Everything you need to know about Canada's Electronic Travel Authorization
On This Page You Will Find:
- Complete eligibility requirements for Canada's eTA program
- Step-by-step application process that takes just minutes
- Common mistakes that delay approvals by weeks
- Cost breakdown and processing timeline expectations
- Expert tips to avoid the #1 reason applications get rejected
Summary:
Canada's Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is mandatory for most visa-exempt travelers flying to Canada since March 2016. This $7 digital permit connects to your passport and determines whether you can board your flight. While the process seems simple, thousands of applications face delays or rejections due to preventable errors. This comprehensive guide reveals exactly what you need to know, including insider tips from immigration consultants and the specific documents that expedite approval. Whether you're planning a family vacation or business trip, understanding eTA requirements could save you from missing your flight and losing hundreds in rebooking fees.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Most visa-exempt travelers need an eTA for air travel to Canada (US citizens are exempt)
- Applications cost $7 CAD and typically process within minutes, but some take weeks
- Green Card holders require an eTA despite US residency status
- Dual Canadian citizens need a Canadian passport, not an eTA
- Work or study purposes require additional permits beyond eTA
Maria stared at her computer screen in disbelief. Her family's dream vacation to Vancouver was just 48 hours away, and she'd just discovered that her Colombian passport required something called an "eTA" to board the plane. Like thousands of travelers each year, she assumed her visa-exempt status meant she could simply show up at the airport with her passport.
Don't let this happen to you.
Canada's Electronic Travel Authorization system catches many travelers off guard, but understanding the requirements is surprisingly straightforward once you know what to look for.
What Exactly Is an eTA?
Think of an eTA as Canada's digital gatekeeper for air travelers. Introduced on March 15, 2016, this electronic system pre-screens visa-exempt visitors before they even reach Canadian soil. The authorization electronically links to your passport, and airlines check this connection before allowing you to board.
Here's what makes eTA different from a visa: it's designed for short-term visits like tourism, family visits, or business meetings. If you're planning to work or study in Canada, you'll need additional permits beyond the eTA.
The system processes over 3 million applications annually, with most approvals happening within minutes. However, approximately 15% of applications require additional review, which can extend processing to several weeks.
Who Needs an eTA (And Who Doesn't)?
You NEED an eTA if you:
- Hold a passport from a visa-exempt country (excluding the US)
- Plan to fly to Canada or transit through Canada by air
- Are a US Green Card holder or permanent resident
- Hold refugee travel documents from certain countries
You DON'T need an eTA if you:
- Are a US citizen (regardless of dual citizenship)
- Are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Already have a valid Canadian visa
- Are traveling to Canada by land or sea
- Hold a diplomatic passport from certain countries
The Green Card Exception: This trips up many US residents. Even if you've lived in the United States for decades with a Green Card, you still need an eTA for air travel to Canada. Your US residency doesn't exempt you from this requirement.
The Dual Citizenship Dilemma
If you're a dual citizen with Canadian citizenship, you don't need an eTA – but you must prove your Canadian status. The most straightforward way is presenting a valid Canadian passport.
Without a Canadian passport, you'll need to apply for a special authorization, which takes significantly longer than a standard eTA. Immigration consultants strongly recommend obtaining a Canadian passport before traveling, as it eliminates potential complications at check-in.
Step-by-Step Application Process
What You'll Need:
- Valid passport from an eligible country
- Email address for correspondence
- Credit or debit card for the $7 CAD fee
- 10-15 minutes of uninterrupted time
The Application Steps:
Step 1: Access the Official Website Only use the Government of Canada's official IRCC website. Beware of third-party sites charging inflated fees for the same service.
Step 2: Complete the Online Form The application asks for basic information including:
- Personal details (name, date of birth, nationality)
- Passport information
- Contact details
- Travel plans (optional but recommended)
- Background questions about health and criminal history
Step 3: Pay the Processing Fee The fee is exactly $7 CAD per person. Each family member needs a separate application and fee, including infants.
Step 4: Submit and Wait Most applicants receive approval within minutes via email. However, some applications trigger additional review requiring supporting documents.
Step 5: Check Your Status Save your application number to check status online if needed.
Processing Times and What to Expect
Immediate Approval (85% of cases): You'll receive an approval email within minutes. The eTA remains valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Additional Review Required (15% of cases): IRCC may request supporting documents such as:
- Proof of employment
- Bank statements
- Travel itinerary
- Medical examinations (in rare cases)
These reviews typically take 3-5 business days but can extend to several weeks during peak travel seasons.
