What is an Electronic Travel Authorization?

Share This Post

Foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries arriving in Canada by air are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) prior to their trip. This is a requirement whether they want to visit the country or only to pass through in transit.

Do I need an Electronic Travel Authorization?

You need an eTA if you are travelling to Canada by air from a visa-exempt country.

The following are exempt from requiring an eTA:

  • Those who have already obtained a valid visa to enter Canada.
  • Anyone entering by land or sea.
  • Armed Forces visiting Canada on official duty.
  • Flight crew, civil aviation inspectors, accident investigators.
  • French citizens who live in and are travelling from St. Pierre and Miquelon.
  • Persons entering from the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon, while holding valid status in Canada (visitor, student or worker).
  • Accredited diplomats.
  • Canadian citizens and dual citizens (provided you are travelling on a Canadian passport)
  • Canadian permanent residents (you need your PR card or point of entry documentation)
  • US citizens (US permanent residents, or green card holders, DO require an eTA when travelling by air)

How do I get an Electronic Travel Authorization?

You can apply for an eTA through the Canadian federal government website.

Before you apply, you will need:

  • Valid passport
  • Valid email address
  • Credit card to pay the $7 fee

When should I apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization?

The Canadian government advises you to apply as soon as you know you travel itinerary.

However, an eTA can be obtained at the last minute via a smartphone. All you need is an internet connection. The email authorization often only takes a few minutes to come through. However, some requests can take several days to process if supporting documents are requested.

There is no requirement to print an eTA. It is electronically linked to your passport or travel document.

How long is an Electronic Travel Authorization valid for?

An eTA is valid for five years or until your passport or travel document expires, whichever comes first.

There is no limit on the number of entries to Canada, as long as the eTA is valid.

Watch our video

Skilled Immigration
M-J Global Team can help turn your dream into reality.Our team of Immigration Consultants can help you
Business Immigration
M-J Global team assisting various applicants for visit visa. As we do everythingwe can to ensure the achievement...
Visit Visa
M-J Global team assisting various applicants for visit visa. As we do everything we can to ensure the...
Student
M-J Global Team- ``Your Education advisors`` Excited by the idea of studying Internationally...

Follow M-J Global

Frequently Read Topics
Austria has one of the strictest citizenship laws in the EU
Austria has one of the strictest citizenship laws in the European Union. Currently around ... Read More
Why Study in Canada?
There are many reasons why more than 400,000 International Students chose to live and stud ... Read More
Why Did Canada Launch Express Entry?
Canada launched Express Entry in 2015 in order to move from a "first-come, first-served" i ... Read More
Who Qualifies for Canadian Permanent Residence/Skilled Worker Immigration?
On January 1, 2015, the Government of Canada implemented the Express Entry Immigration sys ... Read More
What is an Electronic Travel Authorization?
Foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries arriving in Canada by air are required to obt ... Read More
The Express Entry Job Bank
The Express Entry Job Bank is an online job site created by Employment and Social Developm ... Read More
Express Entry Candidate Pool
Once the Canadian government considers an applicant’s online Express Entry profile to be ... Read More
Study in Canada: Work After Graduation
There are many options available to you after you have completed your study in Canada prog ... Read More
Study in Canada: Internships and Co-Op Programs
If you’re looking to gain valuable international work experience while you attend school ... Read More
Requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Program
In order to apply for skilled immigration under the Federal Skilled Worker program, an app ... Read More
Open Work permit in Canada – Work in Canada
An open work permit allows a foreign national to work for any Canadian employer he/she wan ... Read More
Nova Scotia ‘Study and Stay’
The Nova Scotia Study and Stay program specifically targets international students from Ch ... Read More
Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs)
An LMIA is a document that an employer in Canada needs to obtain before hiring most types ... Read More
Invitations to Apply for Permanent Residence (ITAs)
Applicants who receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) will become eligible to apply for perm ... Read More
Canada Inadmissibility for Individual Criminality: Definitions
Here you will find a description of the kinds of behaviour that can cause a person to be ... Read More
Federal Skilled Worker Program Eligible Occupations
Under Express Entry, Federal Skilled Workers across 347 eligible occupations who meet mini ... Read More
Express Entry Job Offer
While possessing a job offer is not mandatory for those seeking to immigrate using the Exp ... Read More
The Express Entry Candidate Pool
Once the Canadian government considers an applicant’s online Express Entry profile to be ... Read More
Eight Things to Know About Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program
Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program offers Canadian permanent residence to qualified immigran ... Read More
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
All the skilled immigration applicants that are eligible for the Express Entry System will ... Read More
Citizenship Language Requirement
Applicants for citizenship between the ages of 18-54 must provide evidence of their knowle ... Read More
Canada Visit/Tourist Visa
A visitor is a person who wants to come to Canada to work, study or visit. A visitor is no ... Read More
Canada To End Special Temporary Foreign Worker Program Processing For Owner/Operators
Canada immigration authorities are moving to abolish the special Temporary Foreign Worker ... Read More
Buy a Business and Move to Canada Immigration Program
Canada immigration authorities have abolished the special Temporary Foreign Worker Program ... Read More

Get in touch

Would you like to speak to one of our immigration expert over the phone? Just submit your details and we’ll be in touch shortly. You can also email us if you would prefer.

Code

Number

headset_mic FREE CONSULTATION
Get Free Consultation
Cancel