eTA Canada Application

Who Can Apply for the Canadian eTA?

The eTA is required for citizens of visa-exempt countries traveling to Canada by air.

Use our entry requirements checker to confirm whether your nationality qualifies for the eTA before applying. The tool is user-friendly and helps to navigate the regulations quickly.

While travelers entering Canada by land or sea (such as by car or cruise) do not need an eTA, they must carry the appropriate travel documents.

Additionally, Canadian citizens, dual citizens, and US citizens are exempt from the eTA requirement and only need a valid passport to enter Canada.

NOTE: If you already have a valid Canadian visa, you do not need to apply for an eTA, as the visa allows entry.

Important Update

The Canadian authorities have introduced the Advance Declaration scheme. Travelers arriving at participating airports need to complete the Canada Advance Declaration (ArriveCAN) before their entry into the country.

It is essential to note that the document does not constitute an entry permit, but a customs and immigration form.

If you have already been granted an eTA, do remember to also complete the ArriveCAN up to 72 hours prior to your arrival in Canada.

List of Eligible Countries

Passport holders from the following countries may request a Canadian eTA for air travel, provided their citizenship qualifies under current visa-waiver rules:

• Andorra
• Australia
• Austria
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belgium
• Brunei
• Bulgaria
• Chile
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hong Kong
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• Japan
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Monaco
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Papua New Guinea
• Poland
• Portugal
• Qatar
• Romania (electronic passport only)
• Samoa
• San Marino
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Solomon Islands
• South Korea
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan (with personal ID number on passport)
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• Vatican City State

Citizens of the countries below can apply for an eTA if they meet at least one of the following conditions:

• They currently possess a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa
• They were issued a Canadian visa within the last 10 years

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Brazil
• Costa Rica
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• Mexico
• Morocco
• Panama
• Philippines
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Seychelles
• Thailand
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Uruguay

Nationals of the countries listed below are not eligible for a Canadian eTA. However, they may apply for a Visitor Visa instead. If you’re traveling from one of these countries, consider booking a consultation with a Registered Immigration Consultant:

• Afghanistan
• Albania
• Algeria
• Angola
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Belarus
• Belize
• Benin
• Bhutan
• Bolivia
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Botswana
• Brunei
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Cambodia
• Cameroon
• Cape Verde
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• China
• Colombia
• Comoros
• Congo
• Congo (Democratic Republic)
• Cote d'Ivoire
• Cuba
• Djibouti
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• East Timor
• Ecuador
• Egypt
• El Salvador
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Fiji
• Gabon
• Gambia
• Georgia
• Ghana
• Grenada
• Guatemala
• Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Guinea Equatorial
• Guyana
• Haiti
• Honduras
• India
• Indonesia
• Iran
• Iraq
• Jamaica
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Kenya
• Kiribati
• Kosovo
• Kuwait
• Kyrgyzstan
• Laos
• Lebanon
• Lesotho
• Liberia
• Libya
• Macau (SAR)
• Macedonia (North)
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Malaysia
• Maldives
• Mali
• Marshall Islands
• Mauritania
• Mauritius
• Micronesia
• Moldova
• Mongolia
• Montenegro
• Mozambique
• Myanmar (Burma)
• Namibia
• Nauru
• Nepal
• New Caledonia
• Nicaragua
• Niger
• Nigeria
• North Korea
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Oman
• Pakistan
• Palestinian Territories
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Palau
• Russian Federation
• Rwanda
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Senegal
• Serbia
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• Sri Lanka
• Sudan
• Suriname
• Eswatini (Swaziland)
• Syria
• Tajikistan
• Tanzania
• Togo
• Tonga
• Tunisia
• Turkey
• Turkmenistan
• Tuvalu
• Uganda
• Ukraine
• Uzbekistan
• Vanuatu
• Venezuela
• Vietnam
• Western Sahara
• Yemen
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

The following categories are always visa-exempt:

• Canadian citizens or dual Canadian citizens
• Permanent residents of Canada
• US citizens

Canada eTA Requirements

To submit the eTA Canada application, applicants need:

• A passport from a visa-exempt country. Make sure your passport is machine-readable and valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip.
• A working online payment method, such as a credit or debit card to pay the fee.
• A reliable email address where you can receive confirmation of your eTA approval.

If your passport number or personal details change, you'll need to apply for a new Canadian eTA to make sure your travel authorization remains valid.

Without a valid eTA linked to your updated information, you may face issues when boarding your flight or entering Canada.

What is the eTA Canada?

The eTA Canada (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a mandatory digital entry document for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air.

This requirement ensures the pre-screening of passengers, giving Canadian authorities a clearer picture of who is entering the country.

When using the Passporta service, the Canada travel authorization form can be easily obtained online from home without visiting an embassy or consulate.

The Canadian eTA is electronically linked to a visitor's passport and allows for tourism, business, or transit-related travel. Still, it doesn't cover employment or long-term studies in Canada, which requires separate permits.

With an eTA, travelers can enter Canada multiple times without reapplying, making it an efficient way to facilitate travel.

Holders of valid authorization can stay in Canada for up to 6 months per visit. The exact duration of stay is determined by the border services officer upon arrival.

A Canada eTA is valid for up to 5 years from the date of approval or until the passport associated with it expires — whichever comes first.

