Canada eTA requirements and eligibility

Key passport, eligibility and air-travel information for a Canada Electronic Travel Authorization.

What is a Canada eTA?

Canada’s Electronic Travel Authorization is an electronic entry requirement for eligible foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air or transiting through a Canadian airport. It is linked electronically to the passport used in the application, so there is normally no physical authorization to print and carry.

Who needs a Canada eTA?

It is generally relevant to eligible visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to Canada or transit through a Canadian airport. Travellers arriving by land or sea may be subject to different document rules.

Who is exempt or not eligible as a visitor?

United States citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents are exempt from the eTA requirement and should travel with the appropriate documents. Canadian citizens, including relevant dual citizens, need the appropriate Canadian travel document. Canadian permanent residents use the appropriate permanent-resident travel documentation rather than applying as eTA visitors.

Validity and repeated travel

A Canada eTA may be valid for up to 5 years or until the linked passport expires, whichever comes first. It can be used for repeated trips while valid. A new passport generally requires a new eTA.

How long can you stay?

A traveller may normally visit for up to 6 months at a time. The border officer determines the permitted period at entry and may allow a shorter or longer stay depending on the circumstances.

Passport requirements

Travel using the same passport connected to the approved eTA.

Special eligibility for some visa-required countries

Some citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Philippines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay may qualify for an eTA in specific circumstances.

They must generally have held a Canadian visitor visa during the previous 10 years or currently hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa, and must travel by air or transit through a Canadian airport for a temporary stay. Otherwise, a visitor visa may be required. For this category, entry by car, bus, train, boat or cruise ship generally requires a visitor visa rather than an eTA.

Work and study

An eTA alone does not grant permission to work in Canada or to study where a study permit is required. The appropriate permit may be needed.

Processing and additional documents

Most applications are approved within minutes, but some take longer. Additional documents may be requested before a decision is made. Routine biometric enrolment is not normally part of the standard eTA process.

Application updates and the decision are normally sent by email. Check the email address used for the application, including the spam or junk folder.

After approval

Verify that the passport details connected to the approval are correct. Approval permits an eligible traveller to fly to Canada, but it does not guarantee admission. The final decision is made at the border.

Frequently asked questions

Does each traveller need an application?

Yes. Applications are submitted individually, including for children where applicable.

Must I have booked a flight?

No. Planned travel and flight information can be added when known.

Do I need an eTA for land or sea travel?

Visa-exempt travellers who require an eTA generally use it for air travel. Different travel-document rules apply to arrival by land or sea.