Individual eTA applications required for all Canada travelers - no group submissions allowed
On This Page You Will Find:
- Why Canada strictly prohibits group eTA applications and requires individual submissions
- Step-by-step process for applying when traveling with family or groups
- Cost breakdown and payment requirements for multiple applications
- Time-saving strategies to streamline individual applications for your entire group
- Common mistakes that delay family travel plans and how to avoid them
- Third-party service warnings and why you should stick to official channels
Summary:
Planning a family trip to Canada? You'll need to abandon any hopes of submitting one convenient group application for your eTA. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires every traveler—from toddlers to grandparents—to submit individual applications with separate fees. This comprehensive guide reveals exactly why this policy exists, breaks down the true costs for families, and provides insider strategies to efficiently manage multiple applications without the headaches. Whether you're traveling with 3 people or 30, understanding these requirements now could save you weeks of delays and costly mistakes later.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Canada requires individual eTA applications for every traveler, regardless of family status or group size
- Each application costs $7 CAD and must be paid separately with individual processing
- Most applications process within minutes, but applying individually actually provides better tracking and security
- Third-party "group application" services still submit individual applications—you're just paying extra for the convenience
- Having separate applications protects your group if one person's application faces issues or delays
Maria Rodriguez stared at her laptop screen in frustration. With her family vacation to Vancouver just six weeks away, she'd assumed applying for Canada eTAs would be straightforward—one application, four family members, done. Instead, she discovered she'd need to complete four separate applications, each requiring its own detailed information and $7 CAD fee.
If you're planning group travel to Canada, you're likely facing the same realization that catches thousands of travelers off guard each year.
Why Canada Prohibits Group eTA Applications
The answer is surprisingly straightforward: security and individual accountability. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) treats each traveler as a unique case requiring individual assessment, regardless of family relationships or group dynamics.
This policy exists because each person's travel history, criminal background, and admissibility factors are entirely separate. A clean record for one family member doesn't guarantee approval for another, and grouping applications could create security vulnerabilities in Canada's border screening process.
The individual application requirement also ensures that each traveler takes personal responsibility for the accuracy of their information. When applications are bundled together, errors or misrepresentations can cascade across multiple travelers, creating larger problems for immigration officials.
The Real Cost of Family Travel
Here's what families actually pay for Canada eTA applications:
Family of 4: $28 CAD ($7 per person)
Extended family group of 8: $56 CAD
School group of 25: $175 CAD
Corporate group of 50: $350 CAD
While these fees might seem minimal, they add up quickly for larger groups. More importantly, the time investment multiplies—each application requires 10-15 minutes of careful attention to detail.
Your Step-by-Step Application Strategy
Before You Begin: Gather required documents for everyone: valid passports, credit/debit card for payments, and individual email addresses (you can use the same email for multiple applications if needed).
The Efficient Approach:
- Start with the most complex case first—typically the primary traveler or anyone with previous immigration issues
- Complete applications in one sitting to maintain consistency in dates and details
- Use the same device and browser to avoid technical issues
- Keep a simple spreadsheet tracking each person's application number and status
- Apply at least 72 hours before travel, even though most process within minutes
Pro Tip: Don't try to speed through multiple applications. Immigration officials can flag applications that appear rushed or contain inconsistent information patterns.
What About Third-Party "Group Services"?
You'll encounter websites advertising "easy group applications" or "family packages" for Canada eTAs. Here's what's actually happening: these services collect your family's information through their platform, then submit individual applications to the official government system on your behalf.
The Reality Check:
- You're paying service fees (often $30-50 per person) on top of the $7 government fee
- Your applications still go through the exact same individual processing
- You lose direct control over your application status and communications
- Customer service issues become more complicated with a middleman involved
The Bottom Line: These services don't actually create group applications—they just manage individual applications for you at a premium price.
Common Mistakes That Delay Family Applications
Inconsistent Travel Dates: Using slightly different arrival dates across family applications can trigger additional review. Ensure everyone uses identical dates if traveling together.
Mixing Up Personal Information: Parents often accidentally input their own information when completing children's applications. Double-check every field before submitting.
Payment Card Issues: Some families try to use different payment methods for each application, which can cause processing delays. Stick with one reliable card for all applications.
Email Confusion: While you can use one email address for multiple applications, create a dedicated folder for eTA confirmations. You'll receive separate emails for each approved application.
Managing Applications for Large Groups
If you're organizing travel for sports teams, school groups, or corporate events, individual applications become more complex but remain manageable with the right approach.
Create a Master Tracking System:
- Collect all traveler information before starting any applications
- Assign one person to submit all applications for consistency
- Maintain a spreadsheet with application numbers, submission dates, and approval status
- Set up email filters to organize confirmation messages
Timeline Management: Most eTAs process within minutes, but plan for 72-hour processing time for large groups. This buffer protects against the small percentage of applications requiring additional review.
Communication Strategy: Inform your group that they'll receive individual approval emails and should save these messages. Each person needs their own eTA confirmation for check-in and border crossing.
When Individual Applications Actually Benefit You
While the individual requirement initially seems inconvenient, it provides several advantages:
Isolated Problem Resolution: If one family member's application encounters issues, others can proceed normally. With hypothetical group applications, one problem could delay everyone.
Flexible Travel Changes: Individual eTAs allow family members to modify travel dates independently if needed.
Clear Accountability: Each traveler has direct communication with immigration authorities and clear documentation of their approval status.
Faster Processing: Individual applications actually process more efficiently than complex group submissions would.
Planning Your Application Timeline
For Families (2-6 people): Allow 1-2 hours to complete all applications carefully. Start 1-2 weeks before travel.
For Medium Groups (7-15 people): Plan 3-4 hours for application completion. Begin 2-3 weeks before travel to handle any issues.
