The Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a mandatory entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport — it costs $7 CAD, takes minutes to get approved, and is valid for up to 5 years.

What Is the Canada eTA?

The Canada eTA is an electronic entry authorization that is digitally linked to your passport. It allows visa-exempt foreign nationals to board flights to Canada or transit through Canadian airports. The eTA is not a visa — it is a lighter, faster form of pre-travel screening introduced by the Government of Canada through IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). Before the eTA system was introduced, visa-exempt foreign nationals were not systematically screened for admissibility until they physically arrived at a Canadian port of entry. The eTA changed that: it allows Canadian border authorities to assess travelers before they board their flight, reducing delays and improving security at the border. The Canada eTA became effective on November 10, 2016 for most visa-exempt nationals. It applies exclusively to air travel — travelers arriving by car, bus, train, or boat (including cruise ships) do not need an eTA, regardless of their nationality. Key facts about the Canada eTA:
  • Cost: $7 CAD (non-refundable)
  • Validity: Up to 5 years or until passport expiry (whichever comes first)
  • Stay per visit: Normally up to 6 months
  • Application: Online only at canada.ca
  • Processing: Usually within minutes; up to 72 hours in some cases
The eTA is electronically linked to the specific passport you used when applying. You do not receive a physical document. Your approval arrives by email, and airline staff verify your eTA by scanning your passport at check-in.

Who Needs a Canada eTA? (Eligibility)

You need a Canada eTA if you are a visa-exempt foreign national flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport — land and sea travelers are exempt from this requirement. Whether you need an eTA depends on your nationality, your method of travel, and your immigration status. There are four categories of travelers:

Travelers Who Need an eTA

Visa-exempt foreign nationals — including citizens of the UK, EU member states, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and dozens of other countries — must have a valid Canada eTA to board any flight to Canada. This applies whether you are visiting as a tourist, visiting family, attending a business meeting, or simply transiting through a Canadian airport on your way to another destination.
Important: As of November 25, 2025, citizens of Qatar no longer need a visitor visa and are now eligible to apply for a Canada eTA to travel by air. If you already hold a valid Canadian visitor visa, you may continue using it until it expires.
Citizens from select visa-required countries — such as the Philippines and Morocco — may also be eligible to apply for an eTA instead of a visitor visa, but only for air travel. If they arrive by land or sea, they still need a visitor visa.

Travelers Exempt from the eTA Requirement

Several categories of travelers are fully exempt from the Canada eTA requirement:
  • US citizens — American citizens do not need an eTA and must carry a valid US passport or other accepted identification.
  • US lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) — Since April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the United States are exempt from the eTA requirement. They must carry both a valid passport from their country of nationality and a valid Green Card (Form I-551) or equivalent proof of US permanent resident status.
  • Canadian permanent residents — Holders of a valid permanent resident card (PR card) or Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) do not need an eTA. Note: PR status does not expire, even if your PR card has expired. If you lived in Canada years ago, you may still hold PR status.

Travelers Who Cannot Apply for an eTA

Some travelers are ineligible to apply for an eTA and must use different travel documents:
  • Canadian citizens (including dual citizens) cannot apply for an eTA. They must travel with a valid Canadian passport. American-Canadians may use either a valid Canadian or US passport.
  • Visa-required nationals — Citizens of countries that require a Canadian visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa / TRV) cannot apply for an eTA. They must obtain a visitor visa instead.
  • Stateless individuals and alien’s passport holders — These travelers need a visitor visa, not an eTA.

Canada eTA Requirements: What You Need to Apply

To apply for a Canada eTA, you need three things: a valid passport from a visa-exempt country, a working email address, and a credit or debit card to pay the $7 CAD fee. The application is completed entirely online and takes approximately 5 minutes. Full list of requirements:
  • Valid passport — Must be from a visa-exempt country. The eTA will be linked to this specific passport. If you get a new passport after your eTA is approved, you must apply for a new eTA.
  • Email address — A working email is required to receive your eTA approval notification. Make sure you have access to the inbox.
  • Payment method — One of the accepted payment methods (see the Cost section below).
  • Internet access — The application is online only. There is no paper or in-person application option.
Important notes:
  • The eTA application form is available in English and French only. IRCC provides help documents in 18 other languages to assist applicants.
  • The form cannot be saved mid-application. Have all your information ready before you start.
  • You must apply for one person at a time — there is no group or family application option.
  • Double-check your passport number before submitting. An incorrect passport number will cause problems at the airport and require a new application.

