Canada has been a great country to visit for many people, and now it’s easier than ever with the introduction of eTAs. These electronic travel authorizations allow visitors without visas or passports from certain countries entry into Canada as long they meet specific criteria. They’re especially great for visa-exempt countries.
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air visa-exempt. An eTA is electronically linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new eTA.
With a valid eTA, you can travel to Canada as often as you want for short stays (usually for up to six months). You do not need an eTA for travel within Canada.
An eTA doesn’t guarantee entry to Canada. When you arrive, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and other documents – for example, a U.S. Green Card. You must convince the officer that you are eligible for entry into Canada.
The eTA is a unique travel document that allows foreigners to enter Canada without a visa. If you are travelling or transiting through this country by air, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) may be required. However, there’s one exception: American citizens can still get their U.S. passports when visiting Canada!
There are four types of travellers:
If you’re a U.S. citizen, it’s easy to enter Canada without an eTA. All that is required of your passport will be its validity and citizenship. If not American by birth or nationalization status (including Green Card holders), there are no other requirements for landing on Canadian soil! Dual citizens of the United States with Canadian citizenship must use their Canadian passports when flying into Canada.
Some exemptions to eTA include:
Only apply for an eTA on this official Government of Canada website.
Applying for an eTA is a simple online process that takes just a few minutes to complete. Most applicants get their eTA approval (via email) within minutes. However, some requests can take several days to process if you’re asked to submit supporting documents. It is best to get an eTA before booking your flight to Canada.
An eTA costs CAD 7. You can only apply and pay for one person at a time.
You will need your passport, a credit or debit card, and an email address to complete the form. You have also answered a few questions.
If you enter the wrong passport number on the eTA form, you will have problems flying to Canada.
Use the number at the top of your passport information page – the page with your photo.
When we approve your eTA, it will be linked to the passport you used to apply. You need to present this passport when you check-in for your flight to Canada.
The airline staff will scan your passport to confirm that you have a valid eTA. If you do not have one, you won’t be able to board your flight.
Avoid hassles at the airport: Once your ETA is approved, check that the passport number included in your ETA approval email matches the number in your passport. If they don’t match, you need to apply for a new ETA.