canadian travel eta

Apply for Canada eTA – Welcome to Electronic Travel Authorization

You can only apply and pay for one person at a time . For example, for a family of three, you will need to complete and submit the form three times.
Make sure you provide correct informations
You will hear from us by email only . Check your junk mail folder.

eTA is a travel authorization required for travelers visiting Canada as tourists or on business trips or as travelers.

As of August 25, 2015, eTA is a required electronic travel authorization for travelers visiting Canada as tourists, on transit, or on business travel under 6 months. Eligible travelers with passports from selected countries will be able to apply online for an eTA. Travelers who do not obtain an eTA may be barred from access to Canada and may also be fined by the Canadian government. Travelers are therefore recommended to apply as soon as possible.

New Canadian travel screening process called eTA

Canada has implemented a web-based travel control system for foreign nationals without a visa requirement, known as Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). The implementation of this program is just one of the many initiatives the Canadian government is taking as part of their joint agreement with the United States to better secure their borders.

Visa-exempt Countries:eTA filing is now mandatory

The United States and Canada have adopted a policy to improve the security of their common border and to cooperate in sharing visa and immigration information on travelers visiting either country. Enforcement of Electronic Travel Authorization is one of Canada’s initiatives in response to this agreement. Citizens of the following countries are required to obtain an eTA prior to their departure to Canada:

Basics of the Canadian eTA The Canadian eTA is just like the digital verification system for travelers, which is in place in many developed countries such as the United States and Australia. As the name suggests, eTA confirms a person’s ability to travel to Canada without a visa but does not guarantee admission to Canada. Only the Canadian Border Authority can determine whether travelers wishing to cross the border into Canada will gain access to the country. An approved eTA is issued for a period of five years or until the date the passport expires, whichever comes first. An approved eTA allows the traveler to visit Canada for up to six months, but the allowable period of stay may vary based on the dates stamped in the traveler’s passport by the Canadian border authorities.

The scope of eTA

Foreign nationals from countries that do not require a visa will need an eTA, and those from selected European countries, New Zealand and Australia. U.S. Americans, Canadian citizens, and people with permanent residence permits in Canada are exempt from having to have a Canadian eTA or visa. Foreign nationals currently in need of a visa to enter Canada are not eligible for an eTA and therefore still need a visa to visit Canada for tourism, transit, business, work and medical or educational purposes. purpose. Answers to frequently asked questions are available to those who wish to apply for an eTA.

You arrive by air and are a citizen of an eligible country that is visa exempt – please see list of visa exempt countries below.
You convince an immigration officer of your ties to your country – employment, family home, etc. that will ensure you return to your country.
You have sufficient funds for your stay in Canada – this is determined by the length of your trip and the immigration officer

Canadian eTA application An approved eTA is required prior to a traveler’s departure to Canada. All eTA-eligible guests need an approved eTA, regardless of age. The entire eTA application process is conducted online, including submission of application, payment process and eTA issuance process. Travelers must provide passport, travel and personal information such as their name, date of birth, address and position on the eTA application form. An approved permit is generated within minutes and linked to the eTA holder’s passport.

Applicants with criminal record or medical conditions can apply and explain their circumstances further on the Canadian eTA application form. Similarly, applicants who have previously been denied a Canadian eTA or visa may also reapply for an eTA, explaining how their circumstances have changed since their last application.

eTA system benefits The expansion of the eTA program has helped Canada achieve the vision it has with the United States on improving border security and developing economic competitiveness, both of which are expected to accelerate the flow of both people and goods while strengthening their partnership. .

The main purpose of the eTA system is to provide eligible persons with a convenient method of obtaining a travel permit to Canada. The eTA system makes it easier for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to identify unacceptable travelers, such as those with flight bans or extensive criminal records, and to prevent these people from entering the country. The eTA system also provides IRCC with data to track the travel patterns of visa-exempt foreign nationals entering and leaving Canada. This the government did not have the opportunity to do before, as there was no prior screening process for foreign nationals. The eTA system has thus provided the IRCC with significant improvements in border security.

About eTA-visitcanada.ca

The services provided herein are in relation to the submission of eTA applications. The processing fee include CA$7 due to the Canadian government for issuing your eTA. By purchasing our services the customer agree to pay a service fee for data entry and assistance service fee which includes the mandatory CA$7 fee paid by eta-visitcanada.ca on his/her behalf to the Canadian Government for the eTA system fee. For more information please review our terms and conditions.

Interactive Advance Passenger Information System and the Canadian eTA

The Interactive Advance Passenger Information (IAPI) system provides airlines with a message whether or not the individual traveler who needs to use an eTA or visa to enter Canada must board. Travelers must not check-in without providing passport and eTA permit information. Travelers are asked to apply for an eTA early, as processing can take several hours or weeks, and without an approved eTA, a flight to Canada is not permitted.

Visa-exempt Countries:

TIPS FOR YOUR TRAVEL

Always apply for the eTA as soon as possible. Normally the authorization is approved within very short time, but in case that your authorization was denied you can expect additionally waiting time for your travel authorization.

eTA Canada – Valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new eTA.

eTA Travel – With a valid eTA, you can travel to Canada as often as you want for short stays (normally for up to six months at a time).

Always double check the passport number you typed into the form. It’s not possible to correct incorrect passport numbers on already approved eTA authorizations.

PASSPORT EXPIRE

Please double check your passport issuance and expire date, as these information are very important to be 100% correct

PASSPORT - NAMES

Provide 100% correctly the names as in your passport. You can find the correct names by looking at the bottom of you passport in the machine readable area.