Peak Processing Periods:
- Summer months (June-August)
- Winter holidays (December-January)
- March break period
Immigration consultants recommend applying at least 72 hours before travel, even though most approvals happen quickly.
Common Mistakes That Delay Applications
Passport Information Errors
Even minor discrepancies between your application and passport can trigger delays. Double-check:
- Exact spelling of names (including middle names)
- Passport number accuracy
- Expiration dates
- Issuing country details
Email Issues
Use a reliable email address you check regularly. Many applicants miss important correspondence because:
- They provided incorrect email addresses
- Messages went to spam folders
- They used work emails with strict filtering
Background Question Confusion
Answer background questions honestly and completely. Common issues include:
- Misunderstanding questions about criminal history
- Failing to disclose previous visa refusals
- Incomplete health information
Cost Analysis: More Than Just the Application Fee
Direct Costs:
- eTA application: $7 CAD per person
- Currency conversion fees (if applicable): $1-3
- Total per person: Approximately $8-10 CAD
Hidden Costs of Delays:
- Flight rebooking fees: $200-500+ per person
- Hotel cancellation penalties: Varies
- Lost vacation time: Priceless
Family of Four Example:
- Four eTA applications: $28 CAD
- Potential rebooking costs if delayed: $1,200+
The math clearly favors applying early and correctly the first time.
When eTA Isn't Enough
An eTA only covers short-term visits. You'll need additional documentation for:
Work Purposes:
- Work permit required regardless of visit duration
- Some business activities (like attending meetings) are acceptable with just eTA
- Performing services or receiving payment requires work authorization
Study Purposes:
- Study permit required for programs longer than six months
- Short courses under six months may be acceptable with eTA only
Extended Stays:
- eTA allows stays up to six months per visit
- Extensions require separate applications through IRCC
Pro Tips From Immigration Consultants
Apply During Business Hours: While the system operates 24/7, human reviewers work standard business hours. Applications submitted during Canadian business hours often receive faster attention if additional review is needed.
Use Your Legal Name: Ensure your application matches your passport exactly, even if you commonly use a nickname or shortened version of your name.
Keep Documentation Handy: Even if not requested initially, having employment letters, bank statements, and travel itineraries ready can expedite the process if IRCC requests additional information.
Screenshot Everything: Save confirmation numbers, email approvals, and application details. You'll need this information for future reference.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
"My Application Is Taking Too Long"
If your application exceeds normal processing times:
- Check your email (including spam folders)
- Verify your application status online
- Ensure you've responded to any IRCC requests
- Consider contacting IRCC after reasonable waiting periods
"I Made a Mistake on My Application"
Minor errors might not require resubmission, but significant mistakes do. You cannot edit submitted applications, so you may need to apply again with the correct information.
"My eTA Was Denied"
Common denial reasons include:
- Incomplete or inaccurate information
- Previous immigration violations
- Criminal history concerns
- Health-related issues
Denied applicants can reapply with corrected information or may need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa instead.
Future Travel Considerations
Your approved eTA remains valid for five years or until your passport expires. You can use it for multiple trips during this period without reapplying.
Important Notes:
- Getting a new passport requires a new eTA application
- Changing citizenship status may affect eTA validity
- Previous eTA approval doesn't guarantee future approvals
Making the Right Choice for Your Situation
The eTA system streamlines travel for millions of visitors annually, but success depends on understanding the requirements and applying correctly. While the process appears simple, the consequences of mistakes or delays can be expensive and stressful.
If you're uncomfortable providing personal information to foreign governments or want professional guidance, consider hiring a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). These licensed professionals can handle your application and provide valuable advice for complex situations.
Remember: your dream Canadian adventure shouldn't be derailed by a preventable eTA mistake. Take the time to apply correctly, allow adequate processing time, and keep all confirmation documents easily accessible.
The $7 investment in an eTA opens the door to incredible Canadian experiences – from Vancouver's stunning coastline to Toronto's vibrant culture. Don't let a simple oversight keep you from creating those memories.
FAQ
Q: How far in advance should I apply for my Canada eTA, and what happens if I need to travel urgently?
While 85% of eTA applications receive approval within minutes, immigration consultants strongly recommend applying at least 72 hours before your departure date. This buffer accounts for the 15% of applications that require additional review, which can take 3-5 business days or several weeks during peak seasons (June-August, December-January, and March break). If you're traveling urgently and your application is under review, you cannot expedite the process – there's no "rush" option available. However, if you're denied an eTA, you can immediately apply for a Temporary Resident Visa at a Canadian consulate, though this process typically takes longer and costs significantly more than the $7 CAD eTA fee.
