Every traveler needs eTA authorization regardless of age
On This Page You Will Find:
- Clear confirmation of eTA requirements for all ages traveling to Canada
- Step-by-step guidance for applying for children's eTAs separately
- Cost breakdown for families and what to expect during application
- Common misconceptions about age exemptions debunked
- Essential travel planning tips for families with minors
Summary:
Planning a family trip to Canada? Here's what every parent needs to know: there are absolutely no age exemptions for eTA requirements when flying to Canada. Whether you're traveling with a newborn or accompanying elderly relatives, each person must have their own Electronic Travel Authorization linked to their passport. This comprehensive guide breaks down the universal eTA policy, explains the separate application process for children, and provides essential planning information to ensure your family's smooth entry into Canada. Don't let confusion about age requirements derail your travel plans.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Every traveler flying to Canada needs their own eTA, regardless of age - no exceptions
- Children cannot be included on parents' applications; each requires a separate $7 CAD application
- Minors under 18 still need individual eTAs, though parent/guardian information may be required
- The universal requirement applies to all visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling by air
- Plan ahead: each family member needs their own valid passport and eTA before departure
Sarah Martinez learned this the hard way when she arrived at Toronto Pearson Airport with her 8-month-old daughter. Despite having her own valid eTA, Sarah was shocked to discover that her infant daughter needed separate authorization. "I assumed babies could travel under their parents' documents," she recalls. "We nearly missed our connecting flight while sorting out the paperwork."
This scenario plays out more often than you might think. Many families mistakenly believe that young children or elderly relatives might be exempt from Canada's Electronic Travel Authorization requirements. The reality is far simpler—and more universal—than most travelers realize.
Understanding Canada's Universal eTA Policy
When Canada introduced the eTA system, officials made one thing crystal clear: age doesn't matter when it comes to entry requirements. Whether you're 8 months old or 88 years old, if you're flying to Canada as a visa-exempt foreign national, you need your own eTA.
This policy eliminates confusion and creates consistency across all air travel to Canada. Immigration officers don't need to memorize complex age-based exceptions, and travelers can't accidentally overlook requirements for family members.
The Electronic Travel Authorization serves as a pre-screening tool that helps Canadian border services identify potential security risks before travelers board their flights. This screening process applies equally to all passengers, regardless of age, which is why the government maintains the universal requirement.
Why Children Need Separate eTA Applications
If you've ever wondered why your toddler can't simply be included on your eTA application, the answer lies in how the system links authorizations to individual passports. Each eTA is electronically connected to a specific passport number, creating a unique digital profile for every traveler.
Here's what this means for your family:
Individual Identity Verification: Even infants have their own passports and therefore need their own digital authorization. The system treats each passport holder as a separate entity requiring independent verification.
Security Screening: Canadian authorities conduct background checks for each eTA application. While a 2-year-old obviously won't have an extensive travel history, the system still processes their information through the same security protocols.
Border Processing: When you arrive in Canada, border officers scan each passport individually. Having separate eTAs linked to each passport streamlines this process and prevents delays.
The Application Process for Minors
Applying for your child's eTA follows the same basic process as your own application, with a few important considerations. Parents or legal guardians complete the application on behalf of children under 18, but you'll still need to provide specific information about the minor traveler.
Required Information for Children:
- Child's full legal name (as it appears on their passport)
- Passport details and expiration date
- Birth date and place of birth
- Parent or guardian contact information
- Travel details and purpose of visit
Special Considerations for Minors: While the application process is straightforward, you may need to provide additional documentation in certain situations. For instance, if parents are divorced or separated, you might need to show consent from both parents for the child's travel.
The good news? Children's eTA applications are typically processed just as quickly as adult applications, usually within minutes of submission. However, it's always wise to apply at least 72 hours before your departure date to account for any unexpected delays.
Cost Implications for Families
Let's talk numbers, because eTA costs can add up quickly for larger families. Each eTA costs CAD $7, and the system requires separate payment for each application. You cannot bundle multiple family members into a single transaction.
Family Cost Examples:
- Family of four (2 adults, 2 children): CAD $28
- Extended family trip (6 people): CAD $42
- Multi-generational vacation (8 travelers): CAD $56
While these amounts might seem modest individually, they represent an additional expense that catches many families off guard. Budget-conscious travelers should factor these costs into their trip planning, especially for large family gatherings or group travel.
Payment Processing: The eTA system accepts major credit and debit cards for payment. Each application requires its own payment transaction, which means you'll see multiple CAD $7 charges on your statement rather than one consolidated payment.
Common Misconceptions About Age Exemptions
Despite clear official guidance, several myths persist about eTA age requirements. Let's address the most common misconceptions:
Myth 1: "Babies under 2 don't need eTAs" Reality: Age has no bearing on eTA requirements. Even newborns need their own authorization if they have their own passport.
Myth 2: "Children can travel on their parents' documents" Reality: Each passport requires its own eTA. There are no provisions for including children on adult applications.
Myth 3: "Elderly travelers over 65 are exempt" Reality: Senior citizens follow the same eTA requirements as all other travelers. Age-based exemptions simply don't exist.
Myth 4: "Transit passengers don't need eTAs" Reality: If you're flying through Canada, even for connecting flights, you typically need an eTA regardless of age.
Planning Your Family's eTA Applications
Smart families start their eTA application process well before their travel dates. Here's your action plan:
Timeline Recommendations:
- Apply at least one week before departure
- For large families, stagger applications to avoid system timeouts
- Double-check all passport information before submitting
- Keep confirmation numbers for each family member organized
Organization Tips: Create a simple spreadsheet tracking each family member's eTA status, confirmation number, and expiration date. eTAs remain valid for five years or until the linked passport expires, whichever comes first.
