Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

For most visa-exempt travellers, an eTA is required to fly to Canada. Most approvals are instant, but not always, and a denial can catch travellers off guard.

What is an eTA?

An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. It is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During that time, you can travel to Canada multiple times for stays of up to six months per visit without needing to apply for a new eTA.

The eTA does not guarantee entry into Canada. A border services officer at the port of entry makes the final decision on whether you are allowed to enter and for how long.

Citizens of the United States are exempt from the eTA requirement, though they must still carry valid travel documents when entering Canada. Travellers who require a visitor visa rather than an eTA must apply through the standard Temporary Resident Visa process.

Eligibility

Who needs an eTA to travel to Canada?

You need an eTA if you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country and are travelling to Canada by air. The following groups generally require an eTA.

1. Citizens of visa-exempt countries. Nationals of countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, and many others are visa-exempt but still require an eTA to fly to Canada.
2. Permanent residents of the United States travelling by air. US permanent residents who are citizens of visa-exempt countries may also require an eTA to fly to Canada.
3. Individuals holding a valid Canadian visa who are also citizens of a visa-exempt country. In some situations, travellers with both a Canadian visa and citizenship of a visa-exempt country need an eTA when flying to Canada.

The Application Process

For most travellers, the eTA application is a straightforward online process that takes only a few minutes and is approved within seconds or minutes of submission. You will need your passport, a credit card, and an email address.

Step 1: Apply online. Complete the eTA application on the official IRCC website. The fee is $7 CAD. Apply only through the official government portal to avoid third-party scam sites.

Step 2: Receive a decision. Most applicants receive approval within minutes by email. Some applications require additional review and processing time, which can range from days to weeks.

Step 3: Travel to Canada. Your approved eTA is linked electronically to your passport. You do not need to print it. Simply present your passport when checking in for your flight and at the Canadian border.

When an eTA Application Gets Complicated

Not all eTA applications are straightforward.

For most travellers, an eTA is a simple online form. But for some applicants, the process is more complex, and an unexpected denial can disrupt travel plans significantly. Common situations where an eTA application requires legal guidance include the following.

eTA Denial

What happens if your eTA is denied?

An eTA denial does not necessarily mean you cannot travel to Canada. In many cases, travellers whose eTA is denied can apply for a Temporary Resident Visa instead. In other cases, an underlying inadmissibility issue, such as a criminal record, needs to be resolved first through a Temporary Resident Permit or criminal rehabilitation application.

If your eTA has been denied, the first step is understanding why. The MyVisa Team can review your situation, identify the reason for the denial, and advise on the best path forward for your travel plans.

Planning to travel to Canada and not sure where to start?

Our free assessment will confirm whether you need an eTA or a visitor visa, flag any potential issues with your application, and point you in the right direction before you book your flights.