A Canada eTA is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This multi-entry electronic travel authorization allows you to fly to Canada as many times as you want during its validity period, with each visit permitting a stay of up to six months. Understanding exactly how eTA validity works – and what causes it to end early – helps you avoid surprises before your trip.
How Long Is a Canada eTA Valid?
A Canada eTA remains valid for up to five years from the date of approval, unless your passport expires sooner. The five-year validity window is a fixed maximum set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The actual expiry date of your eTA depends on two factors:
- Passport expiry date – if your passport expires in two years, your eTA also expires in two years
- Five-year limit – if your passport is valid for ten more years, your eTA still expires after five years
The eTA system automatically calculates whichever date comes first and applies that as your eTA expiry. You cannot extend, renew, or transfer an existing eTA. When it expires, you simply apply for a new one.
Example: If your passport expires on March 15, 2028, and you are approved for an eTA on January 10, 2026, your eTA will expire on March 15, 2028 – not January 10, 2031 – because your passport expires first.
What Determines the Exact Expiry Date of Your eTA
The exact expiry date of your Canada eTA is determined by whichever comes first: your passport expiration date or five years from the date of eTA approval. The IRCC system links your eTA electronically to your passport number, and the authorization cannot outlive the document it is attached to.
Here is how the calculation works in practice:
| Scenario | Passport Expiry | eTA Approval Date | eTA Expiry Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport expires first | March 2028 | January 2026 | March 2028 |
| Five-year limit applies | December 2035 | January 2026 | January 2031 |
| Short-validity passport | June 2027 | January 2026 | June 2027 |
| New passport (10-year) | August 2036 | January 2026 | January 2031 |
Important: The eTA validity period starts from the date IRCC approves your application – not from the date you submitted it or from your travel date. If your application takes 72 hours to process, those hours count against your five-year window.
How to Check If Your Canada eTA Is Still Valid
You can check your Canada eTA status online through the official Government of Canada website at canada.ca. There is no physical document or card to check – the eTA exists only in the Canadian immigration database, linked to your passport number.
To check your eTA status:
- Go to canada.ca/eta and select “Check your eTA status”
- Enter your passport number (the passport used for your eTA application)
- Enter your country of citizenship
- Enter your date of birth
- The system will display your current eTA status and expiry date
Other ways to verify validity:
- Check your approval email – the original eTA confirmation email from IRCC contains your eTA number and expiry information
- Contact IRCC – if you cannot access the online system, you can submit an enquiry through the IRCC web form
- Airline verification – when you check in for your flight, the airline system automatically verifies your eTA status using your passport number
If you cannot find your eTA number and the online status check does not return results, your eTA may have expired or been cancelled. In that case, apply for a new one.
Does Your Canada eTA Expire When Your Passport Expires?
Yes. Your Canada eTA expires immediately when your passport expires, even if the five-year validity period has not yet ended. The eTA is electronically linked to a specific passport number. When that passport is no longer valid, the eTA attached to it is also no longer valid.
This applies in all of the following situations:
- Your passport reaches its natural expiry date – the eTA expires on the same day
- Your passport is cancelled, revoked, or reported lost or stolen – the eTA becomes invalid immediately
- You replace your passport with a new one – even if the old passport has not yet expired, the eTA linked to the old passport number is void
What to do when your passport expires:
- Apply for a new passport first
- Once you have your new passport, apply for a new Canada eTA using the new passport number
- Do not attempt to travel with an eTA linked to an expired passport – the airline will deny boarding
There is no process to “transfer” an existing eTA from an old passport to a new one. Each eTA is tied to one specific passport number for its entire validity period.
What Happens If You Get a New Passport?
If you get a new passport for any reason, you must apply for a new Canada eTA – your old eTA is automatically invalidated. This is true whether you renewed your passport because it expired, changed your name, or had your passport lost or stolen.
Common reasons you might need a new passport – and therefore a new eTA:
- Passport renewal – the most common reason. Your old eTA dies with your old passport
- Name change – if you change your name (due to marriage, legal name change, etc.), you get a new passport with the new name. The old eTA linked to the old passport is invalid
- Lost or stolen passport – once you report a passport as lost or stolen, it is cancelled in the system, and the eTA attached to it is also cancelled
- Damaged passport – if your passport is damaged and replaced, you need a new eTA
- Additional pages or endorsement changes – some countries issue a new passport number when pages are added or endorsements change
Do not attempt to travel with an eTA linked to an old or cancelled passport. The airline checks your passport number against the eTA database at check-in. If the numbers do not match, you will be denied boarding regardless of whether your old eTA has technically expired.