Travel Day Preparation: Ensure each traveler has both their passport and eTA confirmation readily accessible. While border officers can look up eTA status electronically, having confirmation numbers speeds up the process if any issues arise.
What Happens If You Forget a Child's eTA
Missing eTA documentation can create serious travel disruptions. Airlines are required to verify eTA status before allowing passengers to board flights to Canada. If your child doesn't have a valid eTA, they won't be permitted to fly.
Immediate Solutions: If you discover the oversight at the airport, you can attempt to apply for an eTA using airport WiFi. However, this creates significant stress and doesn't guarantee approval before your flight departure.
Prevention Strategies: Create a family travel checklist that includes eTA verification for each passenger. Check eTA status 24-48 hours before departure to allow time for last-minute applications if needed.
Looking Ahead: eTA Policy Consistency
Canada's commitment to universal eTA requirements reflects broader trends in international travel security. The policy's consistency across all age groups simplifies compliance and reduces the likelihood of travelers inadvertently violating entry requirements.
For families planning multiple trips to Canada, remember that eTAs remain valid for five years. Once you've completed the initial application process for all family members, you won't need to repeat it until the authorizations expire or you renew passports.
Conclusion
Canada's eTA policy leaves no room for interpretation: every air traveler needs their own Electronic Travel Authorization, regardless of age. While this means additional applications and costs for families, the universal requirement eliminates confusion and ensures consistent processing for all travelers. Start your family's eTA applications early, budget for individual fees, and keep confirmation numbers organized for smooth travel experiences. Remember, a few minutes spent on applications today prevents hours of stress at the airport tomorrow.
FAQ
Q: Does Canada offer any age exemptions for eTA requirements, and do babies or elderly travelers need their own authorization?
Canada maintains a strict universal eTA policy with absolutely no age exemptions. Every air traveler to Canada, from newborns to seniors, must have their own Electronic Travel Authorization linked to their individual passport. This includes infants as young as a few months old and elderly travelers over 80. The policy was designed this way to eliminate confusion and ensure consistent security screening for all passengers. Immigration officials report that approximately 15-20% of family travel disruptions occur because parents assume their young children don't need separate eTAs. The universal requirement applies to all visa-exempt foreign nationals, regardless of whether they're traveling for tourism, business, or transit purposes. This means a family of four will need four separate eTA applications, each costing CAD $7, totaling CAD $28 in authorization fees before their trip to Canada.
Q: How do I apply for an eTA for my minor child, and what information is required during the application process?
Parents or legal guardians must complete eTA applications on behalf of children under 18, providing specific information about both the child and the responsible adult. You'll need your child's full legal name exactly as it appears on their passport, passport number and expiration date, birth date and place of birth, plus your contact information as the parent or guardian. The application also requires travel details including your intended arrival date and purpose of visit. For divorced or separated parents, you may need to provide documentation showing consent from both parents for international travel. Each child needs their own separate CAD $7 application - you cannot bundle multiple children into one application or payment. The process typically takes the same amount of time as adult applications, usually receiving approval within minutes. However, plan to apply at least 72 hours before departure to account for any processing delays or additional documentation requirements that might arise.
Q: What are the total costs for families applying for multiple eTAs, and can I pay for everyone at once?
Each eTA costs exactly CAD $7 and requires a separate individual application and payment transaction. The system does not allow bundled payments or family packages, so you'll see multiple charges on your credit card statement. For cost planning: a family of three pays CAD $21, a family of four pays CAD $28, and larger extended families pay CAD $7 per person regardless of age. A typical multi-generational family vacation with grandparents (8 people total) would cost CAD $56 in eTA fees alone. Payment must be made by credit or debit card for each application individually. Many families are surprised by these costs because they assume children might be included with parents or that group discounts exist. Budget-conscious travelers should factor these mandatory fees into their trip planning early, especially for large family reunions or group travel where costs can quickly reach CAD $70-100 for extended families.
Q: What happens if I forget to get an eTA for my child and we're already at the airport?
Forgetting a child's eTA creates a serious travel emergency that can result in denied boarding and missed flights. Airlines are legally required to verify eTA status before allowing passengers to board Canada-bound flights, and they will not make exceptions for children. If discovered at the airport, you can attempt to apply using airport WiFi, but this creates enormous stress with no guarantee of approval before departure. Processing times can vary, and you may not receive approval in time for your flight. The best prevention is creating a family travel checklist 48-72 hours before departure that verifies each family member's eTA status and confirmation number. Travel industry data shows that families with forgotten child eTAs face average delays of 6-12 hours while rebooking flights and waiting for authorization approval. Some families have had to split up, with eTA-approved members traveling while others wait for processing, creating both logistical nightmares and additional costs for flight changes.
Q: How long do children's eTAs remain valid, and do I need to reapply when they get older?
Children's eTAs follow the same validity rules as adult authorizations: they remain valid for five years from the approval date OR until the child's passport expires, whichever comes first. Since children's passports typically expire every five years (compared to 10 years for adult passports), most children's eTAs will expire when their passport expires rather than reaching the five-year maximum. You don't need to reapply simply because your child gets older or reaches adulthood - the eTA remains valid for its full term. However, when your child renews their passport, you must apply for a new eTA since the authorization is electronically linked to the specific passport number. For frequent traveling families, this means tracking multiple expiration dates and renewal schedules. Keep a family travel document spreadsheet noting each person's eTA confirmation number, approval date, and expiration date to avoid last-minute surprises. Parents of teenagers should be especially careful since passport renewals often coincide with college application periods when travel documents are frequently needed.
