Visit Canada · Partial eTA countries
Partial eTA countries:
15 visa required nations
There are 15 partial eTA countries whose citizens are visa required by default but can apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) instead, if they hold a valid US non immigrant visa or have held a Canadian visitor visa within the past 10 years. This pathway, known as conditional eligibility, applies only to air travel into a Canadian airport. Mexico is one of these countries with its own dedicated guide.
Partial eTA program guide
How the partial eTA framework works
From a Brazil pilot in 2017 to 15 visa required countries in 2026: the conditional eligibility framework explained.
Canada introduced conditional eTA eligibility on May, 2017, opening the framework to select citizens of Brazil, Bulgaria, and Romania as a pilot program. Bulgaria and Romania later transitioned out of the partial eTA program when their citizens became visa exempt on December, 2017, while Brazil remained part of the framework. On June, 2023, IRCC expanded the program to 13 additional countries across the Americas, Caribbean, Africa, and Asia. On February, 2024, Mexico was added after losing its visa exempt status.
To qualify for an eTA under the partial eTA program, citizens of the 15 eligible countries must meet three requirements: hold a valid passport from one of the eligible countries; have held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years or currently hold a valid US non immigrant visa; and travel to Canada by air for a temporary stay of up to 6 months. Those who do not meet all three conditions must apply for a visitor visa instead.
Both applications are submitted online through the official IRCC Portal. An eTA costs $7 CAD, while a visitor visa costs $100 CAD plus $85 CAD for biometrics. The eTA does not require biometrics, which is one of the main advantages for eligible travellers.
Eligible countries
The 15 partial eTA nations
Citizens of these visa required countries can apply for an eTA instead of a visitor visa if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Applying under the partial eTA framework
Both the visitor visa and eTA applications are submitted online through the official IRCC Portal. Eligible travellers from the 15 partial eTA countries must apply before departing for Canada, since neither document can be issued at the airport.
Check if you qualify for an eTA: passport from an eligible country, valid US visa or Canadian visa within 10 years, air travel, stay under 6 months
Submit through the IRCC Portal. eTA costs $7 CAD. Visitor visa costs $100 CAD. Have your passport, credit card, and an email address ready
Visitor visa applicants must give biometrics at a Visa Application Centre ($85 CAD). eTA applicants do not need biometrics
For full requirements and step by step guidance, see our pages on the eTA or visitor visa.
Opens canada.ca · the only official site to apply for a Canadian visa or eTA
Source: canada.ca · IRCC · Apply for an eTA / Apply for a visitor visa (Updated 2025)
If you have a prior refusal, inadmissibility, or mixed family eligibility
Most travellers apply online without help. Some cases benefit from professional review: prior refusals, inadmissibility, or mixed family eligibility. A licensed RCIC can recommend the best path.
Free Assessment