YOUR HOME ADDRESS

Carefully write you home address as it’s not possible to correct when application is approved.

Be sure to write your correct email address, as the Canadian Authorize send you update to this email.

Canada eTA resources

Skip to main content
Skip to site information

Language selection

Help us to improve our website. Take our survey !

Entering Canada

On this page, by private boat, required identification, permanent residents, travelling with children, you and the border services officer.

Whether you’re returning home or visiting, you’ll follow the same 3 steps to enter Canada:

Step 1. Pre-arrival: Use Advance Declaration or complete a Declaration Card

If you’re arriving by air at one of Canada’s participating international airports, you can save time at the border. Submit your customs and immigration declaration online using Advance Declaration up to 72 hours before you arrive in Canada.

If you choose not to submit your declaration in advance, you can complete it at an airport kiosk or eGate. If you’re landing at an airport without kiosks or eGates, you’ll receive a Declaration Card on board the aircraft or other conveyance. Read the instructions and complete the card before you arrive. Have it ready to present to Canadian officials at the airport, along with your identification and other travel documents. If you're travelling with children, please have their documentation ready as well.

If using a Declaration Card, detach and discard the instructions. To help us serve you faster, do not fold the card.

Everyone arriving in Canada must complete a declaration. You can list up to 4 people living at the same residence on one card, or 8 people per Advance Declaration submission.

The Declaration Card or Advance Declaration submission tells us what we need to know about you, your travels and what you’re bringing into the country.

Connecting to another flight

If you’re connecting to another flight or travelling on to another destination and re-boarding the same plane, follow the signs. At some airports, you may have to check your baggage and have it screened again.

If you travel frequently our trusted traveller programs can help

If you're a member of a trusted traveller program, you can skip Step 2 and go directly to the automated kiosks or eGates for faster processing.

Step 2. Arrival: First CBSA checkpoint

When you arrive at the terminal, follow the signs to the first Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) checkpoint, also called “primary inspection.”

If you used Advance Declaration, go to a kiosk or eGate to retrieve your confirmed declaration receipt. Up to 5 people may use a kiosk as a group upon arrival.

Next, a border services officer will examine your:

Declaration Card or Advance Declaration kiosk receipt
your identification
other travel documents

The officer may ask you a series of questions to determine:

your immigration status
the type of any goods you're bringing with you
your duty-free allowance
your personal exemption entitlements

Goods not properly declared that are restricted or prohibited in Canada can, under the law, be seized.

Newcomer or coming to Canada to study or work

If you’re a newcomer to Canada, coming to study or work in Canada, you may need to present further documentation. The officer will help guide you through this process. You may ask the officer for help if you don’t speak English or French well.

Step 3. Baggage and second CBSA checkpoint

Go to the baggage claim area. If you must pay duty and taxes, you can pay at most major airports while waiting for your luggage.

Once you’ve picked up your luggage:

go to the next CBSA checkpoint
Declaration Card, Advance Declaration kiosk or eGate receipt
receipt, if you paid duty and taxes for your goods

The officer may direct you to a secondary inspection area.

Here, officers may ask you:

for detailed information about your travels
to present your luggage and goods for examination

This is a normal part of the travelling process. Your cooperation is appreciated and helps us ensure the safety of Canada, its economy and its residents.

If you’re arriving by land, follow the signs to the first checkpoint, also called “primary inspection.” Here, a border services officer will examine your identification and other travel documents and take your verbal declaration.

Visit U.S. to Canada border wait times for estimated wait times at certain locations.

If you’re arriving by private boat, go directly to a designated marine telephone reporting site and call the CBSA Telephone Reporting Centre (TRC) at 1-888-226-7277 to obtain clearance.

Private boaters that meet certain conditions may report to the CBSA by calling the TRC using cell phone from their location in Canadian waters.

Learn more about reporting requirements for private boaters.

Make sure you carry proper identification for yourself and any children travelling with you to help confirm your legal right to enter Canada. Canada has introduced a new entry requirement, known as an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), for certain international travellers who fly to Canada.

Read about the changes and how they may affect you.

The Government of Canada recommends that Canadian citizens travel with a valid Canadian passport because it’s the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel.

International transportation companies such as airlines may require travellers to present a passport before boarding. Canadian citizens may face delays or may not be allowed to board the plane or other conveyance if they present other documents such as a:

Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)/Enhanced Identification Card (EIC)
NEXUS card (used where the program is available)
Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card used in FAST lanes
Canadian citizenship card
Certificate of Indian Status
Birth certificate in combination with either a driver's licence or a government-issued photo identification

Permanent residents (immigrants living in Canada who are not yet Canadian citizens) need a valid permanent resident card to return to Canada. Check the expiry date on your card.

Note that a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document.

See Canadian Citizenship for further details.

Parents who share custody of their children should bring copies of the legal custody documents to the border when travelling with their children.

A consent letter should be used for all cross-border travel when a child is travelling:

with only 1 parent or guardian
in the care of friends or relatives
with a group, such as a sports, school, musical or religious group

Example of a consent letter to permit travel by a child with a single custodian or parent.

When travelling with a group of vehicles, parents or guardians should arrive at the border in the same vehicle as the children.

Adults who aren’t parents or guardians should have written permission from the parents or guardians to supervise the children. The consent letter should include addresses and telephone numbers where the parents or guardian can be reached.

Border officers watch for missing children, and may ask detailed questions about the children who are travelling with you.

