence accepted for up to 6 months in most provinces. Drive on the right.

For more visa guides, see our Visa Guides hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: March 2026. Always verify entry requirements with the relevant embassy or official government website before booking travel.