Electronic Travel Authority

About Canada eTA

A mandatory digital travel authorization for visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada, linked electronically to your passport.

With the eTA, you can:

  • Travel for tourismExplore Canada, from Toronto, Vancouver and Montréal to Banff, Niagara Falls and the Rocky Mountains.
  • Visit family or friendsTravel to see relatives and friends across Canada's ten provinces and three territories.
  • Attend short business tripsTake part in meetings, conferences and trade events as a short-term business visitor.
  • Transit through CanadaAn eTA is also required when you transit through a Canadian airport on your way to another country.

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You should apply for a different visa type if your trip involves:

  • Working in Canada — you need a work permit, not an eTA.
  • Studying a course longer than six months — you need a study permit.
  • Permanent residence or immigration to Canada.
  • Arrivals by car, bus, train or boat — an eTA is not required for land or sea entry (a valid passport still is).

Canada eTA Application Process

To apply for a Canada eTA you need a valid passport from an eligible country, an email address for the approval, and a payment method. The online form takes only a few minutes to complete.

Most applicants receive approval by email within minutes, although some applications take several days if supporting documents are requested. For that reason it is best to obtain your eTA before you book your flight.

Linked to your passport

Your approved eTA is linked electronically to the passport you used to apply. You must travel with that same passport and present it at check-in — the airline will scan it to confirm your eTA is valid. If you renew or replace your passport, you must apply for a new eTA.

Ready to Apply?

Complete our easy-to-follow form and let our experts handle the rest. It's the final step to your Canada travel.

Start your Application →