Canada
Travel to Canada by Air
Your Electronic Travel Authorization for Canada
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to Canada or transiting through a Canadian airport. It's a quick, low-cost online application that links electronically to your passport — but the rules on who needs one, who is exempt, and what an eTA does and doesn't allow are easy to get wrong. This page explains the essentials in plain language.
01 What is an eTA
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. It allows you to fly to Canada, or transit through a Canadian airport, and is linked electronically to the passport you used to apply.
An eTA is not a visa and is not the same as a visitor visa. You generally need one or the other — not both — depending on your nationality.
An eTA lets you travel to Canada, but it does not let you work or study. Most people need a work permit to work or a study permit to study at a designated learning institution. It also does not guarantee entry — a border services officer makes the final decision when you arrive.
02 Who Needs One and Who's Exempt
Whether you need an eTA depends on your citizenship, the document you travel with, and how you arrive. In general, you need an eTA if you:
- are a citizen of an eTA-required (visa-exempt) country, and
- are travelling to Canada by air or transiting through a Canadian airport
Several travellers are exempt from the eTA requirement, including:
- U.S. citizens — who travel with a valid U.S. passport (no eTA or visa)
- Lawful permanent residents of the United States — exempt since April 26, 2022; they travel with a valid passport from their country of nationality plus valid proof of U.S. status, such as a green card (Form I-551)
- Canadian permanent residents — who travel with a valid PR card or permanent resident travel document (PRTD), not an eTA
- Travellers who are visa-required — who need a visitor visa instead of an eTA
Dual Canadian citizens generally cannot use an eTA — they need a valid Canadian passport to fly to or through Canada. Country-specific rules change over time, so confirm the current requirement for your nationality on the official IRCC page before you book.
03 How to Apply
Applying for an eTA is a simple online process. It's best to apply before you book your flight. The general steps are:
Get Your Documents Ready
Have your valid passport, a credit or debit card to pay the fee, and an email address on hand. The online form cannot be saved partway through, so prepare your information first.
Complete the Online Form
Apply through the official Government of Canada website and answer the questions in the application accurately.
Pay the Fee
Pay the eTA fee right after you complete the form. The fee is non-refundable.
Receive a Decision by Email
Most applicants receive approval within minutes. Some applications take longer if you're asked to submit supporting documents — instructions are sent by email if this applies to you.
Apply only on the official Government of Canada website. Third-party websites may charge extra fees for services that are free or low-cost through IRCC.
04 What You Need to Apply
To complete the online application, you generally need:
- a valid passport from a visa-exempt (eTA-required) country
- a credit or debit card to pay the fee
- a valid email address to receive your decision and any follow-up instructions
Apply with the same passport you'll travel on. Your eTA is linked to that passport, and the airline scans it at check-in to confirm you have a valid eTA.
05 Cost and Processing Time
The eTA is a low-cost application, and most decisions are very fast — but processing can take longer in some cases, which is why IRCC recommends applying before you book travel.
As of June 2026, the eTA fee is CAN$7 per person (non-refundable) — set by IRCC and subject to change. Confirm the current fee on the official IRCC page before you apply.
- Most applicants receive approval by email within minutes
- Some applications can take several days if supporting documents are requested
- If documents are needed, IRCC typically emails instructions within a short window after you apply
06 Validity and After Approval
Once approved, your eTA stays valid for a set period and is tied to your passport. Keep these points in mind:
Up to 5 Years
An eTA is valid for up to five years, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first.
New Passport, New eTA
Your eTA is linked to one passport. If you get a new passport, you must apply for a new eTA.
Check Your Approval Email
Confirm the passport number in your approval email matches your passport. If it doesn't, apply again.
No Printout Needed
You don't need to print anything. The airline scans your passport at check-in to verify your eTA.
A valid eTA does not guarantee entry to Canada. When you arrive, a border services officer will review your documents and decide whether you may enter.
07 eTA, Visitor Visa and Land Travel
The document you need depends on your nationality and how you're arriving in Canada. These three scenarios cover most travellers:
By Air, Visa-Exempt
If you're a citizen of an eTA-required country flying to or through Canada, you need a valid eTA and passport.
Visa-Required
If you're from a visa-required country, you need a visitor visa instead of an eTA, whatever your method of travel.
By Land or Sea
If you're visa-exempt and arriving by car, bus, train or boat, you generally don't need an eTA — but you still need a valid passport.
You need a visa or an eTA — not both. If you're eligible for an eTA but already hold a valid Canadian visitor visa, you can travel on the visa until it expires.
08 Frequently Asked Questions
Is an eTA the same as a visa?+
No. An eTA is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or through Canada, while a visitor visa is for travellers from visa-required countries. In general you need one or the other, not both, depending on your nationality.
I'm a U.S. citizen or U.S. green card holder — do I need an eTA?+
No. U.S. citizens are exempt and travel with a valid U.S. passport. Lawful permanent residents of the United States have also been exempt since April 26, 2022; they travel with a valid passport from their country of nationality plus valid proof of U.S. status, such as a green card (Form I-551).
How long is an eTA valid, and what if I get a new passport?+
An eTA is valid for up to five years, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. Because it's linked electronically to one passport, you must apply for a new eTA if you get a new passport, even if your old eTA hasn't expired.
Do I need an eTA if I'm driving or arriving by land or sea?+
In most cases, no. If you're visa-exempt and arriving by car, bus, train or boat (including a cruise ship), you generally don't need an eTA — but you still need a valid passport. The eTA requirement applies to air travel and airport transit.
How long does it take to get an eTA?+
Most applicants get their approval by email within minutes. Some applications take longer — several days in some cases — if you're asked to submit supporting documents. Because of this, it's best to apply before you book your flight.
Can I work or study in Canada with an eTA?+
No. An eTA only authorizes travel to Canada. Most people need a work permit to work, or a study permit to study at a designated learning institution. If a work or study permit is approved, an eTA is usually issued automatically where applicable.
Talk to a Licensed Expert
Not sure if you need an eTA or a visa?
Our licensed team can help you confirm the right travel document for your nationality and situation, and avoid costly mistakes before you book. This page is general information, not legal advice, and no outcome is guaranteed.
