MAK Canadian Immigration Services
Mississauga Office: 3715 Laird Rd, Unit 4, Mississauga, ON L5L 0A3
Scarborough Office: 80 Corporate Dr, Suite 210, Scarborough, ON M1H 3G5
Scarborough Office: 80 Corporate Dr, Suite 210, Scarborough, ON M1H 3G5
- 3715 Laird Rd, Unit 4, Mississauga, ON L5L 0A3
- 80 Corporate Dr, Suite 210, Scarborough, ON M1H 3G5
Electronic Travel Authorization for Canada
Table of Contents
An electronic travel authorization (eTA) is a digital travel requirement linked to the passport used in the application. Many visa-exempt foreign nationals need an eTA to board a flight to or transit through Canada. Some citizens of select visa-required countries may also qualify for an eTA for air travel when they meet all current IRCC conditions. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States are exempt from the eTA requirement.
What is the ETA for Canada?
- An eTA is a travel authorization used mainly by visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada. It is not a visa.
- An approved eTA is electronically linked to the passport used to apply.
- It is generally valid for up to five years or until that passport expires, whichever comes first.
- A valid eTA allows you to travel to Canada by air while it remains valid, but it does not guarantee entry. A border services officer decides whether you may enter and how long you may stay.
Who Requires an ETA?
For air travel, an eTA is normally required for citizens of eTA-required (visa-exempt) countries. Some citizens of select visa-required countries may also qualify when they meet all current IRCC conditions.
- Lawful permanent residents of the United States are exempt from the eTA requirement and must travel with a valid passport or equivalent travel document plus valid proof of U.S. permanent resident status
- The United Kingdom
- Australia
- France
- Germany
- Japan
- South Korea
- Citizens of select visa-required countries may qualify only when they meet IRCC’s prior Canadian-visa or valid U.S.-visa condition, are travelling for a temporary stay and are flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport. Those who do not meet the conditions need a visitor visa.
How to Complete an Online Application for a Canada ETA:
- Use the official Government of Canada eTA website to apply.
- Provide the passport, personal and background information requested in the online form. The passport number must be entered accurately because an approved eTA is linked to that passport.
Documents Needed
- A valid passport that is eligible for the eTA route you are using.
- A credit or debit card to pay the current CAN$7 application fee.
- A valid email address. You must travel with the same passport used for the eTA application; a new passport requires a new eTA.
Time Spent Processing:
- In most cases, IRCC sends an email within minutes after an eTA application is submitted. Some applications need several days to process. When more information is needed, IRCC says applicants can expect an email within 72 hours explaining the next steps.
Acceptance
- If approved, the eTA is electronically linked to the passport used in the application and the approval email includes the eTA number.
- A valid eTA and travel document do not guarantee entry to Canada. A border services officer makes the entry and authorized-stay decision when you arrive.
Who Is Not in Need of an ETA?
- Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, cannot use the ordinary eTA route and normally need a valid Canadian passport for air travel; Canadian-American dual citizens may travel with a valid Canadian or U.S. passport. Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA and must use the required PR travel document, such as a valid PR card or PRTD, for commercial travel to Canada.
- U.S. citizens are exempt from the eTA requirement and should travel with proper identification such as a valid U.S. passport. Lawful permanent residents of the United States are also exempt and must carry a valid passport or equivalent travel document plus valid proof of U.S. permanent resident status.
- Travellers using a valid Canadian visitor visa do not need a separate eTA while that visa is valid.
- For land or sea travel, citizens of eTA-required countries normally do not need an eTA, subject to IRCC’s published exceptions. Citizens of select visa-required countries who qualify for an eTA for air travel still need a visitor visa when arriving by car, bus, train or boat, including a cruise ship.
The document needed to travel to Canada depends on nationality, immigration status, travel document and mode of travel. An eTA is a travel authorization for eligible air travellers; it is not a guarantee of admission to Canada. Check the current IRCC eTA eligibility rules before applying or travelling.
