What is the Canadian Electronic Travel Authority eTA?
An Electronic Travel Authorization (e TA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. An e TA is electronically linked to a traveler’s passport. It is valid for up to 5 years or until the passport expires. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new e TA.
Who Can Travel to Canada With an eTA?
Travelers who require an e TA include visa-exempt foreign nationals and lawful permanent residents of the US. You are eligible for an e TA if you are from select visa-required countries and need to travel to Canada by air.
What are the Requirements for the eTA Canada?
The only requirement for the Canada e TA is that you need to be a citizen from a select visa-required country and you're travelling to Canada by air. However, you still need a visitor visa (not an e TA) when arriving by car, bus, train, or boat, including a cruise ship.
eTA Application Process Overview
To apply for Canada Electronic Travel Authorization, get your passport and method of payment ready, and read the application help document. Use the online form to apply and pay the CAD$7 eTA fee after the form is completed. Most applications are approved within minutes, but you may have to submit additional documents.
How Do I Apply for an eTA for Travel to Canada?
Applying for an eTA is a simple online process. Most applicants get their eTA approval (via an email) within minutes. However, some requests can take several days to process if you're asked to submit supporting documents. It is best to get an eTA before you book your flight to Canada.
What You Need to Complete the Form and Pay For Your eTA
To complete the form and pay for your e TA, you will need your passport, credit/debit card, and the help document if necessary. You will use the online form to apply, but the form cannot be saved so have all of your information ready.
You will then pay the CAD$7 fee and get an email about your e TA application. Most applicants are approved within minutes. You may need to submit documents before your application can be approved. If this happens, an email will be sent with instructions within 72 hours.
Travel Documents and Identification Requirements
All you need in terms of travel documents and identification requirements are your passport and information on the ArriveCAN app. All of your e TA information is linked to your passport once you complete the application.
Acceptable Documents to Denote Identity and Citizenship
Applicants residing outside Canada may not be able to provide Canadian identity documents. Applicants can provide foreign identity documents that are equivalent to Canadian identity documents, such as a passport or government-issued identification documents.
Children of preschool age may not be able to provide two identity documents or an identity document that includes their photo. In such cases, an explanation letter must accompany their application.
If you reside in Canada and want to denote your identity and citizenship, a passport, social insurance number card (along with another piece of identification like a health card), or birth certificate are all acceptable documents.
Other Acceptable Documents for Establishing Canadian Citizenship
Some other acceptable documents for establishing Canadian Citizen include an age of majority card, Certificate of Indian Status card, driver's license, senior citizen's card, or travel document.