You may occasionally find yourself going through a more detailed inspection. In some cases, this simply means that you may have to complete a form. In other cases, the border services officer will need to identify the goods you’re bringing into the country or examine your luggage.

Border services officers are legally entitled to examine your luggage as part of their responsibility to protect Canada's safety, economy and environment. You are responsible for opening, unpacking and repacking your luggage.

By making your goods easily accessible for inspection and having your receipts handy, you will be helping the CBSA to help you. It’s a good idea to keep all your receipts for accommodation and purchases, and for any repairs done to, or parts bought for, your vehicle. The border services officer may ask to see them as evidence of the length of your stay and of the value of the goods or repairs.

If you disagree with the amount of duty and taxes that you have to pay, please ask to speak with the CBSA superintendent on duty. A consultation can often resolve the issue quickly and without cost. If you’re still not satisfied, our officers can tell you how to make a formal appeal.

Border services officers may arrest an individual for an offence under the Criminal Code (for example, impaired driving, outstanding arrest warrants, stolen property, abductions/kidnappings) and for infractions under other acts of Parliament (for example, the Customs Act , the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act ).

If you’re arrested, you may be compelled to attend court in Canada. You should note that anyone arrested in Canada is protected by and will be treated in accordance with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms .

What Is eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)?

An Electronic Travel Authorization, or eTA Canada, is an online entry requirement allowing more efficient and secure travel to certain countries. The primary purpose of an eTA is to pre-screen travelers before they board their flights or arrive at their destinations, ensuring that they are eligible to enter the country in question. Various countries worldwide, including eTA Canada, have implemented this electronic system. The eTA system simplifies the travel process for eligible visitors, streamlining entry procedures while maintaining high levels of security and immigration control.

eTA Canada is a specific example of an Electronic Travel Authorization system implemented by the Canadian government. This system allows citizens from visa-exempt countries to apply for travel authorization online and receive it electronically, eliminating the need for a physical visa stamp in their passports. It is important to note that an eTA does not guarantee entry into Canada, as travelers must still meet all other entry requirements and undergo an examination by a border services officer upon arrival.

One of the main advantages of a Canada eTA is its ability to enhance security measures for both the traveler and the host country. By pre-screening visitors, potential security risks can be identified and addressed before they enter the country. Additionally, electronic systems provide a more efficient means of data collection, allowing authorities to monitor patterns and trends in international travel more effectively.

Furthermore, a Canada eTA simplifies the overall travel experience for eligible visitors. By reducing the need for physical visa stamps and allowing travelers to apply online, the eTA system eliminates the need to visit a consulate or embassy in person. This saves time and reduces the potential stress and inconvenience of obtaining a traditional visa.

The eTA system minimizes the hassle often associated with traditional visa applications by providing a user-friendly online platform for travelers to obtain authorization. Additionally, the electronic nature of the system allows for increased efficiency and security monitoring, ultimately benefiting both the traveler and the host nation. As international travel continues to grow and evolve, more countries will likely adopt similar eTA systems in the years to come.

How to Apply for an eTA Canada

Applying for an eTA is a simple online process. However, you should apply for an eTA before you book your flight.

Step 1 - Check Your Eligibility

To apply for an eTA, you must have a valid passport from a visa-exempt country, a valid credit card, and an email address. You must also get an eTA to enter or transit Canada by air unless you're exempt.

You need an eTA if you're a:

Visa-exempt foreign national and you're flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport
As a visa-exempt foreign national, you do not need an eTA (or a visitor visa) when arriving by car, bus, train, or boat (including a cruise ship).

You may be eligible to apply for an eTA (instead of a visitor visa) if you're a:

Citizen from select visa-required countries, and you're traveling to Canada by air.
However, you still need a visitor visa (not an eTA) when arriving by car, bus, train, or boat, including a cruise ship.

Travelers That Don't Need an eTA

U.S. citizens don't need an eTA or Visitor's Visa but must carry identification like a valid U.S. passport. If you're a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., you'll need to present a valid green card and a valid passport.

Canadian permanent residents and citizens don't need an eTA. Canadian permanent residents must have a permanent resident card or travel document. Canadian citizens and dual Canadian citizens can travel with a valid Canadian passport.

American Canadians can travel with a valid Canadian or U.S. passport.

You don't need an eTA if you're visa-required. However, you will need a Visitor's Visa to enter Canada. You may be eligible to apply for an eTA (instead of a visitor visa) if you're a citizen of select visa-required countries and traveling to Canada by air. However, you need a visitor visa (not an eTA) when arriving by car, bus, train, or boat, including a cruise ship.

Below is a list of visa-exempt nationals that will need an eTA if traveling by air or transit through an airport in Canada:

Step 2 - Gather Your Documentation

To apply for a Canada eTA to travel to Canada, you will need the following documentation:

A valid passport from a visa-exempt country
Birth date and place of birth,
Marital status,
Nationality, and
Passport number
A valid credit or debit card An email address

Step 3 - Apply Online and Pay Your Fees

To apply for an eTA, you can use the online form on the Government of Canada's official website. The application process only takes a few minutes, and the fee for an eTA is CAD 7. Learn more about Canadian immigration fees .

After You Apply

If your eTA is approved, you will receive an email confirming you can travel to Canada by air. Your eTA will be linked to your passport, and you must show your passport to airline staff whenever you board a flight to Canada. Most applications are approved within minutes, but some can take longer. You may need to submit additional documents before your application can be approved. If this happens to you, an email will be sent with instructions within 72 hours.

