An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is required for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. It is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires.
1. Check If You Need an eTA
✔ You need an eTA if you are from a visa-exempt country and flying to Canada
✔ You don’t need an eTA if you have a valid Canadian visa or are a U.S. citizen
✔ Travelers entering by land or sea (car, bus, train, cruise) do not need an eTA
2. Gather Required Documents
To apply for an eTA, you need:
✔ A valid passport from an eligible country
✔ A credit or debit card for the application fee (CAD $7)
✔ A valid email address to receive confirmation
3. Complete the Online Application
✔ Visit the official Canadian government website: www.canada.ca/eTA
✔ Fill in your personal details, passport information, and travel history
✔ Answer eligibility and security questions truthfully
4. Pay the Application Fee
✔ The fee is CAD $7, payable by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or other online payment methods
✔ Payment must be made online at the time of application
5. Submit and Wait for Approval
✔ Most applications get approved within minutes
✔ In some cases, you may need to submit additional documents (you’ll receive an email if required)
✔ Check your email inbox and spam folder for updates
6. Link the eTA to Your Passport
✔ Once approved, the eTA is automatically linked to your passport
✔ You do not need to print anything—just present your passport at the airport
7. Check Your eTA Status
✔ You can verify your eTA status online at: Check eTA Status
✔ Ensure your eTA is valid before traveling to avoid delays