eTA Canada 2026: Who Needs One, How to Apply, and What to Know
Last updated: April 2026 • For visa-exempt nationals planning to fly to Canada who need to understand the eTA requirement
If you are from a visa-exempt country and planning to fly to Canada, you almost certainly need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before you board. It costs only $7 CAD and most applicants are approved within minutes. But getting on a plane without one — or applying at the airport — can mean being denied boarding. This guide explains everything you need to know.
💳 Fee: $7 CAD per person
⏱️ Processing: Minutes for most; up to 72 hours in some cases
📅 Validity: Up to 5 years (or until passport expiry — whichever is earlier)
🔄 Multiple entries: Yes — unlimited entries during validity period
✈️ Required for: Air travel to Canada (not required for land or sea entry)
🌐 Apply at: canada.ca/eta (official IRCC website only)
Many third-party websites charge $50–$100+ to "help" you apply for an eTA. The official IRCC eTA website is canada.ca/eta and the fee is $7 CAD. Third-party sites are not affiliated with the Canadian government and often charge unnecessary fees for a form you can complete yourself in under 5 minutes.
📋 Table of Contents
- What Is an eTA?
- Who Needs an eTA to Travel to Canada?
- Who Does NOT Need an eTA?
- Countries Whose Citizens Need an eTA
- How to Apply for a Canada eTA
- Information Required for an eTA Application
- Processing Times and Approval
- How Long Is an eTA Valid?
- eTA vs Visitor Visa — Key Differences
- If Your eTA Is Refused
- Special Situations: Dual Citizens
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is an eTA?#
An eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a mandatory pre-screening requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals who want to fly to Canada. It was introduced in 2015 as part of Canada's efforts to screen travelers before they board a flight to Canada rather than only at the border.
An approved eTA is linked electronically to your passport — there is no physical sticker or document. When you check in for your flight to Canada, the airline verifies your eTA electronically. You do not carry a paper copy, but it is wise to have your eTA confirmation email on hand when you travel.
An eTA is not a visitor visa — it is an authorization for visa-exempt nationals. Having an approved eTA does not guarantee you will be allowed to enter Canada. The CBSA officer at the port of entry still has the final say on whether you may enter and for how long.
Who Needs an eTA to Travel to Canada?#
You need an eTA if all of the following apply to you:
- You are a citizen of a visa-exempt country (not required to get a visitor visa to visit Canada), AND
- You are flying to Canada (arriving by air), AND
- You are not a US citizen or Canadian citizen
Who Does NOT Need an eTA?#
| Traveler | eTA Required? | What They Need Instead |
|---|---|---|
| US citizens | ❌ No | Valid US passport |
| Canadian citizens | ❌ No | Canadian passport or proof of citizenship |
| Canadian permanent residents | ❌ No | Valid PR card or Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) |
| Citizens of visa-required countries (India, Pakistan, China, etc.) | ❌ No eTA — need visitor visa instead | Canada visitor visa (TRV) |
| Visa-exempt nationals traveling by land or sea (not air) | ❌ No eTA required for land/sea | Valid passport |
| Visa-exempt nationals with a valid Canadian visa | ❌ No — can use their visa instead | Existing Canadian visa |
| US permanent residents (Green Card) flying to Canada | ✅ Yes — eTA required | Must apply for eTA |
Countries Whose Citizens Need an eTA#
eTA is required for citizens of all visa-exempt countries when flying to Canada. Major countries whose citizens need an eTA include:
| Region | Countries Requiring eTA |
|---|---|
| Europe | United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, and most other EU and Schengen countries |
| Asia-Pacific | Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brunei, Bahrain |
| Latin America | Chile, Mexico (for some entry types) |
| Other | Israel, United Arab Emirates, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City |
The list of eTA-required countries changes periodically as Canada updates its visa policy. Always verify your country's status using the official "Find out if you need an eTA" tool at ircc.canada.ca before your trip.
How to Apply for a Canada eTA#
Do not use third-party websites. The official site is canada.ca/eta. The application takes about 5 minutes for most applicants. Have your passport, credit card, and email address ready.
Provide your personal information exactly as it appears on your passport: full legal name, date of birth, passport number, nationality, and passport expiry date. Answer all questions about criminal history, health, and travel plans accurately. Errors or inconsistencies can cause delays or refusals.
Pay the $7 CAD fee online. The fee is non-refundable. Once payment is made, your application is submitted for processing.
Most applicants receive their eTA approval confirmation by email within minutes. Keep this email — it contains your eTA number and confirmation that your authorization is linked to your passport. Check your spam folder if you do not receive an email quickly.
When you check in for your flight to Canada, the airline verifies your eTA electronically using your passport number. You do not need to show a physical document, but having the confirmation email on your phone as backup is always wise.