How to Apply for a Canada eTA (Step-by-Step)

Applying for a Canada eTA takes about 5 minutes online at the official Government of Canada website (canada.ca). The process has four steps: prepare your documents, complete the form, pay the fee, and wait for your approval email. Step 1: Gather your documents Before starting the application, have the following ready:
  • Your valid passport (open to the photo/information page)
  • Your email address
  • Your credit or debit card
  • The eTA help guide (available in 18 languages at canada.ca) if needed
Step 2: Complete the online application form Go to the official eTA application page at canada.ca. Fill in the required fields, including your passport details, personal information, and answers to a few background questions about criminality and health. The form cannot be saved, so complete it in one sitting. Step 3: Pay the $7 CAD fee Immediately after completing the form, you will be prompted to pay the $7 CAD non-refundable fee. See the accepted payment methods in the Cost section below. Step 4: Receive your approval email Most applicants receive their eTA approval by email within minutes. In some cases, IRCC may request additional documents — if this happens, you will receive an email with instructions within 72 hours. Once approved, your eTA is automatically linked to your passport.
⚠️ Pro tip: Apply for your Canada eTA before you book your flight. If your application requires additional documents, you may need several days to gather and submit them. Applying early avoids last-minute stress.

Canada eTA Cost and Payment Methods

The Canada eTA costs $7 CAD (approximately $5 USD as of 2026) and is non-refundable, regardless of whether your application is approved or denied. This fee is per person — each traveler must submit a separate application and pay separately. Accepted payment methods:
  • Visa®
  • Mastercard®
  • American Express®
  • Pre-paid Visa®, Mastercard®, or American Express®
  • Visa Debit
  • Debit Mastercard
  • UnionPay®
  • JCB Card®
There are no additional processing fees, service charges, or hidden costs when applying through the official channel.

Canada eTA Processing Time: How Long Does It Take?

Most Canada eTA applications are approved within minutes of submission. The vast majority of applicants receive their approval email before they even close their browser. However, processing times can vary depending on your individual circumstances.
Scenario Processing Time
Standard application (most applicants) A few minutes
Application requiring document review Up to 72 hours
Complex cases (rare) Several days
If IRCC needs additional information or documents from you, they will send an email with instructions within 72 hours of your application. You must respond promptly and submit the requested documents to avoid delays. Tips to avoid processing delays:
  • Apply well in advance — ideally before booking your flight
  • Double-check all passport details before submitting
  • Use the correct passport (the one you will travel with)
  • Ensure your email inbox is accessible and not full
  • Check your spam/junk folder if you don’t receive a confirmation email
Once approved, your Canada eTA is immediately active and linked to your passport. There is no additional activation step required.

Canada eTA Validity: How Long Does It Last?

A Canada eTA is valid for up to 5 years from the date of issue, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. During this period, you can travel to Canada as many times as you want for short stays. Key validity facts:
  • Maximum validity: 5 years from issue date
  • Passport expiry: If your passport expires before the 5-year mark, your eTA expires with it
  • Stay per visit: Normally up to 6 months per entry (a border services officer determines the exact length at the port of entry)
  • Number of visits: Unlimited during the validity period
  • New passport: If you get a new passport, you must apply for a new eTA — your old eTA cannot be transferred
Example: If your eTA is issued on April 22, 2026, and your passport expires on March 15, 2029, your eTA will expire on March 15, 2029 — not in 2031. When your eTA expires, you must submit a new application and pay the $7 CAD fee again. There is no automatic renewal process.
Important: An eTA does not guarantee entry to Canada. When you arrive, a border services officer (CBSA) will review your passport and may ask questions.
You must demonstrate that you meet the requirements for entry, including having sufficient funds, ties to your home country, and no inadmissibility issues (criminal record, health concerns, etc.).

Canada eTA vs Visitor Visa: What’s the Difference?

The Canada eTA is for visa-exempt nationals traveling by air, while a visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa / TRV) is required for nationals of visa-required countries — you only ever need one, not both. Understanding which one applies to you depends entirely on your nationality.
Feature Canada eTA Visitor Visa (TRV)
Who needs it Visa-exempt nationals (air travel) Visa-required nationals
Cost $7 CAD $100 CAD
Processing time Minutes to 72 hours Weeks
Application method Online only Online or paper
Validity Up to 5 years Up to 10 years (single or multiple entry)
Stay per visit Up to 6 months Up to 6 months
Air travel Required Required
Land/sea travel NOT required Required
Biometrics Not required for eTA May be required
You need one or the other — never both. If you are from a visa-exempt country, you need an eTA (for air travel). If you are from a visa-required country, you need a visitor visa. Citizens of select visa-required countries (such as the Philippines and Morocco) may be eligible to apply for an eTA instead of a visitor visa — but only for air travel. If they arrive by land or sea, they still need a visitor visa. US citizens need neither an eTA nor a visitor visa. They must carry a valid US passport or other accepted identification.

What Happens at the Airport with Your eTA?

