An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a travel document required for travellers coming to Canada from visa-exempt countries. Only individuals from visa-exempt countries are required to get an eTA, and only if they are arriving in Canada by air.
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada.
Only travellers from countries who do not require a visa to visit Canada are required to get an eTA, and only if they are travelling to Canada by air. If you’re from a visa-exempt country visiting Canada by land, you do not need an eTA.
Anyone who has a Canadian visa, Canadian permanent residence, or Canadian citizenship does not need an eTA travel document to enter Canada.
Answer the following simple questions to find out if you need an eTA Canada travel document:
If you answered yes to both questions, you will likely need an eTA to board your flight to Canada.
If you are from a visa-exempt country and have been granted a study permit or work permit, IRCC will automatically issue you an eTA when they accept your study or work permit application.
However, if you are from a visa-exempt country and received your permit before August 1, 2015, you may need to apply for an eTA if you plan to leave and return to Canada by air.
U.S. citizens do not require a visa or an eTA to travel to Canada. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can visit Canada with your valid U.S. passport.
As of April 26, 2022, U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders) no longer require an eTA to travel to Canada.
If you are a dual citizen, meaning you hold Canadian citizenship and at least one other citizenship, you do not need an eTA to enter Canada. However, if you are entering Canada by air, you must be travelling with a Canadian passport.
If you are a permanent resident of Canada, you do not need an eTA. Instead, you will need your valid Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) or Permanent Resident Travel Document to travel to Canada.
Travellers must submit their eTA application on the Government of Canada website. To apply, you must have a valid email address.
The Canadian government charges $7 CAD for an eTA. To make the payment, applicants must have a valid debit or credit card.
Since an eTA is a digital document, it is electronically tied to your passport number. As such, you will not receive a physical document from the Government of Canada.
An eTA is valid for five years upon approval, or when your passport expires, whichever comes first. To check whether your eTA is still valid, use Canada’s eTA status check tool.
The Canadian government approves most eTAs within minutes. However, the processing sometimes takes longer. If you are required to submit additional documents, you may receive instructions to do so within 72 hours of applying.
Interested in coming to Canada permanently? Discover your options today with our free online assessment!
Get StartedExpress Entry
Express Entry is the fastest and most popular pathway to permanent residence for immigrants seeking a new life in Canada. This year alone the Canadian […]
Visiting Canada
All individuals other than Canadian citizens and permanent residents must apply for and obtain a temporary residence visa to enter Canada to work or study. […]
Canada Permanent Residence | Canadian Citizenship
We are often asked by prospective newcomers the difference between a Canadian permanent resident vs citizen. Permanent residence refers to an individual who has immigrated […]
Immigration Tips
One of the final requirements for Canada’s immigration process is a medical exam report. Every applicant for permanent residence must undergo a medical exam before […]
Attorney Dery Blog | Immigration Tips
The Canadim Law Firm has been successfully helping newcomers come to Canada for over 20 years. Regardless of whether you choose a legal professional like […]
Living in Canada
Nearly all families would say they consider their pets essential members of their families. And as such, many wonder how they can bring their pets […]
Discover your Canadian immigration options. Get your free assessment now!