The Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is mandatory for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada. Valid for 5 years with multiple entries, up to 6 months per stay.
The Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. It is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows multiple entries to Canada, with each stay of up to 6 months.
Important: The Canada eTA does NOT guarantee entry into Canada. Final admission is determined by a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at the port of entry.
The eTA is required for:
Visa-exempt foreign nationals (e.g., citizens of EU countries, UK, Australia, Japan, and others) flying to or transiting through Canada
Travelers on layovers in Canadian airports who plan to leave the secure transit area
Citizens of certain countries who previously needed a visa but are now eTA-eligible
Citizens of the following countries are eligible to apply for a Canada eTA (no visa required):
* Citizens of these countries may be eTA-eligible only if they meet certain requirements (e.g., hold a valid US visa or have previously held a Canadian visa). Check the official Canada.ca website for details.
The Canada eTA covers several types of visits
For holidays, sightseeing, visiting family or friends. Valid for 5 years, multiple entries, up to 6 months per stay.
For attending business meetings, conferences, or exploring business opportunities. Not valid for taking up employment in Canada.
For travelers transiting through Canadian airports on their way to another country.
For short courses or programs of 6 months or less at a designated learning institution.
Follow these steps to complete your Canada eTA application
Fill in personal details, passport information, travel purpose, and answer eligibility questions
Have your valid passport and credit card ready — no document uploads are typically required
Pay the eTA fee online using a credit or debit card
Most eTAs are approved within minutes. You will receive your eTA confirmation by email
Prepare the following before starting your application
The Canada eTA is valid for 5 years from the date of issue or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows multiple entries to Canada with each stay of up to 6 months.
Note: The eTA fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied or you choose not to travel.
The Canada eTA is ONLY for travel by air. If you are entering Canada by land or sea, you do not need an eTA (but may need other documentation).
The eTA is NOT valid for employment or study exceeding 6 months. A separate work or study permit is required.
Each traveler, including children, must have their own individual eTA linked to their own passport.
If you get a new passport, you will need to apply for a new eTA, as the current one is linked to your specific passport.
You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket when entering Canada.
While you can apply directly on the official Canadian government website, we offer professional assistance for travelers who prefer support in their own language.
Most Canada eTAs are approved within minutes. In some cases it may take a few days if additional information or documentation is required. We recommend applying well before your travel date.
No. The Canada eTA is only valid for tourism, business visits, transit, and short-term study (6 months or less). You cannot take up employment in Canada on an eTA. A work permit is required for employment.
You may be able to study for up to 6 months on an eTA at a designated learning institution. For longer study programs, a Canadian student visa (study permit) is required.
No. Your eTA is linked electronically to your passport. You simply show your passport at the airport check-in and at the border. However, we recommend saving the confirmation email for your records.
If your eTA is not approved, you may be asked to apply for a visitor visa at a Canadian visa office. You will be notified with instructions on how to proceed.
You cannot extend an eTA itself, but you may apply to extend your authorized stay in Canada before it expires by submitting an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Disclaimer: This is a private third-party service not affiliated with or endorsed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or any Canadian government agency. For official eTA applications, visit canada.ca/eta