What is Canada eTA?
eTA Canada is the Electronic Travel Authorization introduced by the Canadian Government as an online equivalent to a visa. eTA can be obtained online by eligible travelers planning to enter Canada by air and stay there for the purpose of tourism, business, or transit.
The eTA system was introduced in Canada in 2016 with the aim of speeding up the entire process of getting a visa for short-term stays.
The Canadian eTA is issued as a multiple-entry permit allowing a 6-month stay at a time in Canada, while the permit itself remains valid for 5 years from the date of issue.
eTA-eligible applicants need to go through a very intuitive and straightforward process that entails no embassy visits and allows saving of plenty of time. An applicant just needs a couple of minutes to fill out a short online form, cover the processing fee of 49 Euro, and once processed, the eTA is delivered straight to the email inbox.
Thanks to the eTA introduction, obtaining a visa for Canada now is a question of a few days, very often even several hours, instead of long weeks.
Who needs an eTA to Canada?
eTA Canada is a mandatory document that must be held by every person entering Canada by air for the purpose of leisure, business, or transit. The requirement applies to all eligible countries’ citizens, regardless of their age. Currently, the eTA-eligible countries list includes over 50 different nationalities.
Go to the ‘List of eligible countries’ section to check whether you can obtain an eTA Canada online.
eTA to Canada requirements
There is only one document without which applying for an eTA to Canada is impossible – it is a valid passport. What is important, the passport should have at least 6-month validity. No other supporting documents are required for the Canada eTA application.
Make also sure that you have access to the following items:
- active and frequently used email address
- valid means of online payment
- Internet-ńssed electronic device
eTA Canada application form
If you already familiarized yourself with eTA requirements, you can start your online application. Luckily, you will need to follow only three steps, including:
- Fill out the eTA online form: Provide your personal details, passport information, travel details, etc. Double-check all the information you entered and only then move on to the second step.
- Cover the service fee: Use one preferred method of online payment and cover the processing fee of 49 Euro, without which it will be impossible to complete the application.
- Check your email: After paying the service fee, go to your email address and check for the confirmation message. Once your eTA is approved, it will be delivered in a PDF format to your email inbox too.
eTA Canada validity
eTA Canada stays effective for 5 years from the date of its approval. Throughout this entire period, its holder can enter and re-enter Canada numerous times. Every single stay in Canada can be as long as 6 months.
Important: An eTA holder must remember to hold a passport that will stay valid for their entire planned visit to Canada. If the passport expires or its data is changed, the eTA will expire too. In such a situation, it will be necessary to apply for a new eTA to enter Canada again.
List of eligible countries
Below, you will find the complete list of eTA-eligible countries. Should your nationality is not listed below, it means that you cannot apply for an eTA to Canada.
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Brazil*
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Chile
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Korea, South
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Papua New Guinea
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- Vatican City (Holy See)
Special advisory for citizens of Brazil
Brazil citizens must meet one of the following conditions to be eligible for eTA:
- to be a US Permanent Resident (hold a Green Card)
- to have held a visa for Canada at any point within the last 10 years prior to the current Canada visa application
- to be a current holder of a US non-immigrant visa
Countries exempted from Canada eTA
Citizens of the following countries can always enter Canada without needing to hold a valid eTA:
- citizens of Canada or dual Canadian citizens
- citizens of the USA
- Canadian permanent residents
Transit Information
For transit purposes, i.e., flying through Canada on the way to another final destination, every eligible traveler needs to have a valid eTA.
Check the list of eligible countries and submit your eTA application. Receive your eTA and transit through Canada without any hassle.
FAQ
When will I receive an eTA to Canada?
Your approved eTA should be delivered to your email address within maximally a few days. Most often, our applicants receive their approved visas within several hours. However, you should remember that every application is processed individually. Make sure to submit the error-free application form which will maximize your chances for immediate eTA approval.
Do I need to print an eTA to Canada?
There is no need to print your Canada eTA confirmation since your eTA will be digitally linked to your passport. Nevertheless, saving it on your mobile device or carrying its physical copy with you is always recommended, just in case.
What if my eTA Canada is not approved?
Should your eTA cannot be approved, probably there are some mistakes made in your application form. Do not hesitate to contact our visa consultants as soon as possible to discuss your problem.
How long can I stay in Canada with an eTA?
eTA allows numerous entries to Canada within its 5-year validity period, while every stay in the country can last up to 6 months. Please note that your passport must remain valid for the entire duration of your planned stay in Canada!
What is the validity of eTA Canada?
The Canadian eTA is issued for 5 years starting from the date you receive its approval. As an eTA holder, you are allowed multiple entries to Canada within this 5-year period and stay for up to 6 months each time. Please bear in mind that your passport expiration or any changes in its data will automatically make your eTA invalid.
Do children need an eTA for Canada?
Yes. Entering Canada by air requires all eligible countries to have the approved eTA, irrespective of their age. Applications for underage travelers should be submitted by their parents or legal guardians.
What must I have to apply for an eTA Canada?
For the eTA Canada application, one needs to hold a passport with at least 6 months of validity (from the date of planned entry to Canada). It is the only document necessary to apply for eTA. Additionally, every applicant must have access to any working electronic device with an Internet connection, valid means of online payment, and an active email address.
What is the processing time for an eTA Canada?
The standard processing time for an eTA Canada may take up to a few days. Nevertheless, most often our applicants can enjoy their eTA delivered to their email address within several hours or even minutes.