eTA Canada general information
The Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an online travel authorization system that allows citizens of certain countries to travel to Canada for short-term stays. eTA is a mandatory requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air.
It is designed to streamline the process of entering Canada, making it simpler and faster for eligible travelers to enter the country.
The eTA became mandatory for all eligible travelers in 2016, and since then, it has been a requirement for all visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air.
The eTA is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for five years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
eTA Canada Application Form
The eTA application form is available online, and it is simple and straightforward to complete. When applying, you must:
- Read the eligibility requirements and make sure you meet them before applying.
- Click the “Apply Online” button.
- Fill out the online form with the required information.
- Pay the service fee with, e.g., a valid credit or debit card.
- Check the box to confirm that the information you provided is correct, then click “Submit.”
- Wait for the confirmation email. The email will contain a confirmation number of your eTA application.
- Once your application is approved, you will receive a second email with your eTA number.
Congratulations, you have successfully applied for an eTA for Canada!
List of eligible countries
Citizens of the following countries are eligible to apply for eTA Canada:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Brazil*
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Chile
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Korea, South
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Papua New Guinea
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- Vatican City (Holy See)
*Brazil nationals can apply for eTA Canada only if they meet one of the following conditions:
- They are Green Card holders (US permanent residents)
- They have been granted a Canadian visa at any point within the 10 years before applying for eTA Canada
- They are current holders of a US non-immigrant visa
eTA-exempt countries
- US citizens
- citizens and dual citizens of Canada
- permanent Canadian residents
Canada eTA requirements
Canada eTA is an electronic travel authorization that is required for visa-exempt foreigners to enter the country for short-term stays.
It is mandatory for all travelers who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents to obtain an eTA before flying to Canada.
To apply for an eTA, applicants must have:
- a valid passport;
- a valid credit or debit card to pay the fee (or any other valid means of online payment);
- a valid email address to receive the eTA.
The eTA application process is quick and easy. Most applications are approved within minutes, and travelers can use their eTA immediately after approval.
Processing time
The Canada eTA processing time varies depending on the individual applicant and their current situation.
Generally, applications are processed within a few minutes, however, some may take up to 72 hours, due to additional security checks.
It is important to note that the processing time also depends on the accuracy of the information provided and the availability of documents required for processing.
Therefore, it is important for applicants to ensure that all information provided is accurate and up to date. If additional information is required, it can delay the processing time.
Validity period
eTA Canada is valid for five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Once approved, the eTA is electronically linked to the passport and does not need to be printed or presented to border services when traveling to Canada.
Travelers must have a valid eTA before boarding a flight to Canada. Border services officers will assess travelers upon arrival and decide whether to allow entry into the country.