When you receive your eTA Canada, it will be linked to the passport you used to apply. You need to present this passport when you check in to your flight to Canada. The airline staff will scan your passport to confirm that you have a valid eTA. If you do not have one, you won't be able to board your flight. Upon arrival at a Canadian port of entry, travelers must satisfy a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) border services officer (BSO) that they meet the requirements for entry into Canada.

The eTA does not replace the need for a passport. You must still carry proper identification for yourself and any children or minors traveling with you. You must confirm your legal right or authorization to enter Canada at the border.

How Long Does it Take to Get an eTA?

Getting an eTA before booking your flight to Canada is best. Most applicants get their eTA approval (via email) within minutes. However, some requests can take several days to process if you're asked to submit supporting documents.

Confirm your passport number is correct. Once your eTA is approved, check that the passport number in your eTA approval email matches the number on your passport. You need to apply for a new eTA if they don't match. Learn more about Canadian visa processing times .

Is an eTA the Same as an eVisa?

No, and eTA is different from a visa. An eTA can only be obtained by citizens of countries that participate in Canada's Visa Waiver Program. eVisas, on the other hand, are often available to inhabitants of almost all nations and territories.

How Long Can I Stay in Canada With an eTA?

You can usually stay in Canada for up to six months with an eTA. However, the time you can stay in Canada will be determined by the border services officer at the Canadian port of entry.

Do I Need an eTA for Canada if I Have a Visa?

You do not need an eTA if you visit Canada by land from a visa-exempt nation. Likewise, anyone entering Canada with a Canadian visa, permanent residence, or citizenship does not require an eTA travel document.

What is the Difference Between eTA and Visa Canada?

Foreign nationals requiring visas to enter Canada must get Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs), often called entry visas. In contrast, Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) permits foreign citizens from visa-exempt countries to enter Canada without a visa .

Getting To Canada, the Electronic Way

Now that you know what is eTA and how to apply, the far more important step is to find which visa or immigration pathway is right for you before you arrive. This will depend massively on your reasons for going to Canada, how long you plan to stay in Canada, and your eligibility. One of the best ways to determine this is to speak to an immigration professional like a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), who can help you determine the right pathway for you and help you maximize your chances of qualifying!

Get your free e-book today!

Want to learn more about Canada? Subscribe to our newsletter and get an e-book on Canadian immigration filled with mesmerizing sights of Canada!

CanadianVisa.org is a private recognized immigration agent and is not affiliated with the Canadian Government. Privacy policy

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Citizens of certain countries are exempt from the requirement to obtain a temporary resident visa (trv). for these individuals, the government of canada has introduced what is known as electronic travel authorization (eta)..

Before the eTA system was introduced, visa-exempt foreign nationals seeking entry to Canada were not systematically screened for admissibility until they arrived at a Canadian Port of Entry.

The eTA is mandatory for most visitors from countries whose citizens do not require a TRV who are entering Canada by air. Citizens of visa-exempt countries intending to travel to Canada by air are expected to have applied for an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before their departure to Canada. Exceptions to this include citizens of the United States, who do not require a TRV or an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), and Green Card holders in the United States, who need an eTA to come to Canada, regardless of their nationality.

Countries with Conditional Eligibility

Country Checklist

The Canadian pre-approval system is only required for TRV-exempt individuals seeking to enter Canada by air to visit on a temporary basis. To read a comprehensive list of frequently asked eTA-related questions and answers, click here .

Individuals requiring an eTA in order to visit Canada are asked to fill out some personal information and answer a few basic questions relating to criminality or medical issues.

To complete the online form, you need:

a valid passport from a visa-exempt country,
a credit card to pay the $7.00 CAD fee,
a valid email address, and
access to the internet and a few minutes of your time.

The eTA will be valid for a period of five years from the day on which it is issued to the applicant or until the earliest of the following days, if they occur before the end of that period:

the day on which the applicant’s passport or other travel document expires,
the day on which the electronic travel authorization is cancelled, or
the day on which a new electronic travel authorization is issued to the applicant.

The eTA includes the applicant’s name, date and place of birth, gender, address, nationality, and passport and/or travel document information. If the applicant is unable to make the application by means of the electronic system because of a physical or mental disability, it may be made by another means, including a paper application form.

There are a number of exemptions from the requirement to obtain an eTA. Click this slide to review of list of exemptions.

Nationals of the United States.
Her Majesty the Queen of Canada and any member of the Royal Family.
Citizens of France who are residents of St. Pierre and Miquelon who seek to enter Canada directly from St. Pierre and Miquelon.
Visitors, students and workers, who seek to re-enter Canada after solely visiting either the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon, providing that they return to Canada by the end of the period initially authorized for their stay or any extension to it.
possess proper documents to enter the United States and their flight is bound for that country, or
They were lawfully admitted to the United States and their flight originated in that country.
Foreign nationals who are passengers on a flight that, owing to an emergency or other unforeseen circumstances, makes an unscheduled stop in Canada.
Foreign nationals seeking to transit through Canada under the Transit Without Visa or China Transit Program.
Foreign nationals who hold a passport that contains a diplomatic acceptance, a consular acceptance or an official acceptance issued by the Chief of Protocol for the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade on behalf of the Government of Canada and are properly accredited diplomats, consular officers, representatives or officials of a country other than Canada, of the United Nations or any of its agencies, or of any international organization of which Canada is a member.
As a crew member of a means of transportation that may be used for transportation by air or to become a member of such a crew, or
To transit through Canada after working, or to work, as a crew member of a means of transportation that may be used for transportation by air, if they possess a ticket for departure from Canada within 24 hours after their arrival in Canada.
Foreign nationals seeking to enter and remain in Canada solely to carry out official duties as a member of the armed forces of a country that is a designated state for the purposes of the Visiting Forces Act , unless they have been designated under that Act as a civilian component of those armed forces.
Foreign nationals seeking to enter and remain in Canada solely to conduct inspections of the flight operation procedures or cabin safety of a commercial air carrier operating international flights, if they are a civil aviation inspector of a national aeronautical authority and possess valid documentation to that effect.
Foreign nationals seeking to enter and remain in Canada solely to participate as an accredited representative or as an adviser to an aviation accident or incident investigation conducted under the Canadian Transportation Accident Investigation and Safety Board Act , if they possess valid documentation to that effect.

