Canada eTA: Latest Updates on the Electronic Travel Authorization

Canada eTA – Who Needs It and What It’s For

First, it’s important to clarify that the eTA is mandatory for anyone planning to visit Canada for tourism or business. The eTA is also required for travelers who transit through Canadian territory, even if Canada is not their final destination: for example, passengers flying to the United States on an airline with a layover in a Canadian city must obtain an eTA.

Contrary to popular belief, the eTA is not an actual visa but a screening procedure introduced by the Canadian government to monitor the flow of people transiting (even temporarily) through the country.

With the increasing number of global travelers every year and the complex issues arising from immigrants and refugees from war-torn countries, airport borders are faced with complicated situations that require time-consuming checks.

The introduction of the eTA aims to streamline entry procedures, reducing unnecessary bureaucracy when verifying travelers at the border.

Countries Eligible for the Canada eTA Program

Currently, there are 52 countries exempt from the requirement to apply for a regular visa and eligible to request the eTA before traveling to Canada. Italy is among the countries participating in the eTA program for Canada.

You do not need to visit a Consulate to get an eTA. The process is entirely online: simply fill out a detailed form and provide all the necessary information to successfully complete the application.

Once approved, the eTA allows for multiple entries into Canada for up to 6 months (180 days) from the date of issue.

It’s important to note that you only need the eTA if arriving in Canada by air: if entering from the United States by car or boat, the eTA is not required. The eTA is also mandatory for minors.

How to Apply for a Canada eTA

The whole process is completed online and requires several pieces of information to be ready when filling out the application:

• Personal details of the traveler (full legal name, including a valid phone number);
• Passport information for the document you’ll use to enter Canada;
• Employment details and employer information;
• A valid email address;
• A valid credit card for the application fee;

Submitting the form is the first step. The information is reviewed by Canadian authorities, who will validate the details provided.

If approved, you should print the eTA and keep it with your passport to show at departure and upon arrival in Canada.

What Happens If the Canada eTA Is Not Approved

There have been cases where the eTA was denied, even for citizens of visa-exempt countries. This may happen if:

• You apply with a passport reported lost or stolen;
• You previously overstayed in Canada beyond the permitted period;
• You have been refused entry to Canada before;
• There is suspicion of links to criminal or terrorist organizations;

Permitted Uses of Canada eTA
With an eTA, you can travel to Canada for:

• Tourism and holidays;
• Visiting family or friends;
• Medical treatments or specialist visits;
• Attending social events, concerts, sports events, or any competitions, provided no payment is received;
• Attending conferences, scientific, educational, professional, or commercial events;
• Participating in training or short courses;

eTA is NOT valid for:

• Academic studies (school credits, university enrollment in Canada);
• Working in Canada;
• Working as a journalist or foreign correspondent, or media jobs (press, film, radio);
• Emigrating to Canada.

When Should You Apply for Canada eTA?

You should apply for your eTA at least 72 hours before your departure to Canada. This is the minimum recommended timeframe, but it’s best to apply at least 2 weeks in advance—especially if there’s a risk your eTA might be denied. If denied, you’ll need to contact a consulate to see if a regular visa can be obtained.

Interview with the Immigration Officer on Arrival in Canada

Having an eTA does not guarantee entry into Canada. Before you cross the border, you may have to attend a brief interview with an immigration officer, who can ask any questions they consider necessary to identify “undesirable” travelers.

Questions may range from your personal details to the purpose of your trip and personal circumstances. The customs officer collects this information to determine if you should be denied entry.

After one year of the eTA system, there are now many documented events and circumstances regarding eTA handling in Canada. A detailed collection of FAQs and real-life examples is available here.

Requirements to Access the Canada eTA Program

To be eligible for the eTA, you must meet all the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of one of the eTA-eligible countries (currently 52, including Italy);
• Plan to stay in Canada for less than 180 days for tourism or business;
• Have a clean criminal record with no convictions or charges;
• Be in good health;
• Demonstrate significant economic and personal ties to your country of residence (such as employment, property ownership, etc.).