As with any international trip, it’s essential to check your visa requirements in advance to ensure a smooth arrival. For travel to Canada, if you don’t need a visa, you’ll likely have to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
What is an eTA for Canada?
As the name suggests, an eTA is a type of travel authorization electronically linked to your passport. It’s not a visa, and most travelers will need an eTA to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport.
Who Needs an eTA for Canada?
All visa-exempt foreign nationals need an eTA to enter Canada. A visa-exempt foreign national is someone who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and doesn’t require a visa for entry. You can find the full list of visa-exempt countries for travelers on the official Government of Canada website.
It’s important to note that these travelers only need an eTA if they’re arriving in Canada by air or transiting through a Canadian airport. If you are coming from a visa-exempt country and enter Canada by land or sea, you do not need an eTA.
If you come from a country that requires a visa or you already have a valid Canadian visa, you do not need an eTA to enter Canada.
U.S. citizens with proper identification, such as a valid U.S. passport, do not need an eTA or visa to visit Canada. However, U.S. lawful permanent residents must obtain an eTA and present their Green Card and a valid passport upon arrival.
Other eTA exemptions include French citizens living in Saint Pierre and Miquelon who fly directly from their territory to Canada, passengers traveling to or from the United States on a flight that stops in Canada for refueling, those on flights making an unscheduled stop in Canada, and passengers transiting Canada as part of the Transit Without Visa or China Transit Program.
How to Apply for an eTA for Canada
Fortunately, applying for a Canadian eTA is quick, straightforward and convenient. Applicants can find the official instructions on the Government of Canada website and submit an application online.
All you need to complete the online form is a valid email address, your passport or travel document, and a credit or debit card to pay the CAD $7 fee. The entire process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes, and once submitted, you will receive a confirmation by email.
Most eTA requests are approved within minutes, though exceptions exist, and it’s advised to obtain your eTA before booking your flight. Some applicants may be asked to submit additional documents before their eTA can be approved. If that’s the case, you’ll receive instructions by email within 72 hours. Make sure to fill in the form carefully and double-check all the information before submitting. Any mistakes may delay your eTA approval.
How Long is a Canadian eTA Valid?
An eTA is valid for five years or until your linked passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you can travel to Canada as many times as you wish for stays of up to six months at a time.
We hope this guide helped answer your questions and brought you one step closer to your Canadian adventure! For more details about the Canadian eTA and answers to frequently asked questions, visit the Visit Canada page on the official Government of Canada website.