Q: I'm a US Green Card holder traveling from New York to Vancouver – do I really need an eTA even though I live in America?
Yes, absolutely. This is one of the most common misconceptions that catches travelers off guard at the airport. US Green Card holders, regardless of how long they've lived in the United States, must obtain an eTA for air travel to Canada because they're not US citizens. Your permanent resident status doesn't exempt you from this requirement. Only US citizens can travel to Canada by air without an eTA. Even if you've been traveling between the US and other countries without issues, Canada's system specifically checks for citizenship, not residency status. The good news is that Green Card holders are eligible for eTA (unlike citizens of some countries who must apply for full visas), so the process remains simple and costs only $7 CAD.
Q: My family of five wants to visit Toronto – do children need separate eTAs, and what's the total cost?
Every traveler, regardless of age, needs their own individual eTA – this includes infants and children. You cannot include family members on a single application. For a family of five, you'll need five separate applications at $7 CAD each, totaling $35 CAD (approximately $26 USD). Each child must have their own valid passport, and you'll need to complete separate forms with their individual information. Parents or guardians can submit applications on behalf of minor children, but each application requires the child's passport details and personal information. Keep in mind that if any family member's application gets delayed, it could affect the entire family's travel plans, so apply for everyone simultaneously and well in advance of your departure date.
Q: What's the difference between an eTA and a visa, and how do I know which one I need for my trip to Canada?
An eTA is a simplified electronic screening system for short-term visits (tourism, family visits, business meetings) by citizens of visa-exempt countries, while a visa is a more comprehensive document required for longer stays or specific purposes. If your country has visa-exempt status with Canada, you likely need only an eTA for visits up to six months. However, an eTA is NOT sufficient if you plan to work (even temporarily), study for more than six months, or have been denied entry to Canada previously. Citizens of non-visa-exempt countries cannot apply for eTAs and must obtain full Temporary Resident Visas. The key distinction: eTAs cost $7 CAD and process within minutes to days, while visas cost $100+ CAD and take weeks to months. Check the official IRCC website to confirm your country's status and requirements.
Q: I have dual citizenship with Canada and another country – which passport should I use, and do I need an eTA?
If you're a Canadian citizen (including dual citizens), you do NOT need an eTA, but you must prove your Canadian status when traveling. The simplest and most effective method is presenting a valid Canadian passport at check-in and border control. If you don't have a Canadian passport, you can apply for a "special authorization" using your foreign passport, but this process takes significantly longer than a standard eTA and often creates complications at check-in counters. Airlines are trained to look for eTAs when they see foreign passports, and explaining dual citizenship without proper documentation can cause delays or denied boarding. Immigration consultants unanimously recommend obtaining a Canadian passport before traveling, as it eliminates all potential issues and clearly establishes your right to enter Canada.
Q: My eTA application has been "under review" for a week – what documents might IRCC request, and how should I respond?
When IRCC places your application under additional review, they typically request supporting documents within 3-5 business days via email. Common requests include proof of employment (employment letter with salary and position details), bank statements showing financial stability (usually 3-6 months), detailed travel itinerary with accommodation bookings, and sometimes medical examinations if health concerns are flagged. Check your email daily, including spam folders, as IRCC correspondence can be filtered by email providers. When responding, provide exactly what they request in clear, legible formats (PDF preferred), and include your application number on all correspondence. Respond promptly – delays in providing requested documents extend processing times significantly. If you haven't received any communication after 5 business days under review, check the online status tool using your application number before contacting IRCC directly.
Q: I made an error on my submitted eTA application – can I correct it, or do I need to start over?
You cannot edit or modify an eTA application once it's submitted – the system doesn't allow changes. Whether you need to reapply depends on the type and severity of the error. Minor spelling variations in names that still clearly identify you (like "John" vs "Jonathan") typically don't cause issues, but significant errors like wrong passport numbers, birth dates, or citizenship information will likely result in denial or delays. If you realize you've made a substantial error, it's often faster to submit a new, correct application rather than wait for the incorrect one to be processed and potentially denied. This means paying another $7 CAD fee, but it's cheaper than missing your flight and paying rebooking fees of $200-500+. Keep both application numbers until you receive approval on the correct application, and be prepared to explain the situation if questioned by border officials.
