Temporary Residence
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
An online entry requirement for visa-exempt travellers flying to, or connecting through, a Canadian airport.
Overview
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to Canada or transit through a Canadian airport. It's electronically linked to the passport you apply with and is valid for up to five years, or until that passport expires, whichever comes first.
Not every traveller needs one. U.S. citizens are exempt, and most travellers arriving by land or sea don't need an eTA. Citizens of some visa-required countries can fly to Canada with an eTA instead of a visa, but only if they meet specific conditions, so it's worth confirming which document applies before you book.
An eTA is not a visa and does not guarantee entry — a border services officer makes the final decision when you arrive. It also doesn't allow you to work or study. Many applications are straightforward, but some are held for more documents, and past refusals, criminal history or immigration problems can lead to a refusal.
Who may consider this: Visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada, and some visa-required travellers who qualify to fly with an eTA instead of a visa.
Eligibility Considerations
- Citizenship of a visa-exempt country, with travel to or through Canada by air
- For citizens of eligible visa-required countries: a Canadian visitor visa held in the past 10 years or a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa, and travel by air only
- A valid passport, which must be the same passport you travel with
- A temporary purpose, such as tourism, a family visit, a short business trip or a connecting flight
- No criminal, medical or immigration history that makes you inadmissible to Canada
- Accurate, complete answers to every question on the form
How It Works
Check What You Need
We confirm whether you need an eTA, a visitor visa or neither, based on your citizenship, status and how you're travelling.
Background Review
We look at past refusals, overstays, criminal charges or health issues that could affect your answers or the outcome.
Online Application
The eTA is completed on the official Government of Canada website, using the exact passport you'll travel with.
Detail Check
We check the passport number and personal details carefully, since an error can stop you from boarding your flight.
Requests for Documents
If IRCC asks for more information, we help you gather and submit a complete response promptly.
Decision & Next Steps
Once approved, the eTA is linked to your passport. If it's refused, we review the reasons and the options that remain.
Documents You May Need
Document requirements vary by applicant and pathway — not every applicant needs every item below. We confirm your specific list during an assessment.
- Valid passport from an eligible country
- Proof of a Canadian visitor visa from the past 10 years or a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa, if you're from an eligible visa-required country
- Details of any previous visa refusals or immigration problems
- Court or police records, if you have any criminal history
- Any additional documents IRCC requests after you apply
Common Issues to Watch For
These are presented to help you prepare, not to cause concern — most are avoidable with careful preparation.
- Paying extra on unofficial websites that aren't connected to the Government of Canada
- A mistyped passport number, which can leave you unable to board
- Applying for an eTA when a visitor visa is actually required
- Leaving out past refusals or criminal charges, which can be treated as misrepresentation
- Travelling on a new passport without getting a new eTA
How We Help
- Confirm whether you need an eTA, a visitor visa or another document before you travel
- Review past refusals, criminal records or overstays and explain how they may affect your application
- Help you respond fully to any IRCC request for more documents
- Assess options after a refusal, including a Temporary Resident Permit where inadmissibility is the issue
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an eTA the same as a visitor visa?+
No. An eTA is an electronic authorization linked to your passport for air travel, while a visitor visa is a document placed in your passport after a fuller application. Neither one guarantees entry — the border services officer decides when you arrive.
Who doesn't need an eTA?+
U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents travelling with proof of their status, and most travellers arriving by land or sea. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, generally need a valid Canadian passport, and permanent residents need a valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document. Travellers who already hold a valid Canadian visa don't need one either.
What if IRCC asks for more documents?+
Not every eTA is approved right away. If IRCC needs more information, it sends instructions by email, and the file can't move forward until you respond. A complete, accurate response matters, so we help you prepare it.
What happens if my eTA is refused?+
A refusal usually reflects concerns about eligibility or admissibility, such as criminal history or a past immigration violation. Depending on the reasons, options may include reapplying with complete information, applying for a visitor visa where that route is open to you, or addressing inadmissibility through a Temporary Resident Permit or criminal rehabilitation.
Should I use a website that offers to apply for me?+
Be careful. The official Government of Canada website is the only place to submit an eTA, and companies charging extra fees don't act for the government. Even authorized representatives must submit through the official site.
The information on this website is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies, fees, processing times, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Please verify current requirements with official government sources or a qualified immigration professional before making decisions.