Family Travel to Canada Just Got More Complicated
On This Page You Will Find:
- The definitive rule about family eTA applications that could save you rejection
- Exact costs and steps for applying when traveling with children or dependents
- How to legally help family members apply without violating immigration rules
- Common mistakes that delay approval and how to avoid them
- Timeline expectations for processing multiple applications
Summary:
Planning a family trip to Canada? Here's what every traveler needs to know: each person requires their own separate eTA application, even children listed on parents' passports. This means a family of four pays CAD $28 total ($7 per person) and completes four individual applications. Understanding this requirement upfront prevents costly delays and ensures your entire family can travel together. We'll walk you through the exact process, costs, and timeline so you can plan accordingly.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Every traveler needs a separate eTA application - no exceptions for families or groups
- Children listed on parents' passports still require individual eTA applications
- Each application costs CAD $7, paid separately during the application process
- You can legally help family members apply by indicating you're completing their form
- Processing typically takes minutes, but apply at least 72 hours before travel
Maria Santos learned this lesson the hard way. Standing at Toronto Pearson Airport with her husband and two young children, she discovered that her family eTA application covering all four travelers had been rejected. The reason? Canada requires individual eTA applications for every person, regardless of age or family relationship.
If you're planning to visit Canada with family members, friends, or colleagues, you're likely wondering whether one person can handle applications for the entire group. The answer affects your travel budget, timing, and peace of mind.
The Individual Application Rule Explained
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) maintains a strict policy: you must apply one person at a time. This means each traveler needs their own electronic travel authorization, even if they're traveling together as a family unit.
For a family of three, you'll submit three separate applications and pay three separate fees. There's no family package, group discount, or dependent option available through the official eTA system.
This policy exists for security and immigration control purposes. Each eTA links directly to an individual passport, creating a clear travel record for every person entering Canada.
Children and Passport Dependencies
Here's where many families get confused: even if your children appear on your passport, they need separate eTA applications. This catches parents off-guard, especially those accustomed to international travel where children sometimes travel under parental documentation.
The rule applies regardless of the child's age. Whether you're traveling with a 16-year-old or a 6-month-old infant, each child requires their own eTA application linked to their individual passport.
If your children don't have their own passports yet, you'll need to obtain individual passports for them before applying for eTAs. Canada doesn't accept children traveling on parents' passports for eTA purposes.
Applying on Behalf of Family Members
While you can't bundle multiple people into one application, you can legally complete applications for family members and friends. The eTA system specifically accommodates this scenario.
When you start each application, you'll see an option to indicate whether you're completing the form for someone else. Select this option when applying for your spouse, children, parents, or friends. You'll then provide their information instead of your own.
This feature helps families streamline the process while maintaining individual applications. One tech-savvy family member can handle all applications, ensuring consistency and reducing errors across multiple submissions.
However, remember that you're still completing separate applications. You'll go through the entire process - including payment - for each person individually.
Cost Breakdown for Families and Groups
Each eTA application costs CAD $7, paid during the online application process. Here's what different group sizes can expect:
Couple: CAD $14 total (2 applications × $7 each)
Family of four: CAD $28 total (4 applications × $7 each)
Extended family group of six: CAD $42 total (6 applications × $7 each)
Payment must be made separately for each application. You can't pay CAD $28 upfront and distribute it across four family members. The system processes each application and payment individually.
Budget for these fees when planning your Canada trip, especially for larger families where eTA costs can add up quickly.
Step-by-Step Application Process for Multiple People
Step 1: Gather Required Information Collect passports, travel dates, and personal information for every traveler. Having everything organized before starting prevents delays and ensures accuracy across applications.
Step 2: Complete First Application Start with one family member's application. When prompted, indicate whether you're applying for yourself or someone else. Fill out all required fields completely and accurately.
Step 3: Pay and Submit Pay the CAD $7 fee and submit the application. Wait for email confirmation before proceeding to the next person.
Step 4: Repeat for Each Traveler Return to the eTA website and start a fresh application for the next family member. Don't attempt to modify or duplicate the previous application.
Step 5: Track All Applications Keep confirmation emails for each application. Processing times vary, so monitor each application's status individually.
Common Mistakes That Delay Family Applications
Attempting Group Applications: Some families try to include multiple names in one application, leading to automatic rejection and processing delays.
Using Incorrect Passport Information: Double-check passport numbers, expiration dates, and spelling for each family member. Errors require new applications and additional fees.
Inconsistent Travel Dates: Ensure all family members list the same arrival dates and travel purposes. Discrepancies can trigger additional review.
Payment Confusion: Don't attempt to pay for multiple applications simultaneously. Complete each application's payment process individually.
Missing Email Confirmations: Each application generates a separate confirmation email. Save all confirmations for travel documentation.
Processing Times and Travel Planning
Most eTA applications process within minutes, but IRCC recommends applying at least 72 hours before travel. For families, this timeline becomes crucial since you're managing multiple applications.
If one family member's application faces delays or requires additional documentation, it could affect the entire group's travel plans. Apply early to allow time for resolving any issues that arise.
Some applications require additional review, extending processing to several days or weeks. Having buffer time prevents last-minute travel disruptions for your family.
Special Considerations for Large Groups
Traveling with extended family, friends, or organized groups? The individual application rule still applies, but coordination becomes more complex.
