eTA to Canada

What is an eTA?

The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a mandatory entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. It was introduced by the Government of Canada to pre-screen travellers before they board their flight.

An eTA is electronically linked to your passport — you don't receive a physical document. When you check in for your flight to Canada, the airline can verify your authorization automatically.

The eTA is only required for air travel. If entering Canada by land or sea from the US, you do not need an eTA.

Who Needs an eTA?

eTA Required For:

Citizens of EU member states
British nationals
Australian citizens
Japanese passport holders
South Korean citizens
Brazilian passport holders
Most other visa-exempt countries

eTA NOT Required For:

US citizens (no eTA, no visa needed)
US permanent residents (Green Card holders)
Travellers entering by land or sea
Canadian citizens
Those who require a full visa

How to Apply for an eTA

The process is fast and entirely online. Most applicants receive approval within minutes.

Visit the Official Website

Go to the official Government of Canada eTA application page at canada.ca/eta. Only use the official government website — beware of third-party sites charging extra fees.

Complete the Online Form

Fill in your personal information as it appears on your passport: full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, expiry date, and contact information. The form takes approximately 5–10 minutes.

Pay the Application Fee

Pay the CAD $7 fee online using a credit or debit card. This fee is non-refundable.

Receive Your eTA

Most applicants receive approval within minutes by email. Some applications may take up to 72 hours or require additional documentation. Apply at least a few days before your trip.

Travel to Canada

Your eTA is electronically linked to your passport. Simply present your passport when checking in for your flight and at the Canadian border. No printout is necessary, but it's wise to keep the confirmation email.

Cost & Validity

Application Fee

CAD $7

One-time, non-refundable

Valid for up to 5 years
Multiple entries allowed
Linked to your passport
Apply at canada.ca/eta

Validity Details

An approved eTA is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you must apply for a new eTA.

Each stay in Canada must not exceed 6 months (as determined by the border services officer).

An eTA allows multiple entries to Canada during its validity period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most applications are approved within minutes. In some cases, the process can take up to 72 hours. We recommend applying at least a week before your departure date.

Having a criminal record may affect your eTA eligibility. Canada has strict admissibility rules. You may need to apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Criminal Rehabilitation. Consult the official Government of Canada website for guidance.

If your eTA is denied, you may be required to apply for a visitor visa through a Canadian embassy or consulate. You cannot appeal an eTA decision, but you can apply for a visa instead.

Yes. Every traveller, including children and infants, who requires an eTA must have their own. Each application must be linked to an individual passport.

No. An eTA is not a visa. It is a pre-screening authorization for visa-exempt nationals travelling by air. It does not guarantee entry to Canada — border services officers still make the final decision at the port of entry.