Entry Requirements at a Glance
To travel to Canada with an eTA, you generally must:
- Have a valid passport from a visa-exempt country
- Be travelling to Canada by air
- Be in good health
- Have no serious criminal or immigration violations
- Convince a border services officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay
- Have sufficient funds for your visit
Key Features
- Typically valid for up to 5 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first
- Multiple entries permitted during validity
- Typically allows stays of up to six months per visit, as determined by a border services officer
- Fully digital application process
- No biometric enrolment required
Is This Authorisation Suitable for You?
You may be eligible for a Canada eTA if you:
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Have a valid passport from a visa-exempt country
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Are travelling to Canada by air
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Plan a short stay for tourism, business, or transit
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Do not require a visa for entry
Important:
Eligibility is based on nationality and individual travel circumstances.
When You May Not Be Eligible
You may need a visa instead of an eTA if you:
- Are not from a visa-exempt country
- Plan to work or stay long-term in Canada
- Have a complex travel or immigration history
- Do not meet entry requirements
In some limited cases, certain travellers who would normally require a visa may be eligible for an eTA under specific conditions.
In such situations, a visitor visa or another permit may be required.
Permitted Activities
The Canada eTA allows you to:
- Travel for tourism or holidays
- Visit family or friends
- Attend meetings, conferences, or business events
- Transit through Canada
Important:
You must not engage in paid work while in Canada without the appropriate authorisation.
What an eTA Does Not Allow
An eTA does not allow you to:
- Work in Canada without a valid work permit
- Stay permanently or immigrate
- Study in long-term programmes without a study permit
- Guarantee entry into Canada
Study Limitations
A short-term study of up to six months may be allowed if the programme does not require a study permit.
A long-term study requires a separate study permit.
Travelling Through Canada (Transit)
You may need an eTA if you are:
- Changing flights in Canada
- Transiting through a Canadian airport
This applies even if you do not leave the airport.
Conditions You Must Follow
While in Canada, you must:
- Respect the authorised length of stay
- Leave Canada before your permitted stay ends
- Follow all visitor conditions
- Not undertake unauthorised work
Failure to comply may affect future travel.
Documents You May Need
Most applications require:
- A valid passport
- Personal and travel details
- Contact information
In some cases, additional details may be requested based on your profile.
How the Application Process Works
The Canada eTA application is completed online through the official system.
The process typically includes:
- Completing the online form
- Providing passport and personal details
- Answering background questions
- Receiving the eTA electronically if approved
All details must match your passport exactly to avoid delays.
After You Apply
After submitting your application:
- Most applicants receive a decision by email
- You must travel with the same passport used in your eTA application
- Airlines will verify your eTA before boarding
- You may be asked questions by border officers upon arrival
Processing Times
Many eTA applications are processed quickly, often within minutes.
In some cases, processing may take several days where additional checks are required.
Processing times depend on accuracy, background checks, and application volume.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Entering incorrect passport details
- Using an expired passport
- Providing inconsistent information
- Leaving your application too close to your intended travel date
Common Reasons for Application Refusal
Applications may be refused due to:
- Provision of inaccurate or incomplete information
- Inconsistencies or discrepancies in the application
- Previous immigration concerns or visa refusals
- Criminality or security-related issues
Accuracy is essential to reduce the risk of refusal.
Application Outcomes
If approved, your eTA is electronically linked to your passport.
Approval does not guarantee entry into Canada. Final entry decisions are made by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers upon arrival.
If refused, you will receive a decision notice and may consider alternative options depending on your situation.
Canadian authorities make all decisions.
Renewing or Reapplying for an eTA
You must apply for a new eTA if:
- Your current eTA expires
- Your passport expires or is replaced
- Your personal details have changed
Each application is assessed separately.
Why Choose Our Support
- Clear, structured application guidance
- Focus on accuracy and completeness
- Responsive support throughout your journey
- Transparent and straightforward process