Citizens of some countries may be eligible for an eTA if they meet all three of the following conditions. If not they will have to pursue a TRV to travel to Canada.

To be eligible for an eTA these travellers must:

The U.S. nonimmigrant visa must be valid on the day that an individual applies for their eTA, but doesn’t need to be valid when they travel to Canada.
be coming to Canada for a short visit, business or tourist activity (normally for stays of up to 6 months); and
arriving to Canada by air, or transiting through a Canadian airport using a valid passport from one of the eligible visa-required countries.

These conditional eligibility rules for an eTA apply to citizens of the following (visa-required) countries:

Antigua and Barbuda
Philippines
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago

Country Checklist: Electronic Travel Authorization

TRVs are required for citizens of certain countries. The chart below outlines which individuals require a TRV and which individuals need an eTA in order to enter Canada.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Contact the Cohen Immigration Law Firm for Assistance

Do you need professional assistance getting Canadian TRV? The Cohen Immigration Law Firm can help. We offer over 45 years of Canadian immigration expertise.

Please complete our short form to submit your question directly to our law firm. One of our lawyers will contact you to schedule a free telephone consultation.

Latest News

Canada's express entry draw results from august 14, 2024.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a second Express Entry draw this week, issuing 3,200 more Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to Canadian immigration candidates. Here are the results from IRCC's August 14 Express Entry draw.

Canada's Express Entry Draw Results from July 31, 2024

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a second Express Entry draw this week. Read on for the results from the department's July 31st Express Entry draw.

Immigrate to Canada
Express Entry
Provincial Nominee Programs
Quebec Immigration
Other Federal Economic Programs
National Occupational Classification
Language Test Requirements
Education Credential Assessment
Immigration Levels Plan
About the Immigration Department
About the Immigration Minister
Working in Canada
TFWP & IMP
Work Permit Process
Work without a Work Permit
Get Maintained Status
Business Visitors
Options for H-1B Visa Holders
Tech Talent Options
LMIA-Exempt Work Permits (IMP)
LMIA-Based Work Permits (TFWP)
Employer Compliance
Family Class Sponsorship
Spouse or Common-Law Partner
Child or Other Dependent
Parents and Grandparents
Requirements for Each Program
Study in Canada
Get a Study Permit
Study Pathways to PR
Bringing your Family to Canada
Working While Studying
Post-Graduation Work Permits
About Canadian Citizenship
Benefits of Canadian Passport
Apply for Proof of Citizenship
Dual Citizenship
Citizenship Ceremony
Overcome Inadmissibility
Temporary Resident Permit
Criminal Rehabilitation
Inadmissible Legal Opinion Letter
Visiting with a Criminal Record
Common Offences
Charges Within Canada
Authorization to Return to Canada
Refusals and Appeals
Canada Security Clearances
Overcome Medical Inadmissibility
Inadmissibility to Canada FAQs
Canada Border Services Agency
About Cohen Immigration Law
How to Avoid Fraud
Workers' Rights in Canada
Temporary Resident Visas
Tools and Resources
Business Immigration Overview
Entrepreneurs
Self-Employed
Getting Settled in Canada
Opening a Bank Account
How to Find Work
Renting a Home
Buying a Home
Free Settlement Services
Public Transportation
Buying a Car
Food and Grocery Options
Buying Furniture
How to Dress for the Weather
TV and Home Entertainment
Get to Know Canada

Language selection

Français fr

How do I apply for an eTA for travel to Canada?

To apply you must have a valid passport from a visa-exempt country , a valid credit card and an email address.

It costs $7 CAD to get an eTA and only takes a few minutes to apply. Approved eTAs are valid for up to five years.

Apply now for an eTA .

Credit cards and prepaid cards

We accept credit cards and prepaid cards from:

MasterCard ®
American Express ®
UnionPay ® (online applications only)

If you use a prepaid credit card, keep it for at least 18 months after you pay to make refunds easier. Find more on prepaid cards .

We also accept all Visa Debit cards.

The card you use doesn't have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

Did you find what you were looking for?

If not, tell us why:

You will not receive a reply. Telephone numbers and email addresses will be removed. Maximum 300 characters

Thank you for your feedback

Answers others found useful

Who can make a request under the Access to Information Act ?
What information is available under the Access to Information Act and Privacy Act ?
Who can make a request under the Privacy Act ?
How and where do I submit an Access to Information or Privacy request?
What is the fee for an Access request?

How to videos

Glossary term

Admissibility

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Learn how to get it and how much it costs

Do I need a visa to visit Canada?
Get a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) – The Guide
Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – Overview

Since March 15, 2016, passengers from visa-exempt countries coming to Canada via air transportation are required, before travelling, to apply online for an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – How to Apply

You need to apply through this link . You will need your passport, an e-mail and a credit/debit card to pay the $7 fee.

