Canada eTA Application: How to Apply Online Step by Step

The Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) application is a simple online process that takes 10 to 20 minutes to complete on the official Government of Canada website. Visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to Canada must obtain an approved eTA before boarding their flight. This guide walks through every step of the eTA application, from gathering documents to receiving your approval email.

What Is a Canada eTA and Who Needs to Apply

A Canada eTA is a mandatory electronic travel authorization for visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to Canada. The eTA was introduced in March 2016 to pre-screen travelers before they board a flight to Canada. It is linked electronically to your passport and remains valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

You need to apply for a Canada eTA if you meet all of the following conditions:

You are a citizen of a visa-exempt country (such as the UK, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, or Mexico)
You are traveling to Canada by air (eTA is not required for land or sea entry)
You are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
You are not a US citizen (US citizens do not need an eTA – they need a valid US passport)

The eTA costs CAD $7 per application and is processed through the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website at canada.ca.

Who Does NOT Need an eTA

US citizens – require only a valid US passport for air travel to Canada
Canadian citizens – including dual citizens with a valid Canadian passport
Canadian permanent residents – need their PR card or permanent resident travel document
Travelers with a valid Canadian visa – if you already hold a visitor visa, work permit, or study permit, you do not need a separate eTA

Documents and Information You Need Before Applying

Gather your passport, email address, and a valid payment method before starting the Canada eTA application. Having everything ready prevents delays and ensures you can complete the form in one sitting. The application system does not save partial progress.

Required items:

Valid passport – your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Canada. Check the expiry date before applying. If your passport expires, your eTA becomes invalid automatically
Email address – you will receive your eTA confirmation and any status updates at this address. Use an email you check regularly
Credit or debit card – the application fee is CAD $7, payable by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or prepaid cards. The fee is non-refundable even if your application is refused

Information you will enter on the form:

Passport number – exactly as printed on your passport’s biographical page
Passport country of issue – the country that issued your passport
Date of birth – in DD/MM/YYYY format
Full name – as it appears on your passport, including middle names if applicable
Contact information – current address, email, and phone number
Employment information – current employer name and occupation (or previous employer if unemployed)
Travel details – flight number and arrival date are optional but helpful
Background questions – questions about criminal history, previous visa refusals, and health conditions

Important: All information must match your passport exactly. Even a small discrepancy – such as a missing middle name or a different spelling – can result in delays or a refused eTA.

Step-by-Step Canada eTA Application Process

The Canada eTA application is completed entirely online through the official Government of Canada website in five main steps. Follow these steps carefully to avoid errors that could delay your approval.

Step 1: Go to the Official Government of Canada Website

Navigate to canada.ca/eta in your web browser. This is the only legitimate site for applying for a Canada eTA. The Government of Canada warns against third-party websites that charge extra fees for the same service.

Do not use unofficial websites – many third-party sites look official but charge $50 to $150 in additional “service fees” on top of the CAD $7 government fee
The official site is free of ads and does not ask for extra service charges
Select your language – the application is available in English and French

Click “Apply for an eTA” to begin the application form.

Step 2: Fill in Your Personal Information

Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport:

Family name (surname) and given name(s) – match the passport biographical page
Date of birth – select from the drop-down menus
Country of citizenship – select the country that issued your passport
Passport number – enter carefully; this is the most common source of errors
Passport expiry date – your passport must be valid when you travel

Tip: Double-check every field before moving to the next page. The system does not allow you to go back and edit previous sections once you advance.

Step 3: Answer Background Questions

The eTA application includes several yes-or-no questions about your background:

Criminal history – have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence?
Previous visa refusals – have you ever been refused a visa or permit, or been denied entry to Canada or any other country?
Health conditions – do you have a serious medical condition?
Immigration violations – have you ever overstayed a visa or worked illegally in any country?

Answer every question truthfully. Providing false information on an eTA application is considered misrepresentation and can result in a five-year ban from Canada. If you answer “yes” to certain questions, your application may be referred for manual review, which can take longer than the standard processing time.