When you check in for your flight to Canada, airline staff scan your passport to verify your eTA. If no valid eTA is found linked to your passport, you will not be allowed to board the flight. The eTA check happens at the airline check-in counter, before you even reach the gate. At check-in:
  1. Present the same passport you used when applying for your eTA
  2. Airline staff scan your passport barcode
  3. The system automatically verifies whether a valid eTA is linked to that passport
  4. If your eTA is valid → you proceed to boarding
  5. If no valid eTA is found → you will be denied boarding
Before you travel — verify your eTA:
  • Check that the passport number in your eTA approval email matches the number in your passport exactly
  • If there is a mismatch (e.g., you entered the wrong number when applying), you must apply for a new eTA before traveling
  • Your eTA approval email will show the passport number it is linked to
At the Canadian border (port of entry): Having an eTA does not mean automatic entry. When you land in Canada, a CBSA border services officer will review your passport and may ask questions about your visit. You must be able to demonstrate:
  • The purpose of your visit
  • Sufficient funds for your stay
  • Ties to your home country (job, family, property) that ensure you will return
  • No inadmissibility issues (criminal record, health concerns, security flags)

Canada eTA Status: How to Check Your Application

You can check your Canada eTA status using the official eTA Check Status Tool on canada.ca by entering your passport details. This tool works for both pending applications and existing eTAs, and can also confirm whether an eTA obtained through a third-party website is legitimate. How to check your Canada eTA status:
  1. Go to the eTA Check Status Tool at canada.ca
  2. Enter your passport number, date of birth, and country of citizenship
  3. The tool will display one of the following statuses:
    • Approved — Your eTA is valid and linked to your passport
    • Pending — Your application is still being processed
    • Not Approved — Your application was denied
    • Not Found — No eTA is linked to your passport (may indicate a fake eTA or incorrect passport details)
When to check your status:
  • If you haven’t received an approval email within 72 hours
  • If you applied through a third-party website and want to verify
  • Before traveling, to confirm your eTA is still valid
  • If your passport number may have been entered incorrectly

FAQs About Canada eTA

Do US citizens need an eTA for Canada?

No. US citizens are fully exempt from the Canada eTA requirement and can travel by air, land, or sea without one. They must carry a valid US passport or an accepted ID such as a NEXUS card.

Who is eligible for a Canada eTA?

Visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport are eligible — including citizens of the UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many others.

How much does the Canada eTA cost?

The Canada eTA costs $7 CAD (non-refundable), paid online at canada.ca. Any website charging more is not the official Government of Canada site.

How long is the Canada eTA valid?

A Canada eTA is valid for up to 5 years from issue, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. Each visit allows a stay of normally up to 6 months.

How long does it take to get a Canada eTA?

Most applications are approved within minutes. If IRCC needs additional documents, processing can take up to 72 hours. Apply before booking your flight to avoid delays.

Do I need an eTA for Canada if I’m just transiting through a Canadian airport?

Yes. Visa-exempt foreign nationals transiting through any Canadian airport need a Canada eTA, even if they are not entering Canada.

Can I apply for a Canada eTA if I have a criminal record?

A criminal record may affect your eligibility. Certain convictions can make you inadmissible to Canada, and you may need a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Criminal Rehabilitation before traveling.

What happens if my Canada eTA expires while I’m in Canada?

Your eTA is only needed to board your flight — it does not affect your authorized stay. Once in Canada, your stay length is set by the border services officer at the port of entry, typically up to 6 months.

Do I need a new eTA if I get a new passport?

Yes. The Canada eTA is linked to the specific passport used when applying. If you get a new passport, you must apply for a new eTA — it cannot be transferred.

Can I apply for a Canada eTA for my child?

Yes. Each traveler — including minors — needs their own Canada eTA linked to their own passport. Parents must submit a separate application for each child.

Can I extend my stay in Canada beyond 6 months?

You must apply for a stay extension through IRCC before your authorized period expires. Simply leaving and re-entering Canada does not automatically reset your 6-month allowance.

What documents do I need to show at the Canadian border?

Present the same passport linked to your eTA. A border services officer may also ask for proof of funds, a return ticket, or hotel reservations. US Green Card holders must also show proof of US permanent resident status.

Is the Canada eTA the same as a Canadian visa?

No. The eTA is a pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt nationals; a visitor visa (TRV) is for visa-required nationals. You need one or the other — never both.

What should I do if my Canada eTA application is denied?

You may need to apply for a visitor visa (TRV) or address the reason for denial. IRCC does not always specify the reason. Consider consulting an immigration lawyer if you believe you are eligible.

Can I apply for a Canada eTA on behalf of someone else?

Yes, but the application must use the other person’s passport details. The eTA will be linked to their passport, not yours.

How do I know if my country is visa-exempt for Canada?

Use the “Find out what you need to travel to Canada” tool on canada.ca — enter your nationality and travel method to get an instant answer.

What is inadmissibility and how does it affect my eTA?

Inadmissibility means you can be refused entry to Canada even with a valid eTA. Reasons include criminal convictions, security concerns, certain health conditions, and financial issues. A border services officer makes the final decision at the port of entry. Last updated: April 2026. Information based on official Government of Canada sources (canada.ca, IRCC). Always verify current requirements at canada.ca before traveling.