You will need to fill an online form that should not take more than 5 minutes. You will have to answer basic questions about yourself (name, address, profession, criminal history if any, …), about your intended stay in Canada (when and where are you going in Canada) and your passport information (number, date of expiration, …).

You should be careful when entering your passport number as you can be refused boarding if there’s a mismatch.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – Validity Period

The eTA is valid for five years, or until the passport expiration date, whichever is sooner.

Your eTA will usually be granted within minutes of filling and validating the online eTA form. However, some requests could take several days to process if you’re asked to submit supporting documents ( case of a Brazilian citizen holding a US visitor visa for example ). It is best to get an eTA before you book your flight to Canada.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – Processing Fees

Electronic travel authorization (eta) – processing times.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has the following target service standard of processing 80% of eTA applications :

give automated approvals within 5 minutes for most applicants, or
send correspondence with next steps within 72 hours if applicants don’t receive a decision within 5 minutes.

From April 2022 to March 2023, IRCC :

met the 5-minute standard 89% of the time, and
met the 72-hour standard 76% of the time.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – How to Check if Still Valid

What's next.

What is electronic travel authorization and who needs to worry about it?

Screening affects people who don't need visas to visit canada, including britons, europeans, australians.

Social Sharing

A British grandfather misses his great-granddaughter's birthday party in Nova Scotia. A comedian doesn't make it to a Toronto gig . Canadians with dual citizenship face logistical headaches when they try to head home for the holidays.

In each case, Canada's recently implemented electronic travel authorization (eTA) policy is getting the blame. Citizens of more than 50 countries who can visit Canada without a visa now need to complete an electronic screening before they're allowed to get on the plane.

New travel requirement keeps man out of Canada over Christmas

"They figure, you know, 'I'm from a visa-exempt country, I travelled [to Canada] ... two years ago,'" said Henry Chang, an immigration legal expert with the Blaney McMurtry law firm in Toronto. "They don't realize the law has changed."

Who is affected by the eTA?

The electronic travel authorization, or eTA, is an online pre-screening of people from more than 50 countries who can travel to Canada by air without a visa, including Britain, Australia, European nations, Japan and others.

It's supposed to help catch people who might pose a security risk or who might stay in Canada longer than is legal, since these travellers don't go through the formal vetting process required by those who need to get a visa.

It's essentially a "basic pre-screening of visa-exempt individuals who might not otherwise have this screening done," Chang said.

Travel requirement catches Canada-bound comedian by surprise

U.S. citizens are exempt from the new rule.

And electronic travel authorization only affects people coming to Canada by air. Travellers arriving by land or by sea don't need it.

When did this program come into effect?

The electronic travel authorization program was supposed to take effect on March 15, 2016, but after the Canadian travel industry voiced concerns about lack of awareness of the new requirement, the government allowed a grace period. Officials started requiring eTAs from travellers in November.

Does it affect Canadian travellers?

Not when Canadians use their Canadian passports while travelling. Canadian citizens and permanent residents don't need an electronic travel authorization to get back into the country. In fact, they are ineligible to apply for one.

But some dual citizens (holding citizenship in Canada and another country) have run into problems when using their other passport to travel. If they use a foreign passport and try to get on a plane to Canada, the system says they need to get an eTA — but they can't because they are Canadian citizens. So dual citizens must now use their Canadian passports to avoid being caught in that travel quagmire.

Dual citizens need Canadian passports

Chang believes that problem was "inadvertent," and that the implication for dual citizens "wasn't very well publicized." Once officials realized it was an issue, "it was a little too late," he said.

"It was an incidental effect of the eTA program that they didn't really anticipate until later."

How do people complete the eTA?

The electronic travel authorization form is on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website . Travellers fill it out online. Applicants need their passport information, as well as a credit card to pay the fee of $7 Cdn. Once the eTA is approved, it's linked to the traveller's passport. They don't need to complete it again for five years or until their current passport expires, whichever comes first.

"Most applicants get their eTA approval (via an email) within minutes," the Citizenship and Immigration website says. "However, some requests can take several days to process if you're asked to submit supporting documents. It is best to get an eTA before you book your flight to Canada."

Airlines check to make sure that Canada-bound passengers have completed the eTA, which is why many people who didn't know about the requirement have been filling it out in airports right before their flights. In some cases, there have been problems and passengers have missed their flights.

What kinds of questions are on the eTA?

The eTA application form asks for the traveller's address, passport information, employment status, how much money they have available for their visit to Canada and whether they have ever applied to enter Canada before. Other questions that appear on the form include:

"Have you ever been refused a visa or permit, denied entry to, or ordered to leave Canada or any other country/territory?"
"Have you ever committed, been arrested for, been charged with or convicted of any criminal offence in any country/territory?"
"Have you or a family member ever had or been in close contact with a person with tuberculosis?"
"Do you have a serious health condition for which you are receiving medical treatment?"

How does the process work?

The electronic travel authorization is an "automated screening system at the first stage," Chang said, so people usually get their approval back via email right away. But if there's an answer that triggers concern, such as a previous criminal offence, the application would be escalated to a "human officer" to make a judgment call and could take longer, he said.

When did Canada decide to require eTAs?

The Canadian government's commitment to develop electronic travel authorizations for visa-exempt foreign nationals was mentioned in the border security plan jointly released with the U.S. in 2011. The American government already had a similar system in place, called the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

The U.S. was likely the "driving force with Canada getting on board with this," said Chang. The idea was the two countries, with their shared border, should have the same level of security screening for people entering both countries.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nicole Ireland is a reporter with The Canadian Press.