Can You Stay in Canada for the Full Five Years?
No. A valid Canada eTA does not authorize a five-year stay in Canada. The eTA validity period and the permitted length of stay are two completely different things:
- eTA validity – how long the authorization exists (up to five years). This determines when you can fly to Canada
- Length of stay – how long you can remain in Canada on a single visit (typically up to six months). This is determined by the border services officer at the port of entry
Each time you enter Canada, a border services officer decides how long you may stay. The standard maximum is six months, but the officer may authorize a shorter stay based on your travel purpose, return ticket, and other factors.
Key points about length of stay:
- The officer stamps your passport with the date you must leave Canada, or provides an electronic record
- You must leave Canada by the authorized date – overstaying is a violation of immigration law
- After leaving, you can re-enter Canada using the same eTA (as long as it is still valid)
- There is no formal limit on the number of times you can enter Canada during your eTA validity, but frequent or extended stays may raise questions at the border
| Concept | Duration | What It Controls |
|---|---|---|
| eTA validity | Up to 5 years | When you can board a flight to Canada |
| Per visit stay | Up to 6 months | How long you can remain in Canada per entry |
| Multiple entries | Unlimited | How many times you can enter during validity |
What Causes a Canada eTA to Be Cancelled Before It Expires?
A Canada eTA can be cancelled or revoked before its expiry date for several reasons, including changes to your immigration status, passport, or personal circumstances. An approved eTA is not guaranteed to remain valid for the full five-year period.
Reasons an eTA may be cancelled early:
- New passport issued – as described above, any new passport invalidates the existing eTA
- Change in immigration status – if you become a Canadian permanent resident or citizen, you no longer need an eTA, and any existing one may be cancelled
- Criminal inadmissibility discovered – if IRCC learns of a criminal record after eTA approval, the authorization may be revoked
- Misrepresentation – if IRCC determines that false information was provided on the eTA application, the eTA will be cancelled and you may face a ban
- National security concerns – if new information surfaces that affects your admissibility on security grounds
- Regulatory changes – the Canadian government can modify or revoke eTAs as part of changes to immigration policy
There is no notification system that alerts you before cancellation. This is why checking your eTA status before each trip is a good practice, especially if it has been several months since your last visit to Canada.
Does a Canada eTA Have an Entry Limit?
No. A Canada eTA allows unlimited entries during its validity period. You can fly to Canada as many times as you want, as long as your eTA is still valid and you comply with the conditions of each visit.
However, unlimited entries does not mean unlimited stays. Each entry is subject to:
- A maximum stay of six months per visit (or as determined by the border officer)
- The border officer’s assessment of your travel purpose
- Canadian immigration law regarding “status” – if you overstay or violate conditions, future entries may be denied
Practical considerations for frequent travelers:
- There is no minimum waiting period between visits, but returning to Canada shortly after a long stay may raise questions about whether you are genuinely a visitor
- If border officers suspect you are living in Canada rather than visiting, they may refuse entry or authorize a shorter stay
- Keep documentation of your ties to your home country (employment letter, property ownership, return ticket) to demonstrate you are a genuine visitor
Can You Apply for a New eTA Before the Old One Expires?
Yes. You can apply for a new Canada eTA at any time, even if your current eTA has not yet expired. If you get a new passport, you must apply for a new eTA regardless of how much validity remains on the old one.
When to apply for a new eTA before the old one expires:
- You have a new passport – mandatory. The old eTA is invalid
- Your passport is expiring soon – renew your passport first, then apply for a new eTA
- Your eTA is about to expire and you have upcoming travel – apply early to avoid any processing delays
- You want peace of mind – applying in advance ensures you are not scrambling before a trip
What happens to the old eTA: If you apply for a new eTA with the same passport, the new application may supersede the old one. If you apply with a new passport, the old eTA (linked to the old passport) simply becomes irrelevant. There is no refund for the remaining validity on an old eTA.
The new eTA costs CAD $7 – the same fee as the original application.
