Canada/Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Canada eTA Requirements

Complete guide to Canada Electronic Travel Authorization for visa-exempt travelers flying to Canada.

Processing: Usually within minutes (can take up to 72 hours)

Fee: CAD 7

Last verified: January 2026

Updated: 15 January 2026

Verified: January 2026

Reviewed by VisaCalm Editorial Team

|Editorial Policy

Overview

The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is required for visa-exempt foreign nationals who are flying to or transiting through Canada. It's a quick online application that links electronically to your passport.

eTA is not required if you're entering Canada by land or sea from the US. It's valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Eligibility Requirements

Citizen of a visa-exempt country
Valid passport
Flying to or transiting through Canada
Good health
No criminal convictions
Not inadmissible to Canada

Required Documents

Valid Passport

Required

Information determining your eligibility for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) based on your nationality.

Email Address

Required

Information explaining that your approved eTA confirmation will be delivered to your registered email address.

Payment Method

Required

Instructions on the acceptable payment methods for settling the mandatory CAD 7 eTA application fee.

Travel Details

Required

Requirements for providing verifiable documentation of your planned flights into and out of the destination country.

Application Steps

Check Eligibility

Confirm your country is visa-exempt

Apply Online

Complete application at canada.ca/eta

Pay Fee

Instructions on the acceptable payment methods for settling the mandatory CAD 7 eTA application fee.

Receive eTA

Information explaining that your approved electronic visa will be delivered directly to your registered email address.

Travel

eTA linked to passport automatically

Visa Fees

Type	Amount	Note
eTA Application	CAD 7	-

View full Canada fee breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions

Which countries are eligible for Canada eTA?

Citizens of visa-exempt countries including UK, EU countries, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and many others. US citizens don't need eTA or visa.

How long is an eTA valid?

eTA is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You'll need a new eTA if you get a new passport.

Do I need eTA if I'm driving to Canada from the US?

No. eTA is only required for flying to Canada. If you're arriving by car, bus, train, or boat from the US, you don't need an eTA.

How long does eTA approval take?

Most eTA applications are approved within minutes. Some may take up to 72 hours if additional review is needed. Apply before booking flights.

Can I be denied entry with an approved eTA?

Yes. eTA approval doesn't guarantee entry. Border officers make the final decision and can refuse entry if they have concerns about your visit purpose or admissibility.

Generate Your Documents

Create all required documents for your Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) application

Document Studio

View all tools

Processing Time

Usually within minutes (can take up to 72 hours)

Standard processing

Important

Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate website before applying.

Official Sources

This information is based on the following official sources. Always verify with these sources before submitting applications.

Apply for eTA

Official eTA application (beware of third-party sites)

canada.caOfficial

eTA Eligible Countries

Check if you can apply for eTA

canada.caOfficial

eTA Help

Official frequently asked questions and troubleshooting guides for resolving common application issues.

canada.caOfficial

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