Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for Canada: Complete Guide
By WelcomeAide Team
What Is an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)?
Canada's Electronic Travel Authorization, commonly known as the eTA, is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals who are travelling to or transiting through Canada by air. Introduced in 2015 and made mandatory in 2016, the eTA was designed to enhance Canada's ability to screen travellers before they arrive at a Canadian airport. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport, so there is no physical document or sticker to worry about. When you check in for your flight to Canada, the airline will verify that you have a valid eTA associated with your passport number.
The eTA system is managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It is important to understand that an eTA is not a visa. It is a separate authorization that applies specifically to citizens of countries whose nationals do not need a visa to visit Canada. If you are from a country that requires a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) to enter Canada, you do not need an eTA because the visa itself serves as your travel authorization. For a broader overview of Canadian immigration pathways, see our Express Entry comprehensive guide.
Who Needs an eTA?
You need an eTA if you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country and you are flying to or transiting through Canada. This includes citizens of countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Brazil (as of specific policy dates), and many other nations. The full list of visa-exempt countries is maintained by IRCC and can change based on diplomatic agreements and policy decisions. You can check the current list on the IRCC country requirements page.
Who Does NOT Need an eTA?
Several categories of travellers are exempt from the eTA requirement. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens with a Canadian passport, do not need an eTA. US citizens are exempt from the eTA requirement entirely and can enter Canada with a valid US passport. Canadian permanent residents do not apply for an eTA but must travel with their PR card or Permanent Resident Travel Document. Travellers entering Canada by land or sea (not by air) from the United States do not need an eTA, although they must still meet standard entry requirements. Diplomats and certain other officials accredited to Canada are also exempt.
How to Apply for an eTA
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before starting the application, have the following ready: a valid passport from a visa-exempt country, a valid email address, and a credit or debit card for the $7 CAD application fee. You will also need to know your travel plans, although you are not required to provide specific flight information at the time of application. Make sure the information on your application matches your passport exactly, including your name, date of birth, and passport number.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
The eTA application is completed entirely online through the official IRCC eTA application page. The form asks for personal details, passport information, employment information, and travel details. It also includes background questions about your health, criminal history, and previous immigration refusals. The entire form typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. After filling out the form, you will pay the $7 CAD fee by credit or debit card.
Step 3: Receive Your Approval
Most eTA applications are approved within minutes of submission. You will receive an email confirming your approval along with your eTA number. In some cases, additional processing may be required, and you may be asked to submit supporting documents such as a scan of your passport or a photograph. If additional processing is needed, it can take several days or, in rare cases, several weeks. For this reason, it is recommended to apply for your eTA well before your planned travel date.
eTA Processing Times and Validity
As noted, most eTA applications are processed within minutes. However, if your application is flagged for additional review, processing can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Factors that may trigger additional review include a criminal record, previous immigration violations, health concerns, or incomplete information on the application. Once approved, your eTA is valid for five years from the date of issue or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During the validity period, you can travel to Canada multiple times without reapplying, as long as your visits comply with the terms of your eTA and Canadian immigration law.
What If Your Passport Expires?
Your eTA is electronically linked to your passport. If you get a new passport, you must apply for a new eTA using your new passport number. The old eTA cannot be transferred to a new passport. This is a common oversight that can cause problems at check-in, so make sure to apply for a new eTA whenever you renew your passport. For more on travel documents, see our travel document guide for new immigrants.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake applicants make is entering incorrect passport information. Even a single digit error in your passport number can result in your eTA not being linked to your passport, which will cause problems at airline check-in. Double-check all information against your physical passport before submitting. Another frequent error is applying with an expired passport. Your passport must be valid at the time of application and should ideally be valid for the duration of your planned stay in Canada.
Other Pitfalls
Some travellers confuse the eTA with a visa and believe it allows them to work or study in Canada. An eTA authorizes you to travel to Canada and present yourself for entry, but the border officer at the port of entry makes the final decision on whether to admit you and under what conditions. An eTA does not authorize you to work or study. If you plan to work, you need a work permit. Additionally, having an eTA does not guarantee entry to Canada. A border officer can refuse entry if they determine you do not meet the requirements for entry.
eTA for Transit Passengers
If you are transiting through Canada on your way to another country, you may still need an eTA, even if you do not plan to leave the airport. Visa-exempt nationals transiting through a Canadian airport must have a valid eTA. However, there is a Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program and a China Transit Program (CTP) that allow citizens of certain countries to transit through specific Canadian airports without a visa, provided they meet certain conditions. Check the IRCC transit page for current rules.
Special Situations
Former Canadian Permanent Residents
If you were previously a Canadian permanent resident but have since lost or renounced your status, you may need an eTA or a visa to return to Canada, depending on your current citizenship. If you are now a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you would need an eTA. Be aware that the system may flag your application if there are records of your previous PR status. Ensure you answer all application questions honestly and accurately.
Applicants with Criminal Records
Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from obtaining an eTA, but it may trigger additional processing. Minor offences may not be an issue, while more serious convictions could result in denial. If you have a criminal record and are concerned about your admissibility to Canada, learn more in our guide on inadmissibility grounds in Canadian immigration.
eTA and the Immigration Medical Exam
In most cases, visitors to Canada on an eTA do not need to undergo a medical exam. However, if you plan to stay in Canada for more than six months, or if you have lived in or travelled to certain countries, you may be required to undergo a medical exam. The immigration medical exam must be performed by a designated panel physician. For more about health-related requirements, see our newcomers guide to healthcare in BC.
Frequently Asked Questions About the eTA
Can I Extend My Stay in Canada With an eTA?
An eTA authorizes you to board a flight to Canada. Once in Canada, the border officer determines the length of your stay. Most visitors are allowed to stay for up to six months. If you want to extend your stay beyond the authorized period, you must apply for a visitor record extension before your status expires. Extensions are applied for through IRCC, not through the eTA system.
Can I Apply for an eTA From Inside Canada?
You do not need an eTA while you are inside Canada. The eTA is only required for boarding a flight to Canada. If you are already in Canada and your eTA expires, you do not need to renew it until you leave and plan to return by air. However, it is good practice to ensure your eTA is valid before any international travel.
Final Thoughts on the Canadian eTA
The Electronic Travel Authorization is a straightforward and affordable requirement for visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada. At just $7 CAD with a quick online application process, it is one of the simplest parts of planning a trip to Canada. The key is to apply early, use the official Government of Canada website, ensure your passport information is accurate, and understand that an eTA is not a visa and does not guarantee entry. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can obtain your eTA quickly and focus on planning the rest of your Canadian journey.
WelcomeAide is here to support you at every stage of your travel and immigration process. Use our AI Newcomer Navigator for instant, personalized guidance on eTAs, visas, and travel requirements. Explore our blog for more immigration guides and newcomer resources, learn about our mission, or discover how to get involved in supporting newcomer communities across Canada.