With files from Yvonne Colbert, Shannon Martin and Susana Mas

External Links

Citizenship and Immigration Canada: Electronic Travel Authorization
Beyond the Border Action Plan

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Canada’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Canada set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Canadian High Commission in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Canada.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Canada, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay.

If you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from Canada, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport.

Visa requirements

To enter or transit through Canada, most people need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization ( eTA ) – not both.

Check if you need a visa or an eTA online .

You do not need a visa for short visits (normally up to 6 months). You may need an eTA instead.

You do not need an eTA , if you are:

arriving by land and sea – you must have acceptable travel documents and ID
a British-Canadian dual national – you must have a valid Canadian passport

See Canada’s entry requirements for full details of eTA and visa requirements.

Contact the Canadian High Commission in the UK if you are unsure about visa requirements or your eligibility to enter the country, for example, if you have a criminal record or have been arrested.

Checks at border control

Canadian border officials may ask you to show a return or onward ticket and proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your stay, even if you are staying with family or friends.

Visas for permanent residence, study or work

See information on visas for permanent residence, study or work in Canada .

Transiting through Canada

If you are travelling through Canada (transiting) by air, you must have an eTA or a transit visa.

If you have questions, contact:

your airline
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
your nearest Canadian high commission, embassy or consulate

Find out more about transiting Canada .

Visa and eTA scams

Some unauthorised websites charge for submitting visa applications. These websites are not associated with the Canadian government.

You can check your eTA status online with the Canadian government . If it has been 72 hours since you applied, and you have not received confirmation of your application, complete an enquiry form .

Travelling with children

If a child travels alone or with only one parent or legal guardian, they should carry a letter of consent from the non-travelling parents or guardians. Immigration officers have the right to question children using simple and appropriate language to see if there are any concerns about child abduction.

For more information, check with the Canadian High Commission in the UK or the Canada Border Services Agency .

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Canada guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Canada . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

The Canadian authorities will confiscate banned food products and you could get a fine. For more information, see importing food, plants or animals to Canada .

If you visit a farm or have contact with wild animals before entering Canada, and plan to visit a farm during your stay, you must declare this on your Customs Declaration Card. For more information, see biosecurity at the Canadian border .

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .

Language selection

Français fr

Electronic travel authorization (eTA): Citizens from some visa-required countries

Citizens from some visa-required countries may be eligible to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) , instead of a visa, to travel to Canada by air .

Canadian citizens

Canadian permanent residents.

What you need to board your flight

Rules and recommendations for common travel scenarios

Who can apply.

You are eligible to apply for an eTA if you meet all 3 requirements :

Your US nonimmigrant visa must be valid on the day you apply for your eTA, but doesn’t need to be valid when you travel to Canada.
you’re coming to Canada for a temporary stay (normally for up to 6 months)
you’re flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport using a valid passport from one of the eligible visa-required countries

If you do not meet all of the requirements , you need a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) to travel to Canada.

Antigua and Barbuda
Philippines
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago

Travellers with a passport from one of the eligible countries still need a valid visitor visa (temporary resident visa) if

driving to Canada from the U.S. by car or
arriving by bus, train or boat, including a cruise ship (even if they are not leaving the ship)

Travellers who already have a valid Canadian visa

If you already have a valid Canadian visa, you don’t need an eTA to fly to Canada and should continue to travel with your visitor visa (temporary resident visa) until it expires.

Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, can’t apply for an eTA and need a valid Canadian passport to travel to Canada by air.

Canadian permanent residents can’t apply for an eTA and need a valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document .

What you need to board your flight to Canada if you have an eTA

When you fly to Canada, you must travel with the same passport you used to apply for an eTA. If you get a new passport after applying for an eTA, you must apply for a new eTA with your new passport.

We recommend that you also bring your old passport if it contains either

your expired Canadian visitor visa (temporary resident visa)
Your visa must be valid when you apply for your eTA, but not necessarily when you travel to Canada.

Page details

IMAGES

Everything you need to know about ETA visa to Canada
Electronic Travel Authorization(eTA) For Canada
Electronic Travel Authorization(eTA) For Canada
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) Canada: General Information
Eta Form Canada
eTA Kanada: Alle Infos zur Electronic Travel Authorization

VIDEO

ETA pendiente en Canadá ¿Cómo podría obtener mi ETA?
Hubble's Time-Travel: Eta Carinae's Spectacular History Unveiled! 🌟🔭 #OTD1996" #shorts
Canada Tourist Visa
Isse Kehte Hain Visa Lena 🇳🇿 New Zealand e-Visa || Business Visit Visa || NZ Visit Visa in 2 Weeks