Step 4: Review Your Application

Before submitting, the system displays a summary of all the information you entered. Review every field carefully:

Check your passport number – this is the number one cause of eTA problems
Verify your name spelling – must match your passport exactly
Confirm your date of birth – errors here will cause a mismatch with airline records
Ensure your email address is correct – your eTA confirmation will be sent here

If you find an error, click “Modify” to return to that section and correct it.

Step 5: Pay and Submit

Pay the CAD $7 application fee using a credit or debit card:

Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are all accepted
Prepaid credit cards also work
The fee is non-refundable – even if your eTA is refused, you will not get your money back

After payment, submit your application. You will see a confirmation screen with a reference number. Save this number – you can use it to check your application status online.

What Happens After You Submit Your eTA Application

Most Canada eTA applications are approved within minutes, though some can take up to 72 hours or longer. After submitting your application and payment, the IRCC system automatically checks your information against Canadian immigration and security databases.

Approval (Most Common Outcome)

In approximately 90% of cases, you will receive an approval email within minutes of submitting your application. The email will say:

“Your application for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) has been approved.”

Your eTA is now electronically linked to your passport. You do not need to print anything or carry a physical document. When you check in for your flight, the airline will verify your eTA status using your passport number.

Manual Review (Less Common)

If your application is flagged for additional review, you may receive an email saying:

“Your application requires additional processing.”

This can happen if:

You answered “yes” to a background question
Your name matches someone on a security watchlist
Your passport information needs verification
There is a discrepancy in your application

Manual review typically takes 1 to 72 hours but can extend to several weeks in complex cases. During this time, you cannot board a flight to Canada.

Refusal (Uncommon)

If your eTA is refused, you will receive an email explaining that your application was not approved. Common reasons for refusal include:

Criminal inadmissibility – a criminal record, including DUI convictions, can make you inadmissible to Canada
Previous immigration violations – overstaying a visa or working illegally in Canada
Incomplete or inaccurate information – errors in your application
Health-related inadmissibility – conditions that could pose a public health risk

If your eTA is refused, you may still be able to visit Canada by applying for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) at a Canadian embassy or consulate, or by applying for Criminal Rehabilitation if your refusal was due to a criminal record.

How Long Does a Canada eTA Last

A Canada eTA is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Once approved, you can use the same eTA for multiple trips to Canada during its validity period. Each visit allows you to stay in Canada for up to six months (or as determined by the border services officer at the port of entry).

Key points about eTA validity:

Linked to your passport – if you get a new passport, you must apply for a new eTA
Multiple entry – you can enter Canada as many times as you want while the eTA is valid
No renewal process – when your eTA expires, you simply apply for a new one
Status check – you can verify your eTA status online at canada.ca using your passport number and application reference number

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Canada eTA

The most frequent Canada eTA application errors involve passport information mismatches and use of unofficial websites. Avoiding these mistakes saves time and prevents unnecessary delays.

Top mistakes:

Using a third-party website – dozens of unofficial sites charge $50 to $150 for a service that costs CAD $7 on the official government site. Always apply at canada.ca/eta
Entering the wrong passport number – even one wrong digit will cause your eTA to be invalid. Triple-check this field
Using an expired passport – your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay
Applying too late – while most eTAs are approved in minutes, some take up to 72 hours. Apply at least one week before your flight to be safe
Not checking email for updates – if your application needs additional documents, IRCC will contact you by email. Check your spam folder
Providing false information – misrepresentation on an eTA application can result in a five-year ban from Canada

Canada eTA vs Canadian Visa: Which One Do You Need

The Canada eTA and a Canadian visa serve the same purpose – authorizing travel to Canada – but they apply to different groups of travelers. Understanding which one you need depends on your nationality and how you plan to travel to Canada.

Feature	Canada eTA	Canadian Visa (TRV)
Who needs it	Visa-exempt nationals	Visa-required nationals
Cost	CAD $7	CAD $100 to $150
Processing time	Minutes to 72 hours	2 to 8 weeks
How to apply	Online only	Online or at embassy
Validity	Up to 5 years	Varies (single/multiple entry)
Travel method	Air travel only	Air, land, and sea
Interview required	No	Sometimes

If you are from a visa-exempt country (UK, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, etc.) and flying to Canada, you need an eTA. If you are from a visa-required country (India, China, Philippines, Nigeria, etc.), you need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) at a Canadian embassy or consulate.