For Large Groups (16+ people): Dedicate a full day to the application process. Start 4-6 weeks before travel to accommodate potential complications.
Emergency Timeline: If you're traveling within 72 hours, individual applications still process quickly, but avoid peak processing times (Monday mornings, holiday periods).
Your Next Steps
Canada's individual eTA requirement isn't changing anytime soon—it's a fundamental part of their border security strategy. Rather than fighting this system, work with it efficiently.
Start your applications early, gather all required information upfront, and treat each submission with the attention it deserves. Remember that this individual approach actually provides better protection and flexibility for your group travel plans.
The extra time invested in careful, individual applications now prevents far more significant delays and complications at the Canadian border later.
FAQ
Q: Why doesn't Canada allow group eTA applications when other countries offer family or group travel documents?
Canada's individual eTA requirement stems from their risk-based security assessment system. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) evaluates each traveler's unique criminal history, immigration violations, and admissibility factors separately. Unlike some countries that offer family visas based on the primary applicant's status, Canada treats each person as an independent case. This approach prevents security vulnerabilities where one person's clean record could mask another's potential risks. Additionally, individual applications ensure personal accountability—each traveler must verify their own information accuracy, reducing cascading errors that occur in group submissions. The system processes over 2 million eTAs annually, and individual assessment maintains the program's 99.1% approval rate while protecting border security integrity.
Q: Can I use the same email address and payment method for my family's individual eTA applications?
Yes, you can use one email address and payment card for multiple family applications, which actually simplifies the process. Many families successfully manage 4-8 applications using shared contact information. However, create a dedicated email folder for eTA confirmations since you'll receive separate approval messages for each person—these individual confirmations are required for airline check-in and border crossing. When using one payment card, ensure it has sufficient available credit for all fees ($7 CAD per person). Some banks flag multiple rapid transactions as suspicious activity, so consider notifying your bank beforehand for larger groups. Keep a simple tracking spreadsheet with each person's name, application number, and approval status. This approach maintains organization while taking advantage of the system's flexibility for family coordinators.
Q: How much extra time should I budget for completing individual applications for my entire family?
Plan approximately 10-15 minutes per person for careful application completion, plus additional setup time. For a family of four, allocate 1-2 hours total including document gathering and double-checking information. The time investment scales with group size: families of 6-8 need 2-3 hours, while groups of 15+ require 4-6 hours spread across multiple sessions to maintain accuracy. Start applications 1-2 weeks before travel for small families, extending to 4-6 weeks for groups over 20 people. Most eTAs process within minutes, but 3-5% require additional review taking 24-72 hours. Avoid rushing through applications—immigration officials can flag submissions that appear hurried or contain inconsistent information patterns. The key is treating each application with individual attention while maintaining consistent dates and details across your group.
Q: What happens if one family member's eTA gets denied while others are approved?
Individual applications provide protection in this scenario—approved family members can proceed with travel while you address the denied application separately. Common denial reasons include passport issues, incomplete information, or previous immigration violations. The denied applicant cannot travel to Canada without resolving their eTA status, but others aren't affected. You have several options: correct errors and reapply immediately (if it's a technical issue), apply for a visitor visa instead (which has different requirements), or postpone that person's travel while maintaining others' plans. IRCC provides specific denial reasons, making corrections straightforward for technical errors. This individual system actually offers more flexibility than hypothetical group applications, where one denial could potentially delay everyone. Keep copies of all approval emails and confirmation numbers—approved travelers need individual documentation for airline check-in and Canadian border entry.
Q: Are third-party services that advertise "group eTA applications" legitimate, and should I use them?
These services are legitimate but misleading in their marketing. They don't actually create group applications—they collect your information through their platform and submit individual applications to the official government system on your behalf. You're paying premium service fees (typically $30-80 per person) on top of the mandatory $7 CAD government fee for convenience, not for any special group processing. The applications follow identical individual processing, often taking the same time as direct submissions. Consider the trade-offs: third-party services add cost and create communication barriers between you and IRCC, but they handle data entry and tracking for large groups. For families under 10 people, direct government applications are more cost-effective and provide better control. For corporate groups over 25 people, service fees might justify the administrative convenience, but ensure the company is reputable and provides direct confirmation numbers.
Q: What's the most efficient way to organize eTA applications for a large group like a school trip or sports team?
Assign one responsible person to manage all applications for consistency, and create a systematic approach before starting any submissions. First, collect all required information: passport details, travel dates, and contact information for every traveler. Use a master spreadsheet tracking names, application numbers, submission dates, and approval status. Complete applications in batches of 5-10 people per session to maintain accuracy without fatigue. Use identical travel dates and details across all applications—inconsistencies can trigger additional review. Set up email filters to organize the individual confirmation messages you'll receive. For groups over 30 people, consider spreading applications across 2-3 days to avoid overwhelming your payment card or triggering fraud alerts. Start the process 4-6 weeks before travel to accommodate the small percentage requiring additional review. Inform travelers they'll receive individual approval emails needed for check-in and border crossing.
Q: Can children and infants travel on their parents' eTA, or do they need separate applications?
Every person entering Canada by air needs an individual eTA, regardless of age—this includes infants, toddlers, and children of any age. There are no exceptions for minors traveling with parents or guardians. Each child requires their own valid passport and separate $7 CAD application fee. Parents or guardians can complete applications on behalf of minor children using the child's passport information and the parent's contact details. The system recognizes that adults manage children's applications, so you can use your email address and payment method for your children's submissions. However, each child receives an individual approval confirmation that you must save—airlines require proof of each person's eTA approval for check-in, and border agents verify individual authorizations. This requirement often surprises families, especially those with multiple young children, but it's strictly enforced. Plan accordingly when budgeting both time and money for family travel to Canada.