Canada eTA Validity vs. Canadian Visa Validity
Canada eTA validity and Canadian visa validity operate differently and serve different groups of travelers. Understanding the distinction helps you know what to expect depending on your nationality and travel needs.
| Feature | Canada eTA | Canadian Visa (TRV) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum validity | Up to **5 years** | Varies – single or multiple entry |
| Linked to passport | Yes – expires with passport | Yes – expires with passport |
| Multiple entries | Unlimited during validity | Depends on visa type |
| Cost | **CAD $7** | **CAD $100 to $150** |
| Processing time | Minutes to 72 hours | **2 to 8 weeks** |
| Renewable | No – apply for a new one | Some types can be extended |
| Permitted stay | Up to **6 months** per entry | Up to **6 months** per entry |
If you are from a visa-exempt country, the eTA is the simpler and cheaper option. If you are from a visa-required country, you need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) – though some visa-required nationals may qualify for an eTA under Canada’s expanded eTA program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canada eTA Validity
How do I find out when my Canada eTA expires?
Check your eTA status at **canada.ca/eta** by entering your passport number, country of citizenship, and date of birth. The system will display your eTA status and expiry date. You can also refer to the original approval email from IRCC, which contains your eTA number and validity information.
My passport expires in three years – how long is my eTA valid?
Your eTA is valid for three years – until your passport expires. The eTA cannot outlive the passport it is linked to, even if the five-year maximum has not been reached. When your passport expires, apply for a new passport and then a new eTA.
Can I travel to Canada on the last day my eTA is valid?
Technically, yes – as long as your eTA is valid on the day you board your flight, you can travel. However, the border services officer at the port of entry will determine how long you may stay. If your eTA expires while you are in Canada, it does not affect your current stay – your authorized stay is determined at entry, not by the eTA expiry date.
Does my eTA expiry affect my stay if I am already in Canada?
No. If you entered Canada while your eTA was valid, the expiry of the eTA does not shorten your authorized stay. Your length of stay is determined by the border services officer when you entered. You must leave by the date stamped in your passport or recorded electronically. However, if you leave Canada and want to return, you will need a valid eTA for re-entry.
I got a new passport but my old eTA hasn’t expired – can I still use it?
No. The moment you receive a new passport, the eTA linked to your old passport is no longer valid. You must apply for a new eTA using your new passport number. Do not attempt to travel with the old eTA – the airline will not allow boarding because the passport number does not match.
Can I extend my Canada eTA validity?
No. There is no process to extend or renew a Canada eTA. When it expires, you must apply for a new one. The new application costs CAD $7 and typically takes minutes to process. You can apply for a new eTA at any time – there is no requirement to wait for the old one to expire first.
What if my eTA expires while I am in Canada?
Your eTA expiring while you are in Canada does not affect your current authorized stay. You can remain in Canada until the date specified by the border services officer when you entered. However, if you leave Canada after your eTA expires, you will need a new eTA to re-enter. Apply for a new eTA before your return flight.
Does a Canada eTA approval guarantee entry for five years?
No. An approved eTA authorizes you to board a flight to Canada – it does not guarantee entry. The border services officer at the port of entry makes the final decision on whether to admit you and for how long. If your circumstances change (criminal record, previous overstays, etc.), you may be refused entry even with a valid eTA.
How many times can I enter Canada on one eTA?
There is no limit on the number of entries during your eTA validity period. You can enter Canada as many times as you want, as long as your eTA is still valid and each visit complies with immigration rules. However, frequent or extended visits may prompt the border officer to question whether you are genuinely a visitor.
I changed my name – do I need a new eTA?
Yes. If you changed your name and received a new passport with the new name, you need a new eTA linked to the new passport. The old eTA is linked to the old passport number and name, and is no longer valid. Apply for the new eTA after you receive your new passport.
Can I have two valid eTAs at the same time?
Generally, no. Each passport can only have one active eTA. If you apply for a new eTA with the same passport, the new application typically replaces the old one. If you have two passports (dual citizenship), each passport can have its own separate eTA, but you should use the same passport for your eTA application and your travel.
What is the difference between eTA validity and authorized stay?
eTA validity is the period during which you can board flights to Canada – up to five years. Authorized stay is how long you can remain in Canada on a single visit – typically up to six months. These are independent concepts. Your eTA can be valid for years, but each visit is limited to the stay period set by the border officer.
