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.
Lawful permanent residents of Canada, 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.
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 valid Canadian passport.
Answer the following simple questions to find out if you need an eTA Canada travel document:
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 passport.
As of April 26, 2022, U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders) no longer require an eTA to travel to Canada.
Travellers must apply for an eta by submitting their 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 StartedInternational Students
With its exceptional education system and a blend of diverse cultures, Canada is increasingly attracting international students seeking to enhance their academic and life experiences.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Caregivers aspiring to make Canada their new home now have two dedicated immigration programs tailored to their needs.
International Students
If you are an international student who has graduated from a program in Canada and would like to apply for Permanent Residency, you are probably […]
Study-2-Immigrate
Some international graduates who are not currently eligible to extend their status may feel limited in their options to remain in Canada after their Post […]
Living in Canada
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coastal Mountains, Vancouver stands as a city that effortlessly marries urban sophistication with the raw beauty of nature. […]
Living in Canada
Nestled between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Canada is not just a land of breathtaking landscapes; it is also widely recognized as one of the […]
Discover your Canadian immigration options. Get your free assessment now!