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:
|
Verified:
|
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

Your passport from a visa-exempt country β€” the eTA is electronically linked to this passport number

If you get a new passport, you will need to apply for a new eTA

Email Address

Required

A working email address where your eTA approval notification will be sent β€” most approvals arrive within minutes

Payment Method

Required

Credit or debit card to pay the CAD 7 application fee online

Only apply through the official canada.ca website β€” third-party sites charge inflated fees

Travel Details

Required

Your planned flight information including airline and arrival date in Canada

Application Steps

1

Check Eligibility

Confirm your country is visa-exempt

2

Apply Online

Complete application at canada.ca/eta

3

Pay Fee

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

4

Receive eTA

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

5

Travel

eTA linked to passport automatically

Visa Fees

TypeAmountNote
eTA ApplicationCAD 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

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.

Links open in a new tab. VisaCalm is not responsible for external website content.

More Canada Visas

View all Canada visas

We value your privacy

We use cookies to improve your experience, analyze site traffic, and show personalized ads. You can accept all cookies, or reject non-essential ones. Learn more