The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is one of the entry requirements that some people have to meet when traveling to Canada. It was introduced to enhance border security and streamline the entry process. If you need an eTA, it’s important you learn what you’ll need to obtain one.
Who Needs an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)?
Travelers who need an eTA as an entry requirement into Canada are:
- Foreign nationals transiting through a Canadian airport
- Visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air (France, Australia, UK travelers, etc.)
Those who don’t need an eTA when entering Canada include:
- US citizens (unless they’re traveling through a Canadian airport on the way to their final destination)
- Travelers with a valid Canadian visa
- Travelers entering Canada by land or sea
Eligibility Criteria
The government of Canada has specific requirements you have to meet to be eligible for an eTA:
- Be in good health
- Hold a valid passport from a visa-exempt country
- Have enough money for your stay in Canada
- Have no criminal or immigration convictions
- Be a genuine traveler with ties to your home country
Each eTA requirement is important, and if you meet all of them but one, you’ll likely have your application denied.
How to Apply
If you plan to travel to Canada and want an eTA, you’ll apply by:
- Visiting the website of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- Completing the online eTA application
- Providing information like your name, passport information, and contact information
- Pay the CAD 7 application fee
After you submit your application and pay the fee, you’ll receive a confirmation email stating you’ve been approved or they need more information from you.
Required Documents
When applying for an eTA to enter Canada, you’ll need to provide the following documents:
- A valid passport from a visa-exempt country
- A valid email address where you can receive notifications about your eTA
- A credit or debit card to pay the application fee
It’s important to make sure you’re using the passport linked to your eTA when you travel to Canada.
Processing Times
An advantage of the eTA system is that it has a relatively short processing time. Most people who apply for an eTA will have their approval within a few minutes of submitting their application. There are cases when it takes longer to approve because additional documentation is required, extending the processing time.
To avoid potential delays, it’s best to apply for an eTA well in advance of whenever your travel plans are. This will allow you to reapply or straighten out any issues with your application before you head to Canada.
Traveling with an eTA
Traveling to Canada is pretty clear after you get your eTA application approved. When you arrive at the airport for your flight to Canada, you’ll present your passport the eTA is linked to security.
Once you land in Canada, you’ll present your passport to the customs agent. Be prepared to show additional documentation like your proof of funds or return airplane ticket if they ask you for it. Remember, you have to have the eTA approved and linked to your current, valid passport before you board your flight to Canada.
While having an eTA makes the entry process into Canada straightforward, customs agents still have the right to deny you entry if they feel you don’t meet other requirements.
eTA Validity and Renewal
A Canada eTA is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires. You can use the same eTA for many trips to Canada as long as it’s within those five years. If you have an eTA and it’s nearing expiration or your passport has been renewed, you must apply for a new eTA. The renewal process is the same as the original application process. You’ll need a new eTA if:
- Your nationality changes
- Your current eTA expires
- You change your legal name
- You get a new passport
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for an eTA if I’m already in Canada?
You can’t apply for an eTA if you’re already in the country since it’s intended for travelers planning to fly to Canada. If you need to extend your stay, you’ll need to look into other options, like a visa.
What should I do if my eTA application is denied?
If your eTA application is denied, you can review why it was denied, address the issues surrounding it, consider applying for a visitor visa, or seek assistance from an immigration lawyer or consultant if you think the denial was an error.