Information Required for an eTA Application#
| Information Required | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Passport number, country of issue, expiry date — must be from a visa-exempt country |
| Email address | Your confirmation and approval are sent by email |
| Credit card or debit card | For the $7 CAD fee payment |
| Personal information | Full legal name (as on passport), date of birth, sex, country of birth, citizenship |
| Contact information | Address, phone number |
| Travel details | Intended travel dates to Canada |
| Background questions | Criminal history, health conditions, previous immigration issues, prior refusals |
Processing Times and Approval#
Most eTA applications are approved within minutes of submission. You receive an email with three possible responses:
| Response | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ✅ eTA Approved | Your eTA is active and linked to your passport. You can travel to Canada by air. |
| ⏳ Application Under Review — Additional Documents Requested | IRCC needs more information or documents. Respond promptly — you cannot travel until the eTA is approved. |
| ❌ eTA Refused | Your eTA was not approved. You may need to apply for a visitor visa (TRV) instead, or resolve any underlying inadmissibility issue. |
While most eTAs are approved in minutes, some applications require additional review — up to several weeks. Apply for your eTA as soon as you know your travel plans, not the day before your flight. Airlines will not allow you to board without a valid eTA.
How Long Is an eTA Valid?#
An approved eTA is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. During the validity period, you can travel to Canada multiple times without reapplying for a new eTA, as long as each visit respects the authorized stay granted by the CBSA officer (typically up to 6 months per visit).
Your eTA is linked to a specific passport number. When you get a new passport — even if your old eTA has not expired — your old eTA is no longer valid. Apply for a new eTA with your new passport before traveling to Canada.
eTA vs Visitor Visa — Key Differences#
| Feature | eTA | Visitor Visa (TRV) |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Citizens of visa-exempt countries (UK, Australia, France, etc.) | Citizens of visa-required countries (India, Pakistan, China, etc.) |
| Fee | $7 CAD | $100 CAD per person |
| Processing time | Minutes for most | Weeks to months |
| Validity | 5 years (or passport expiry) | Varies — typically up to 10 years for multiple entry |
| Documents required | Passport, basic personal info, credit card | Full application: financial docs, employment letters, travel history, etc. |
| Required for land entry | No | Yes |
| Where to apply | canada.ca/eta (online only) | IRCC online account or VAC |
If Your eTA Is Refused#
If your eTA is refused, you cannot fly to Canada. Common reasons for eTA refusals include a criminal record, previous immigration violations, security concerns, or health inadmissibility. Your options if your eTA is refused:
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) | If you have an inadmissibility issue (e.g., criminal record), a TRP may allow you to enter Canada for a specific purpose despite the inadmissibility. Requires demonstrating that your need to enter outweighs the risk. |
| Apply for Criminal Rehabilitation | If you were convicted of a crime abroad and sufficient time has passed, you may apply for Criminal Rehabilitation to clear the inadmissibility permanently. |
| Apply for a visitor visa (TRV) | In some cases, a person whose eTA is refused can still apply for a visitor visa — the visa officer will assess the full circumstances. Not always possible or successful. |
| Contact an immigration lawyer | An eTA refusal should be reviewed by a professional to understand the specific reason and the best path forward. |
Special Situations: Dual Citizens#
If you are a dual citizen of Canada and another country, you do not need an eTA — you must travel with your Canadian passport. If you are a dual citizen of a visa-exempt country and a visa-required country, use the visa-exempt passport to apply for an eTA and travel to Canada.
British citizens — including those with dual UK and non-visa-exempt country citizenship — need an eTA when flying to Canada on their British passport. They are exempt when entering by land or sea. Always use the passport that gives you the best entry option.
Frequently Asked Questions#
How much does a Canada eTA cost?
The eTA fee is $7 CAD per person, paid online when you apply. Beware of third-party websites charging significantly more — the official IRCC fee is $7 CAD, available only at canada.ca/eta.
Do I need an eTA to drive to Canada from the US?
No. eTAs are only required for travel to Canada by air. If you are traveling by land (car, bus) or sea, visa-exempt nationals do not need an eTA — just a valid passport from their visa-exempt country.
My eTA was approved — can I stay as long as I want?
No. An eTA is authorization to board a flight to Canada, not a guarantee of how long you can stay. When you arrive, the CBSA officer determines your authorized stay — typically up to 6 months. You must leave by the end of your authorized stay period, not by your eTA expiry date.
Can I work or study on an eTA?
An eTA on its own only permits you to visit Canada as a visitor. Working or studying for more than 6 months requires separate permits (work permit or study permit). Some short-term activities — attending conferences, short courses under 6 months — may be permitted as a visitor, but actual employment is not.
My eTA says "approved" but the airline won't let me board. Why?
Ensure the passport you are using to travel is the same one linked to your eTA. If you got a new passport since applying for your eTA, the eTA is linked to your old passport and you need a new eTA. Also confirm your eTA has not expired. Contact IRCC if the problem persists.
I forgot to apply for my eTA — can I apply at the airport?
Do not rely on this. Airlines will generally not allow you to board without a valid eTA. While eTA approval can happen in minutes, it is not guaranteed, and you risk missing your flight. Always apply at least a few days before travel — ideally several weeks in advance.
Questions About Traveling to Canada?
Whether you need an eTA, a visitor visa, or help understanding your entry options, our team can connect you with immigration professionals who can guide you through the process.
📧 Email Us TodayDisclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. eTA eligibility and requirements change. Always verify current requirements at canada.ca/eta before traveling.