Canada eTA — Everything You Need to Know

The Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a travel entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada. This page covers eligibility, requirements, validity, and everything else you need to know before you apply.

This information is provided as general guidance only. Official rules are set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). We are an independent assistance service — not affiliated with the Government of Canada.

Please note we are not affiliated with the Government of Canada.

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Countries and territories whose citizens need an eTA to travel to Canada

Foreign nationals from the following countries need an eTA before boarding their flight to Canada:

Andorra Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Australia Austria Bahamas Barbados Belgium Brazil Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Chile Costa Rica Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hong Kong Hungary Iceland Ireland Israel Italy Japan Korea, Republic of Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Mexico Monaco Morocco Netherlands New Zealand Norway Panama Papua New Guinea Philippines Poland Portugal Romania Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Seychelles Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Spain Sweden Switzerland Taiwan Thailand Trinidad and Tobago United Arab Emirates United Kingdom Uruguay Vatican City

British Overseas Territories

British overseas territory citizen who derives that citizenship through birth, descent, naturalization or registration in one of the British overseas territories of:

Anguilla Bermuda British Virgin Islands Cayman Islands Falkland Islands Gibraltar Montserrat Pitcairn Island Saint Helena Turks and Caicos Islands

Other foreign nationals who need an eTA to travel to Canada

The following foreign nationals need an eTA before boarding their flight to Canada:

  • Persons who have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence (United States Permanent Residents).
  • Holder of a passport or travel document issued by the Holy See.
  • Holder of a national Israeli passport.
  • Holder of a passport issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.
  • Holder of a passport issued by the United Kingdom to a British National (Overseas), as a person born, naturalized or registered in Hong Kong.
  • Holder of a passport issued by the United Kingdom to a British Subject which contains the observation that the holder has the right of abode in the United Kingdom.
  • Holder of an ordinary passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that includes the personal identification number of the individual. Note: Taiwanese citizens who hold a passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that does not include their personal identification number need a visa to come to Canada.

What is a Canada eTA?

A Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a digital entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. It is electronically linked to your passport — there is no physical stamp or sticker.

Since 15 March 2016, all visa-exempt foreign nationals are required to hold a valid eTA before boarding a flight to Canada. The eTA is valid for air travel only — if you are entering Canada by land or sea, different rules apply.

The eTA does not guarantee entry to Canada. A border services officer makes the final decision at the port of entry.

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How Long Is a Canada eTA Valid?

A Canada eTA is generally valid for 5 years from the date it is issued, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. During this period, you may travel to Canada multiple times for short stays.

Each visit to Canada is typically limited to a maximum of 6 months, though the border officer determines the actual length of your stay at entry.

Important: Your eTA is linked to the specific passport you used when you applied. If your passport expires or you get a new passport, you will need to apply for a new eTA.

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Who Needs a Canada eTA?

You need a Canada eTA if you are a visa-exempt foreign national travelling to Canada by air. This includes:
— Citizens of visa-exempt countries (see the full list below)
— US permanent residents (Green Card holders) flying to Canada
— Holders of passports issued by the Holy See
— Holders of a national Israeli passport
— Holders of a Hong Kong SAR passport
— Holders of a UK passport issued to a British National (Overseas) born,
naturalised or registered in Hong Kong
— Holders of a UK passport issued to a British Subject with the right of abode in the UK
— Holders of a Taiwanese passport that includes a personal identification number

You do NOT need an eTA if you are:
— A Canadian citizen or dual citizen holding a Canadian passport
— A US citizen (you need a valid US passport or other accepted travel document)
— Travelling by land or sea rather than by air
— A citizen of a country that requires a full Canadian visa

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What Documents Do You Need to Apply?

To complete a Canada eTA application you will typically need:

✓ A valid passport from an eligible country
✓ An active email address (your eTA approval will be sent here)
✓ A debit or credit card to pay the fees
✓ Basic personal details — name, date of birth, nationality, gender, marital status, address, and passport number

All details you provide must exactly match the information in your passport. You must travel using the same passport that was used when applying.

Our service fee covers application review and submission support. The official Canadian government eTA fee of CAD $7 is charged separately by IRCC.

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How Long Does eTA Processing Take?

Most Canada eTA applications are approved within minutes. However, some applications may require additional review by IRCC and can take several days.

We recommend applying at least 72 hours before your flight to allow time for any additional processing. Do not book non-refundable travel until your eTA has been approved.

You will receive your result by email once a decision has been made by IRCC.

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Can a Canada eTA Be Refused?

Yes. In some cases, an eTA application may be refused by IRCC. This can happen if the applicant does not meet eligibility requirements, has a criminal record, or if additional information is needed.

If your application is refused, IRCC will advise you on next steps. In some cases you may need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) instead.

Our team is available to assist you if you have questions about a refused or delayed application.

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Do I need an eTA if I am just transiting through Canada?

Yes. If you are transiting through a Canadian airport on a connecting flight and you are a visa-exempt foreign national, you generally need a valid Canada eTA. This applies even if you do not plan to leave the airport.

Is the Canada eTA the same as a visa?

No. The eTA is not a visa. It is a lighter entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals. A full Canadian visa (Temporary Resident Visa) is required for citizens of countries not on the visa-exempt list.

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Ready to Apply? We'll Help You Every Step of the Way.

Our team reviews your application for accuracy before submission — reducing errors and saving you time.


Private assistance service · Service fee applies · Not affiliated with the Government of Canada

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about the Canada eTA application process.

A Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a travel entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to Canada. It is electronically linked to your passport.

Most Canada eTA applications are processed quickly, often within minutes. However, some applications may require additional review and can take longer.

A Canada eTA is generally valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

No. Your Canada eTA is electronically linked to your passport, so there is usually no need to carry a printed copy.

Yes. You may complete and submit a Canada eTA application for another person, such as a family member or travel companion.

Travelers from visa-exempt countries who are flying to Canada usually need a valid eTA before boarding their flight.

Yes. A valid Canada eTA generally allows multiple short visits to Canada during its validity period.

You typically need a valid passport, an email address, and a payment method to complete the Canada eTA application.

Yes. In some cases, applications may be refused if additional information is required or if the applicant does not meet eligibility requirements.

Since your Canada eTA is linked to your passport, you will usually need to apply for a new eTA if you receive a new passport.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

Independent Canada eTA Support Service

Canada eTA Assistance is an independent application support service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Government of Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), or any government authority.

Official eTA decisions are made solely by Canadian immigration authorities. Our service fee covers application review, guidance, and submission support — it does not include the official CAD $7 government fee, which is charged separately by IRCC.

Full fee breakdown is displayed at checkout before any payment is made. You may also apply directly through the official Government of Canada website at canada.ca.

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