My in-laws are coming to stay for 5 weeks this summer. I didn't think they needed a visa but when I booked their flights on line with Zoom, a warning came up saying that British Citizens born before 1949 may need a visa and it is up to the individual to find out if that is appropriate for their situation.

I don't think they need a visa but does anyone know anything different.

Many thanks.

If they are traveling on a UK passport then they don't need a visa.

No, but you don't have to tell them that ............

They may do if they are British Subjects and not citizens, even if they have a UK passport. This applies to some people born in Eire before a certain date etc who have a passport but arent citizens

It's British subjects not British citizens.

What does their passport say for nationality? If it says British citizen they are ok.

Not quite as clear-cut as that:
http://www.canada.org.uk/visa-info/visitor/e_brit.htm

Southcote, I like your thinking

Thanks for the help - not sure about the citizen subject bit but as they are both (or I presume they are but there's no need for further clarification or I'll just get confused even more) they'll get in without a visa (I was getting a bit hopeful for a moment!!)

British subject under the British Nationality Act 1981 is a distinct status held only by certain people connected with British India or Southern Ireland before 1949.

British citizens are not also "British subjects" (used to be, but for nationality purposes not since 1 January 1983).

My mum is a British subject rather than a citizen as she was born in Eire, even though she came to England before her first birthday.

She did not need a visa when she visited us 4 months ago.

She's lucky she was allowed to board the plane in the first place (there is a regular supply of stories like this), let alone get admitted to Canada by Immigration. The link in post #6 makes it clear that a visa is needed.

Obviously no-one spotted that her passport says "British subject" - not this time, anyway. Incidentally, the United States and Australia make a similar distinction.

Why doesn't she become a British citizen?

She did, she just got away with it. My mums friend had to cancel her visit as she didnt realise she needed the visa and the airline wouldnt let her on the plane.

Like this story:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/200...escape5?page=2

British subjects (with Right of Abode) who have lived in the United Kingdom for 5 years or more have an entitlement to register as full British citizens, on application to the Home Office.

That appears to be the obvious solution, at least for those living in the United Kingdom.

"in-laws coming for five weeks" now that brings me out in a cold sweat, good luck!

Did I not hear somewhere that immigration are limiting stays for in-laws to only 2 weeks, after which they get sent back?

funny you mention that because it does sound familiar, pretty sure that the rule