What is a Canada Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)?
Canada eTA is a digital travel authorisation for eligible visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. Also known as an Electronic Travel Authorization Canada, it is electronically linked to the passport used for the application.
The Canada Travel Authorization is not a visa. If you are required to have an eTA, you need to obtain it before travelling to Canada by air.
An approved eTA can support short visits for tourism, visiting family or friends, permitted business activities, and transit through a Canadian airport.
What does a Canada eTA allow?
An approved eTA Canada may allow you to:
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Travel to Canada for tourism or holidays
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Visit family or friends
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Attend permitted business activities such as meetings, conferences, or events
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Transit through Canada on your way to another destination
Most visitors can normally stay in Canada for up to six months per visit, although the final period of stay is determined by a border services officer upon arrival.
A valid eTA can generally be used for multiple trips during its validity period, provided you continue to meet the entry requirements.
A Canada eTA does not allow you to take up regular employment in Canada or undertake long-term study without the appropriate permission.
Who can apply for a Canada eTA?
You may be eligible to apply for Canada eTA if you:
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Hold a passport from a visa-exempt country
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Plan to travel to Canada by air
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Are visiting for tourism, family visits, permitted business activities, or transit
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Meet the applicable entry requirements
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Apply before travelling to Canada
Eligibility depends on your nationality, passport and individual circumstances. Make sure the information in your Canada eTA Application is accurate and complete before submitting it.
Important note
U.S. citizens generally do not need an eTA to travel to Canada. Some travellers from visa-required countries may qualify for an eTA under specific circumstances, including certain travellers who hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa or previously held a Canadian visitor visa.
Who should not apply for a Canada eTA?
A Canada eTA may not be the appropriate travel document if you:
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Hold a passport from a country that requires a visa for your intended travel
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Plan to enter Canada by land or sea
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Intend to work in Canada
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Plan to undertake long-term study
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Need to remain in Canada beyond the period permitted to visitors
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Do not meet the requirements for visa-exempt air travel
Depending on your circumstances, you may need a different Canadian visa or travel document.
Permitted Activities and Restrictions
Permitted Activities
With a valid Canada Travel Authorization , you may generally:
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Travel for tourism or leisure
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Visit relatives or friends
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Attend meetings, conferences, or trade events
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Take part in permitted business visitor activities
Your activities must comply with the conditions that apply to your visit.
Restrictions
You must not:
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Take up regular paid employment in Canada
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Undertake activities that require a work permit without the appropriate authorisation
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Study for longer than permitted without the required study permit
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Stay in Canada beyond the period authorised by a border services officer
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Use repeated visits to effectively live in Canada
Following the conditions of your visit is important for future travel to Canada.
Validity and Length of Stay
A Canada eTA is generally valid for up to five years, or until the passport linked to it expires, whichever comes first.
During its validity period, you can generally use the eTA for multiple trips to Canada by air, provided you continue to meet the applicable requirements.
Most visitors can normally stay for up to six months per visit. The final length of stay is determined by a border services officer when you arrive in Canada.
Key Travel Conditions
Holders of a Canada eTA must:
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Travel by air using the passport linked to the eTA
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Respect the length of stay granted on arrival
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Follow the conditions that apply to their visit
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Avoid undertaking work that is not permitted
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Leave Canada before your authorised stay ends
If you receive a new passport, you will generally need to obtain a new eTA because the authorisation is linked to the passport used in the application.
How the Application Process Works
The Canada eTA application is completed online. If you choose to apply for Canada eTA , you will need to provide the requested passport, personal and background information.
The Canada eTA form should be completed carefully, as errors or missing information may cause delays or other issues.
If approved, the authorisation is electronically linked to your passport. There is no physical eTA document to print or attach to your passport.
You can Canada eTA apply online before travelling, and you must use the same passport when travelling to Canada.
Common Reasons for Delays or Refusals
A Canada eta online application may require additional processing if:
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Information is incomplete or inaccurate
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Passport details have been entered incorrectly
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Additional background information is required
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There are concerns relating to admissibility
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Previous travel or entry conditions were not followed
Taking time to check your details before you apply for Canada eTA can help avoid common mistakes.
Before You Travel
Before travelling to Canada:
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Confirm that your eTA has been approved
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Check that your passport is the one linked to your eTA
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Review your travel plans and applicable conditions
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Make sure you meet the requirements for entry to Canada
An approved eTA allows you to travel to Canada by air, but it does not guarantee entry. A border services officer makes the final decision when you arrive.
Important Reminder
A Canada eTA is a travel authorisation, not a guarantee of admission to Canada. You must continue to meet the applicable entry requirements when you arrive.
Why Use Our Canada eTA Application Support?
Applying for a Canada eTA is straightforward, but getting your details right still matters. Even a small error in your passport or personal information can cause avoidable issues with your application.
Our service helps you prepare your Canada eTA application with confidence. We review the information you provide, explain the requirements, and guide you through the Canada eTA online submission process.