Consider designating one person to handle all applications, ensuring consistent information and timing. This person should have access to everyone's passport information and travel details.
For very large groups (10+ people), consider staggering applications over several days to avoid overwhelming the system or triggering security reviews.
What This Means for Your Canada Travel Plans
Understanding the individual application requirement helps you budget accurately and plan sufficient time for the eTA process. Factor in CAD $7 per person and allow extra time for multiple applications when booking your Canada trip.
The good news? Once approved, eTAs remain valid for five years or until passport expiration, whichever comes first. Your family won't need to repeat this process for future Canada visits during the validity period.
Conclusion
Canada's eTA system requires individual applications for every traveler, including children and dependents. While you can help family members complete their applications, each person needs their own eTA linked to their individual passport. Budget CAD $7 per person and apply at least 72 hours before travel to ensure your entire family receives approval in time for your Canada adventure.
FAQ
Q: Can I apply for a Canada eTA for my entire family in one application?
No, you cannot apply for multiple family members in a single eTA application. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires each traveler to have their own separate eTA application, regardless of family relationships or age. This means a family of four must complete four individual applications and pay four separate CAD $7 fees, totaling CAD $28. Each eTA is linked to an individual passport for security and immigration control purposes. Attempting to include multiple names in one application will result in automatic rejection and processing delays. However, you can legally complete applications on behalf of family members by selecting the appropriate option during the application process and providing their information instead of your own.
Q: Do children need their own eTA even if they're listed on their parents' passport?
Yes, children absolutely need their own individual eTA applications, even if they appear on their parents' passports. This requirement applies to children of all ages, from infants to teenagers. Canada does not accept children traveling under parental passport documentation for eTA purposes. If your children don't have individual passports yet, you must obtain separate passports for them before applying for eTAs. This often surprises parents who are accustomed to international travel where children sometimes travel under parental documentation. The individual passport and eTA requirement ensures clear travel records for every person entering Canada and maintains consistent security protocols across all travelers, regardless of age or family relationships.
Q: How much does it cost for a family to get Canada eTAs and can I pay for everyone at once?
Each eTA costs CAD $7 per person, and you must pay separately for each application - there's no option to pay for multiple applications simultaneously. For example, a couple pays CAD $14 total, a family of four pays CAD $28, and a group of six pays CAD $42. The payment system processes each application individually, so you cannot pay CAD $28 upfront and distribute it across four family members. You'll complete the entire application process, including payment, for each person separately. There are no family packages, group discounts, or dependent pricing options available. Budget for these individual fees when planning your Canada trip, especially for larger families where eTA costs can accumulate quickly. Each payment must be processed through the official government website during the application submission.
Q: Can I help my family members complete their eTA applications, and is this legal?
Yes, you can legally complete eTA applications for family members, and the system specifically accommodates this scenario. When starting each application, you'll see an option asking whether you're completing the form for yourself or someone else. Select the appropriate option when applying for your spouse, children, parents, or friends, then provide their information instead of your own. This feature helps families streamline the process while maintaining the required individual applications. One tech-savvy family member can handle all applications, ensuring consistency and reducing errors across multiple submissions. However, remember that you're still completing entirely separate applications for each person, going through the full process including individual payments. Keep all confirmation emails organized, as each application generates separate documentation needed for travel.
Q: What are the most common mistakes families make when applying for multiple eTAs?
The most frequent mistake is attempting to create group applications by including multiple names in one form, which leads to automatic rejection. Families also commonly use incorrect passport information - even small errors in passport numbers, expiration dates, or name spelling require completely new applications and additional fees. Inconsistent travel dates across family members can trigger security reviews, so ensure everyone lists identical arrival dates and travel purposes. Payment confusion occurs when families try to process multiple payments simultaneously instead of completing each application's payment individually. Missing or losing email confirmations is another critical error, as each application generates separate confirmation emails that serve as essential travel documentation. Double-check all information before submitting, as corrections require starting over with new applications and fees.
Q: How long does it take to process multiple eTA applications and when should families apply?
Most eTA applications process within minutes, but IRCC officially recommends applying at least 72 hours before travel. For families managing multiple applications, this timeline becomes crucial since you're coordinating several separate processes. If one family member's application faces delays or requires additional documentation, it could affect your entire group's travel plans. Some applications require additional review, extending processing to several days or even weeks in complex cases. Apply early to allow sufficient time for resolving any issues that arise across multiple family members. For large groups or extended families, consider applying several days apart to avoid overwhelming the system. Processing times can vary based on individual circumstances, passport countries, and current application volumes, making early application essential for stress-free family travel planning.
Q: What happens if one family member's eTA gets rejected while others are approved?
If one family member's eTA application is rejected while others receive approval, that person cannot travel to Canada until their application issue is resolved. The rejection doesn't affect other family members' approved eTAs, but it does impact your group travel plans. Common rejection reasons include passport information errors, incomplete applications, or security concerns requiring additional documentation. The rejected applicant must submit a completely new application with corrected information and pay another CAD $7 fee - there's no appeal process for eTA rejections. In some cases, the person may need to apply for a visitor visa instead, which takes significantly longer to process. To prevent this scenario, double-check all information before submitting applications, ensure passport validity extends at least six months beyond travel dates, and apply well in advance. Consider having backup travel plans if traveling with large groups where rejection risks are higher.
