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Provide your passport information, personal details, and answer eligibility questions. The application takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.
Your information is verified for accuracy and eligibility. Most applications are processed within minutes, though it may take up to 72 hours.
Once approved, your Canada eTA is electronically linked to your passport. It is valid for up to five years and allows multiple entries.
A Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a mandatory entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada. It is electronically linked to your passport and must be obtained before you board your flight. US citizens are exempt from the eTA requirement.
Most eTA applications are processed and approved within minutes. In some cases, processing may take up to 72 hours if additional review is required. It is recommended to apply before booking your flight and at least 72 hours before your planned departure.
An approved Canada eTA is valid for up to five years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. During this period, you can make multiple trips to Canada without reapplying.
You need a valid passport from a visa-exempt country, a valid email address, and a credit or debit card for payment. The application form must be completed in a single session, so have your passport details ready before you begin.
There is no group application form. Each traveller must apply individually and pay the application fee separately. A parent or guardian can submit applications on behalf of minor children using the same email address and payment method.
If your eTA is refused, there is no formal appeal process. Common reasons for denial include criminal history (including DUI convictions), previous immigration violations, inaccurate information on the application, or security concerns. You may apply for a visitor visa instead if your eTA is refused.
Yes, if you are transiting through a Canadian airport by air, you need a valid eTA even if you are not leaving the airport. However, travellers on certain US-bound flights and participants in specific transit programs may be exempt.
Yes, every traveller regardless of age needs their own eTA, including infants. A parent or guardian can submit the application on behalf of a child. Each child must have their own valid passport.
Each visit to Canada on an eTA allows a maximum stay of six months. The total time spent in Canada cannot exceed six months per calendar year across all visits. A border officer determines the length of your authorized stay when you arrive.
No. The eTA is required only for air travel. Visa-exempt foreign nationals entering Canada by land, sea, or train do not need an eTA, though they must present a valid passport at the border.
A Canada eTA is a quick online authorization for visa-exempt nationals flying to Canada, costing CAD $7. A visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) is required for nationals of visa-required countries, costs over CAD $100, requires more documentation, and takes several weeks to process. You need one or the other, not both.
The Canadian government charges an eTA fee of CAD $7 (approximately $5 USD) per person. This fee is separate from any service or processing fees. It applies to each traveller, including children, and is non-refundable regardless of whether the application is approved or refused.
No, a Canada eTA does not permit paid or unpaid employment. It is valid for tourism, visiting family, business meetings, conferences, and short-term study. Business visitors may attend meetings and negotiate contracts but cannot enter the Canadian labor market or receive pay from a Canadian source.