The Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a mandatory entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to Canada. This guide covers every requirement you need to meet before boarding your flight.
What Is the Canada eTA?
The Canada eTA is an electronic document linked to your passport. It was introduced in 2015 to pre-screen travellers before they arrive in Canada. You do not need an eTA if you are driving, taking a bus, train, or boat to Canada – only when arriving by air.
The eTA costs CAD $7 and is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Most applications are approved within minutes, though some take several days.
Who Needs an eTA to Enter Canada?
You need an eTA if you meet all of these conditions:
- You are a citizen of a visa-exempt country (including the UK, Australia, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, and many others)
- You are travelling to Canada by air
- You are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- You do not hold a valid Canadian visa
You do NOT need an eTA if:
- You are a Canadian citizen (even with dual citizenship)
- You are a Canadian permanent resident
- You hold a valid Canadian visa
- You are a US citizen (US passport holders can enter Canada with just a passport)
- You are travelling by land or sea
Required Documents for eTA Application
To apply for a Canada eTA, you will need:
Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Canada. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport number, so if you get a new passport, you must apply for a new eTA.
Key points:
– Your passport must not be expired at the time of travel
– The eTA is tied to a single passport – one eTA per passport
– If you hold dual citizenship, use the passport from your visa-exempt country for the eTA
Email Address
A valid email address is required because Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sends the eTA confirmation electronically. Check your spam folder if you do not receive a response within 72 hours.
Credit or Debit Card
The application fee is CAD $7. You can pay with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or a prepaid card. No other payment methods are accepted.
Eligibility Requirements
Beyond holding the right documents, you must meet several eligibility criteria:
No Criminal Inadmissibility
Canada can refuse entry to people with criminal records. This includes convictions for driving under the influence (DUI/DWI), theft, assault, and drug offences. If you have a criminal record, you may need to apply for Criminal Rehabilitation or a Temporary Resident Permit instead.
Proof of Good Health
While you do not need a medical exam for an eTA, Canada reserves the right to refuse entry if you have a health condition that poses a risk to public health or safety. If you have a communicable disease, additional screening may apply.
Genuine Travel Intent
You must demonstrate that you plan to leave Canada at the end of your visit. Border officers may ask for:
- Return or onward flight tickets
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, host address)
- Evidence of ties to your home country (employment letter, property ownership, family)
Sufficient Financial Resources
You must be able to support yourself financially during your stay. While there is no minimum bank balance requirement, border officers may ask to see bank statements, credit cards, or proof of sponsorship.
How to Apply for a Canada eTA
The application process is entirely online. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Have your passport and a credit or debit card ready before starting. You will also need a valid email address.
Step 2: Complete the Online Form
Visit the official Government of Canada eTA website. You will need to provide:
- Full name (as it appears on your passport)
- Date of birth
- Passport number, country of issue, and expiry date
- Email address
- Employment information
- Travel history and background questions
Step 3: Pay the Fee
Pay CAD $7 using a credit or debit card. The payment is processed immediately.
Step 4: Receive Your eTA
Most applicants receive approval by email within minutes. If additional processing is required, IRCC may ask for supporting documents. Check your email, including spam and junk folders, for the confirmation.
Special Cases and Exceptions
Dual Citizens with Canadian Citizenship
If you are a dual citizen and one of your citizenships is Canadian, you cannot use an eTA. You must enter Canada on your Canadian passport. This rule applies even if you have never lived in Canada.
Permanent Residents of Canada
Canadian permanent residents cannot use an eTA. You must present your Permanent Resident Card or a Permanent Resident Travel Document when flying to Canada.
US Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders)
US permanent residents who are citizens of visa-exempt countries need an eTA to fly to Canada. If you are a US green card holder from a country that requires a visa, you may need a visitor visa instead, although some exemptions apply.
Travelling with Children
Children from visa-exempt countries also need their own eTA. Parents or guardians can apply on behalf of their children. Each child requires a separate eTA linked to their individual passport.
Common eTA Application Mistakes
Avoid these errors that can delay or reject your application:
- Incorrect passport number: Double-check the passport number on the application. A single wrong digit will cause a mismatch.
- Wrong passport used: If you hold multiple passports, make sure you apply with the passport from your visa-exempt country.
- Expired passport: Apply for a new passport before applying for an eTA if yours is about to expire.
- Misspelled name: Your name on the eTA must match your passport exactly, including middle names.
What Happens After You Get Your eTA?
Once approved, your eTA is 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 electronically.
At the Canadian border, a border services officer will examine your documents and may ask questions about your trip. Having a valid eTA does not guarantee entry – the officer makes the final decision.
eTA vs Canadian Visa: Key Differences
Understanding when you need an eTA versus a visa is essential:
| Feature | eTA | Visitor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | CAD $7 | CAD $100 |
| Processing time | Minutes to days | Weeks to months |
| Validity | Up to 5 years | Up to 10 years |
| Application method | Online only | Online or paper |
| Biometrics required | No | Yes (for most) |
| Entry method | Air only | Air, land, or sea |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Canada eTA last?
The eTA is valid for up to five years from the date of approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If your passport expires before the five-year period, your eTA becomes invalid and you must apply for a new one.
Can I work in Canada with an eTA?
No. The eTA is for tourism, business visits, and transit only. If you want to work in Canada, you need a valid work permit. Some business activities, such as attending meetings or conferences, are allowed under an eTA, but paid employment is not.
What if my eTA application is refused?
If your eTA is refused, you will receive an email explaining the reason. Common reasons include criminal inadmissibility, health concerns, or insufficient documentation. In most cases, you can reapply or address the issue by submitting additional documents or applying for a Temporary Resident Permit.
Can I extend my stay in Canada with an eTA?
An eTA does not authorize extended stays. You can stay in Canada for up to six months per visit. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for an extension before your authorized stay expires. Overstaying can result in future entry bans.
Do I need an eTA for connecting flights through Canada?
Yes. Even if Canada is not your final destination and you are only transiting through a Canadian airport, you still need a valid eTA. The Canada Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program has limited exceptions for citizens of certain countries.
Can I apply for an eTA at the airport?
No. The eTA must be applied for online before you travel. Airlines will not allow you to board a flight to Canada without a valid eTA. Apply at least 72 hours before your departure to allow time for processing.
What happens if I travel to Canada without an eTA?
Airlines will deny you boarding at the departure airport. Canada requires airlines to verify eTA status before allowing passengers to board flights to Canada. You cannot obtain an eTA at the airport or upon arrival.
Does an eTA guarantee entry to Canada?
No. A valid eTA allows you to board a flight to Canada, but the final decision rests with the border services officer at the port of entry. The officer can still refuse entry if they determine you do not meet the entry requirements.
Important Reminders Before You Travel
- Apply for your eTA at least 72 hours before your flight departure
- Use the passport linked to your eTA when checking in for your flight
- Carry proof of sufficient funds and your return ticket
- Be prepared to answer questions from the border officer about your visit
- Keep your email confirmation for your records (though no printout is needed)
