Everything You Need To Know
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a travel entry requirement for eligible foreign nationals visiting Canada for short stays. It allows travel for tourism, business visits, or transit through Canada. Most non Canadian citizens must obtain either a valid visa or an approved eTA before travelling to Canada.
Who needs a Canada eTA
Passport holders who need the Canada eTA
If your passport is on the list below, you'll need a valid Canada eTA before boarding your flight to Canada. Search or browse to confirm your nationality.
No country matches that search. Check the spelling, or confirm your status on canada.ca.
US citizens and lawful permanent residents don't need an eTA. Countries not shown generally require a visitor visa. Requirements are set by IRCC and can change — always confirm on canada.ca before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about your Canada eTA
Clear, accurate answers to the questions travellers ask us most. Still unsure? Our team is one message away.
What is a Canada eTA?
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a digital entry requirement for visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada. It is linked electronically to your passport and stays valid for up to five years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Which documents and details should I have ready?
Have your valid passport, an email address and a payment method ready. You will enter basic details such as your name, date and place of birth, address, nationality and passport number, and answer a few short background questions about your employment, funds and health or immigration history. Make sure every detail matches your passport exactly, as even a small typo can cause problems at the airport.
Does every member of my family need their own eTA?
Yes. Every traveller needs their own eTA tied to their own passport, including children and infants. For anyone under 18, a parent or legal guardian completes and submits the application on their behalf. Each application is separate, so several people cannot share one eTA.
Can I reuse my eTA for a future trip?
Yes. An eTA allows multiple visits and stays valid for up to five years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You only need a new one if you get a new passport, since the eTA is linked to the passport you applied with.
How long does processing take?
Many applications are approved within minutes. Some take longer, up to a few days, if additional information or review is required. If we or the authorities need anything further, you will be contacted by email with the next steps.
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