COMMENTS

Electronic travel authorization (eTA)
Electronic travel authorization (eTA)
Electronic travel authorization (eTA): How to apply
Electronic travel authorization (eTA): How to apply
Get help with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Get help with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
How do I apply for an eTA for travel to Canada?
How do I apply for an eTA for travel to Canada?
eService
eService - Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is a website that allows you to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which is required for visa-exempt foreign nationals to fly to or transit through Canada. You can check your eligibility, processing times, application status and more on this website.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) FAQ
electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) (FAQ)
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
eTA Canada
New Canadian travel screening process called eTA. Canada has implemented a web-based travel control system for foreign nationals without a visa requirement, known as Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). The implementation of this program is just one of the many initiatives the Canadian government is taking as part of their joint agreement ...
Electronic Travel Authorization for Flights to Canada
February 15, 2024. If planning on visiting Canada, you might be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This entry requirement applies to visa-exempt foreign nationals* travelling to or transiting Canada by air. Chilean | Argentinian | Colombian | Panamanian | Peruvian citizens who don't have a valid visa must have an eTA ...
Entering Canada
Entering Canada - Travel.gc.ca ... Entering Canada
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
An Electronic Travel Authorization, or eTA Canada, is an online entry requirement allowing more efficient and secure travel to certain countries. The primary purpose of an eTA is to pre-screen travelers before they board their flights or arrive at their destinations, ensuring that they are eligible to enter the country in question.
Enter Canada with Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
The eTA is mandatory for most visitors from countries whose citizens do not require a TRV who are entering Canada by air. Citizens of visa-exempt countries intending to travel to Canada by air are expected to have applied for an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before their departure to Canada. Exceptions to this include citizens of the ...
How do I apply for an eTA for travel to Canada?
How do I apply for an eTA for travel to Canada? To apply you must have a valid passport from a visa-exempt country, a valid credit card and an email address. It costs $7 CAD to get an eTA and only takes a few minutes to apply. Approved eTAs are valid for up to five years. Apply now for an eTA.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) For Canada
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) - Processing Times. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has the following target service standard of processing 80% of eTA applications : send correspondence with next steps within 72 hours if applicants don't receive a decision within 5 minutes. From April 2022 to March 2023, IRCC :
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Electronic travel authorization (eTA): About the process
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. An eTA lets you travel to Canada by air or transit through a Canadian airport. It's: electronically linked to your passport (there is no specific document to print)
What is electronic travel authorization and who needs to worry about it
What is electronic travel authorization and who needs ...
Find out about electronic travel authorization (eTA)
Find out about electronic travel authorization (eTA)
Entry requirements
Entry requirements - Canada travel advice
Electronic travel authorization (eTA)
This is the Government of Canada's official web page to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to fly to, or transit through, a Canadian airport. It only costs CAN$7. Find out what it is and how to apply online. Visitor visa and electronic travel authorization (eTA) requirements for citizens of Mexico changed on February 29, 2024 ...
Electronic travel authorization (eTA): Citizens from some
You are eligible to apply for an eTA if you meet all 3 requirements: you've held a Canadian visitor visa (temporary resident visa) in the past 10 years or currently hold a valid United States (US) nonimmigrant visa. Your US nonimmigrant visa must be valid on the day you apply for your eTA, but doesn't need to be valid when you travel to Canada.
Do I have to apply for an eTA each time I travel to Canada?
Do I have to apply for an eTA each time I travel to Canada?
eTA
It is a fast authorization to enter Canada and allows you to board a flight or other means of travelling. It is used instead of the Canada Visitor Visa, so it serves the same purpose. With the eTA, you can enter Canada and visit family or friends, or just travel around. You are allowed to stay for a short period of time, 6 months or less.

Apply for Canada eTA – Welcome to Electronic Travel Authorization

TIPS FOR YOUR TRAVEL

PASSPORT EXPIRE

PASSPORT - NAMES

YOUR HOME ADDRESS

Canada eTA resources

Language selection

Entering Canada

Step 1. Pre-arrival: Use Advance Declaration or complete a Declaration Card

Connecting to another flight

If you travel frequently our trusted traveller programs can help

Step 2. Arrival: First CBSA checkpoint

Newcomer or coming to Canada to study or work

Step 3. Baggage and second CBSA checkpoint

Related links

What Is eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)?

How to Apply for an eTA Canada

Step 1 - Check Your Eligibility

Travelers That Don't Need an eTA

Step 2 - Gather Your Documentation

Step 3 - Apply Online and Pay Your Fees

After You Apply

How Long Does it Take to Get an eTA?

Is an eTA the Same as an eVisa?

How Long Can I Stay in Canada With an eTA?

Do I Need an eTA for Canada if I Have a Visa?

What is the Difference Between eTA and Visa Canada?

Getting To Canada, the Electronic Way

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Countries with Conditional Eligibility

There are a number of exemptions from the requirement to obtain an eTA. Click this slide to review of list of exemptions.

Country Checklist: Electronic Travel Authorization

Contact the Cohen Immigration Law Firm for Assistance

Latest News

Canada's Express Entry Draw Results from July 31, 2024

Language selection

How do I apply for an eTA for travel to Canada?

Credit cards and prepaid cards

Did you find what you were looking for?

Answers others found useful

How to videos

Glossary term

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – Overview

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – How to Apply

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – Validity Period

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – Processing Fees

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – How to Check if Still Valid

What is electronic travel authorization and who needs to worry about it?

Social Sharing

Who is affected by the eTA?

When did this program come into effect?

Does it affect Canadian travellers?

How do people complete the eTA?

What kinds of questions are on the eTA?

How does the process work?

When did Canada decide to require eTAs?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Related Stories

External Links

Cookies on GOV.UK

Entry requirements

COVID-19 rules

Passport validity requirements

Visa requirements

Checks at border control

Visas for permanent residence, study or work

Transiting through Canada

Visa and eTA scams

Travelling with children

Vaccine requirements

Customs rules

Related content

Help us improve GOV.UK

Language selection

Electronic travel authorization (eTA): Citizens from some visa-required countries

On this page

Canadian citizens

Rules and recommendations for common travel scenarios

Travellers who already have a valid Canadian visa

What you need to board your flight to Canada if you have an eTA