Canada eTA requirements
and how to apply
The Electronic Travel Authorization is the entry document required for citizens of visa exempt countries flying to Canada.
Apply online in minutes through IRCC’s official portal.
What is a Canada eTA?
An electronic permit linked to your passport for air travel to Canada.
The Electronic Travel Authorization is a digital entry permit required for citizens of visa exempt countries flying to Canada for short stays. It costs $7 CAD on the official IRCC portal and is electronically linked to the passport used at application. Once approved, the eTA is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
An approved eTA does not guarantee entry to Canada. A Canada Border Services Agency officer makes the final decision at the port of entry, and may grant a stay of up to six months per visit.
Who needs an eTA?
Whether you need an eTA depends on your citizenship, your travel document and how you arrive in Canada. Most travellers fall into one of two clear categories. If you are not sure which applies to you, check your country status on canada.ca.
You need an eTA
- Citizens of visa exempt countries flying to Canada
- US Permanent Residents flying to Canada
- Dual citizens travelling on a non Canadian visa exempt passport
- Citizens of partial visa countries who hold a valid US visa or a Canadian visa from the last 10 years
You don’t need an eTA
- US citizens travelling with a US passport
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents
- Travellers entering Canada by land or sea
- Citizens of visa required countries (a TRV is required instead)
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa, work, study or visitor permit
Source: canada.ca · IRCC · Entry Requirements by Country · Updated 2026
Apply for your eTA in three steps
The eTA application is a fast online process on the official IRCC portal. There is no paper form. Each traveller needs their own application and a separate $7 CAD payment.
Passport, email and credit or debit card
Complete the official form and pay $7 CAD
Approval by email in minutes, up to 72 hours in some cases
Opens canada.ca · the only official site for eTA applications
Avoid these common eTA mistakes
Most eTA problems are not refusals. They are preventable errors made during the application or after approval. Knowing these in advance saves money, time and missed flights.
Lookalike sites charge $50 to $130 for a $7 CAD document
An incorrect digit can prevent you from boarding your flight
The eTA is linked to one passport. A new passport requires a new eTA
CBSA officers make the final admission decision at the port of entry
IRCC notifications may land in your spam or junk folder
You don’t need an eTA if you already hold a valid Canadian visa
Mexican and other partial visa nationals need a TRV unless they qualify for an eTA exception
Related Services
If your case needs a visa, not just an eTA
Some travellers need a Temporary Resident Visa, a Super Visa or guidance on prior refusals and admissibility. We can review your situation and recommend the right pathway.
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