If getting a new passport, reapply for an eTA, as the authorization is specific to the passport used during the application process.

How to Apply for an eTA to Canada?

Applying for a Canadian eTA is a straightforward and quick process, especially with Passporta assistance as a trusted travel visa agent.

If you have any questions, our dedicated team is here to streamline the process and provide support every step of the way.

The application guide below will help you to get an eTA Canada without any issues:

1. Click the "Apply Online" button to start the application process.
2. Provide personal and travel details. Enter your full name, date of birth, passport details, contact information, and travel plans.
3. Pay the fee using a valid online payment option like debit or credit card. Ensure you have sufficient funds.
4. Check your email. Once submitted, most eTAs are processed within minutes, but some may take longer. You'll receive your eTA Canada directly via email.

The eTA to Canada is electronically linked to your passport. You don't need to print it, as airlines can verify your approval electronically.

IMPORTANT: The Canadian government exclusively manages all application approvals, including decisions on entry, travel eligibility, and outcomes.

Canadian eTA Validity and Period of Stay

An eTA to Canada is typically valid for:

• 5 years from the date of approval, or
• Until your linked passport expires, whichever comes first.

This means that even if your eTA Canada hasn't reached the five-year mark, you'll need to apply for a new one if you renew or replace your passport.

Additionally, you don't need to reapply for an eTA each time you visit Canada, provided it remains valid and linked to your passport.

The travel authorization allows multiple entries but doesn't determine how long you can stay in Canada during a single visit.

Most visitors are granted permission to stay up to 6 months per visit. However, the officer may grant a shorter stay depending on the specifics of your trip, including travel purpose and circumstances.

Processing Time for an eTA to Canada

Most eTA Canada applications are processed and approved within a day of submission. Travelers will receive their confirmation from Passporta via email directly after completing the application.

Still, some eTA forms may take several days, especially, if further reviews or additional documentation are required.

Applications flagged for additional checks can take up to a few weeks. This can happen if an applicant gives incomplete information, has a prior visa rejection, or raises safety concerns.

IMPORTANT: Apply for your eTA Canada well in advance of your travel date to account for any potential delays.

eTA Canada Sample

Below is an example of what an approved eTA Canada confirmation email may look like. This will help you recognize the document and ensure its authenticity:

Reasons for Canadian eTA Rejections

While the eTA Canada is a convenient entry solution for eligible travelers, not every application is approved.

Three primary reasons for Canadian eTA denials include:

• Expired passport or insufficient passport validity. Canada requires a valid passport during travel, needing at least 6 months of validity beyond your arrival date.
• Criminal record. Applicants with a criminal history, even minor or old offenses, may face rejection.
• Previous visa or immigration violations. Past violations of immigration rules, like overstaying a visa in Canada or another country, can lead to eTA rejection.

NOTE: If your eTA application is rejected, you may still qualify for entry via a Visitor Visa to Canada.

Why Choose Us?

With Passporta, you can be sure that the eTA Canada application process is safe and straightforward.

• Trusted company – Nearly 10 years of experience.
• Application verification – Our experts ensure the forms are completed correctly.
• Information security – Your personal and payment data is properly protected.
• Simple procedure – The application on our website is easy to complete.
• Professional assistance – Our support team is always ready to provide help.

By choosing Passporta, you can easily get your Canada travel authorization online and focus on the trip while we handle the formalities!

FAQs

• Do I need a Canada eTA?

  You can easily access this information by selecting your nationality in our eligibility checker available at the top of the website.

• Do I need an eTA to transit through Canada?

  If you come from one of the eTA-eligible countries and will be transiting through a Canadian airport, you need an eTA. It is required even if you don’t leave the airport. When arriving by land or sea (while still holding one of the eligible passports), the eTA will not be required.

• Can I travel to Canada with a national ID instead of a passport?

  No, it is not possible to enter Canada without a passport. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport and cannot be issued without it.

• How long is a Canadian eTA valid for?

  The Canadian eTA stays valid for 5 years from the date of approval or until your passport expires - whichever happens first. Remember that if your passport expires or any data on it changes, your entry permit becomes invalid.

• How long does it take to process a Canada eTA?

  Most eTAs are processed within hours, however, the processing can take up to 72 hours. Apply at least a few days before your trip to Canada to avoid delays.

• How can I check my eTA status on the government website?

  You may verify the validity of your Canadian eTA using the Check Status tool on the official government website. Please enter your eTA number (starting with the letter J), your passport number, your passport’s country of issue, and your passport’s issue and expiry date. A common mistake is entering the eTA issue or expiry dates instead of the passport dates. If the passport details are entered incorrectly, the system will not be able to locate your eTA.

• How can I check the status of my application?

  To check the status of your application, you need a Passporta account. Please use this link to log in to your existing profile or create a new one.

• My application status shows “Finished” – where is my eTA?

  Once your application status shows "Finished", the eTA will be sent to your email address as a PDF attachment. Please check your inbox. Remember to check your SPAM or junk folder as well.

• How will I receive my eTA after approval?

  Once approved, your eTA will be sent directly to the email address provided in the application form.

• What should I do if my eTA has been rejected?

  Unfortunately, the Immigration Office has determined that you do not meet the requirements for the Canada eTA. In this case, you should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Canada to apply for a traditional visa.