Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a requirement that visa-exempt foreign citizens traveling by air must enter the country.

Travelers arriving in Canada by car, bus, train or boat do not need this document.

An ETA is electronically linked to the traveler’s passport and is valid for a maximum of 5 years or until the passport expires. If a new passport is obtained, a new ETA is required.

This requirement allows you to travel to Canada as often as you wish for stays of up to 6 months. If you wish to travel within the country, you do not need the ETA.

Who should process the ETA?

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an ETA to travel to or through a Canadian airport. Consult the list of countries here.

Citizens of certain countries who require a visa can also apply for an eTA instead of a visa to travel to Canada by air. However, if these travelers arrive by car, bus, train or boat, including a cruise ship, they require a visitor visa.

Travelers who cannot apply for an ETA

Canadian citizens, including those with dual nationality, need a valid Canadian passport.

Canadian permanent residents need a valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document.

Citizens of the United States (US) as well as lawful permanent residents who have valid status in the United States are exempt from this requirement and must carry proper identification, such as a US passport valid or, if applicable, official proof of status and a passport of the country of which they are citizens.

How can I request it?

The application is done online on the official website of the Government of Canada, and it only takes a few minutes.

Most applicants get their ETA approval via email within minutes. However, some requests may take several days to be processed if supporting documents are requested.

The ETA costs $7 CAD and can only be requested and paid for by one person at a time.

To complete the form, you need a passport, credit card and email address. A few questions also need to be answered.

It is important to specify that the eTA does not guarantee entry into Canada. When you arrive, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and other documents to verify that you are eligible to enter Canada.

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