Exception: Citizens of visa-required countries who hold a valid US non-immigrant visa or have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years may be eligible for an eTA instead of a full visa under Canada’s expanded eTA program launched in 2023.

Tips for a Smooth Canada eTA Application

Applying for a Canada eTA is straightforward, but a few practical tips can help you avoid delays and ensure first-time approval.

Apply early – submit your eTA application at least one week before your flight, even though most approvals come within minutes
Use a desktop or laptop – the application form works on mobile devices, but a larger screen makes it easier to verify details
Keep your reference number – after submission, save the reference number shown on the confirmation screen
Check your email spam folder – IRCC approval emails sometimes end up in spam or junk folders
Ensure your passport is machine-readable – modern e-passports work best with the eTA system
Apply once per passport – you do not need a new eTA for each trip, only when your passport changes
Travel with the same passport – your eTA is linked to a specific passport. If you hold dual citizenship, make sure you use the passport associated with your eTA when flying to Canada

FAQs About Canada eTA Application

How long does it take to get a Canada eTA approved?

Most Canada eTA applications are approved within minutes of submission. In approximately 90% of cases, you will receive an approval email almost immediately. However, some applications are flagged for manual review and can take 1 to 72 hours. In rare cases involving complex background checks, processing can take several weeks. Apply at least one week before your travel date to account for any delays.

How much does a Canada eTA cost?

The Canada eTA costs CAD $7 per application. This fee is paid by credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express) during the online application process. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused. Be cautious of third-party websites that charge $50 to $150 in additional “service fees” – the official application at canada.ca/eta costs only CAD $7.

Can I apply for a Canada eTA at the airport?

No, you cannot apply for a Canada eTA at the airport. The eTA must be obtained online before you travel. Airlines will not allow you to board a flight to Canada without a valid eTA (or visa). Apply at canada.ca/eta at least one week before your departure to ensure approval in time for your flight.

What happens if my Canada eTA is refused?

If your Canada eTA is refused, you will receive an email notification. You cannot fly to Canada with a refused eTA. Depending on the reason for refusal, you may be able to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) at a Canadian embassy or consulate. If your refusal was due to criminal inadmissibility, you may need to apply for Criminal Rehabilitation or a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) before you can enter Canada.

Do I need to print my Canada eTA?

No, you do not need to print your Canada eTA. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport in the Canadian immigration system. When you check in for your flight, the airline verifies your eTA status using your passport number. However, it is a good idea to save the approval email or write down your reference number in case you need to check your status.

Can I use the same Canada eTA for multiple trips?

Yes, a Canada eTA allows multiple entries. You can travel to Canada as many times as you want during the eTA’s validity period, which is up to five years or until your passport expires. Each visit permits a stay of up to six months, as determined by the border services officer at the port of entry.

Do children need a Canada eTA?

Yes, children of all ages, including infants, need their own Canada eTA if they are citizens of a visa-exempt country and flying to Canada. Each child must have their own passport, and a separate eTA application (and CAD $7 fee) must be submitted for each child. A parent or guardian can complete the application on behalf of a minor.

Can I work or study in Canada with an eTA?

No, a Canada eTA only authorizes you to visit Canada as a tourist or for short business trips. You cannot work or study in Canada with just an eTA. If you plan to work or study, you need to apply for a separate work permit or study permit. Some study programs shorter than six months may allow entry with just an eTA, but you should confirm with IRCC before traveling.

What should I do if I made a mistake on my eTA application?

If you realize you made a mistake after submitting your eTA application – such as entering the wrong passport number – you should apply for a new eTA with the correct information. You cannot edit a submitted application. The CAD $7 fee from the incorrect application is non-refundable, but you will need a new, accurate eTA to travel. Common errors include wrong passport numbers, misspelled names, and incorrect dates of birth.

Do US citizens need a Canada eTA?

No, US citizens do not need a Canada eTA. US citizens can travel to Canada with a valid US passport. However, US permanent residents (green card holders) who are citizens of visa-exempt countries do need an eTA if flying to Canada. US permanent residents from visa-required countries need a visa, not an eTA.