If you are travelling to Canada by air and your country has a visa-free arrangement with Canada, you almost certainly need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before you board. It is quick to apply for, inexpensive, and valid for five years — but skipping it will stop you getting on the plane. Here is everything you need to know.
Check current requirements with your own government. Entry rules change. Confirm eligibility and current conditions with the Government of Canada's official site (canada.ca/eta) and your own government's travel advice before you travel. This guide provides general information only.
What the eTA is — and what it is not
The Canadian eTA is an electronic pre-screening authorisation linked to your passport. It is not a visa. Citizens of countries that already need a visa to enter Canada must apply for that visa through the normal route — the eTA does not replace it.
For eligible citizens, the eTA allows stays in Canada for up to six months per visit for tourism, visiting family or friends, or certain short-term business activities. It does not allow you to work or study (beyond very short audit-style visits) and is not a pathway to residency.
Importantly, the eTA is only required when you are arriving by air. Citizens of visa-exempt countries entering Canada by land or sea from the United States use a different process (typically just showing their passport), though rules can vary. Check the Government of Canada's guidance for your specific situation.
Who needs a Canadian eTA
Citizens of countries that have a visa-free arrangement with Canada and who are arriving by air generally need an eTA. This includes, among many others, citizens of:
- Most European Union member states and the UK
- Australia and New Zealand
- Japan and South Korea
- Mexico (subject to periodic changes)
US citizens are a key exception — they do not need an eTA at all, arriving by any method with just their US passport.
Permanent residents of Canada use their Permanent Resident card rather than an eTA. Always confirm the current list of eTA-required countries on the Government of Canada's official website, as the list is updated periodically.
How to apply
The application is done entirely online at canada.ca/eta — the official Government of Canada site. Watch out for third-party websites that charge additional service fees above the official government fee; only the official site accepts the application directly.
To apply you will need:
- A valid passport from an eTA-eligible country (your eTA will be linked to that specific passport)
- A credit or debit card for the application fee
- An email address
- Basic personal information and travel details
Most applications are approved within minutes, though the Government of Canada advises allowing up to 72 hours in case your application is selected for additional review. Apply well before your travel date — at the very least a few days ahead, and ideally before you finalise non-refundable bookings.
Your approved eTA is valid for five years from the date of issue, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can make multiple trips to Canada during that period without reapplying, as long as your circumstances remain the same. If you get a new passport, you need a new eTA — the authorisation is tied to the passport number.
Arriving in Canada
Your eTA is checked electronically when you check in for your flight, so the airline will not let you board without one. On arrival in Canada you will pass through the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) process, which since 2017 has included self-service kiosks in most major international airports — part of the Primary Inspection Kiosks system. You will:
- Complete a digital customs and immigration declaration at a kiosk
- Provide biometric data (photograph and, in some cases, fingerprints)
- Speak with a CBSA officer who reviews your declaration and may ask about your visit
Having an eTA does not guarantee entry. CBSA officers make the final decision at the border and can refuse entry or limit your permitted stay if they are not satisfied that your visit is genuine and temporary.
How long you can stay
Most visitors are permitted to stay for up to six months. The officer may stamp your passport with a specific allowed period — if there is no stamp, six months from the date of entry is the standard allowance. You should not assume you can simply leave and re-enter to "reset" your allowed time; frequent or extended visits on an eTA can attract scrutiny.
If you need to extend your stay, you must apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before your permitted stay expires — you cannot extend it at the border.
What the eTA does not cover
The eTA is for short-term visits only. You cannot use it to:
- Take up paid employment in Canada
- Study in a full-time programme (short recreational courses may be fine — check the rules)
- Immigrate or establish permanent residence
If you intend to work in Canada, you will generally need a work permit. If you plan to study for more than six months or in a formal programme, a study permit is required. Both must be applied for before you travel.
Transit through Canada
If your journey involves a connection through a Canadian airport — even if you are not leaving the international transit area — you may still need an eTA or a transit visa depending on your nationality. Check the CBSA's transit guidance carefully, as the rules depend on your nationality, the specific airport and whether you are changing planes or airlines.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Canadian eTA if I am only transiting?
Possibly. Many nationalities transiting through Canadian airports by air do need an eTA even if they are not entering Canada. The rules depend on your nationality and circumstances — check the Government of Canada's official transit guidance at canada.ca before travelling.
What if my eTA application is refused?
If your eTA is refused, you cannot use that route to enter Canada. You may be able to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa through the conventional visa process instead. A Canadian Embassy or High Commission can advise on your options.
Can I work in Canada on an eTA?
No. The eTA is for tourism, visiting family or short-term business activities (such as attending meetings or conferences). Taking up paid employment requires a separate work permit.
My eTA was approved for five years but my trip is only two weeks — does that matter?
No. The five-year validity simply means you can use the same eTA for multiple trips over that period without reapplying. The allowed length of each individual stay — typically up to six months — is set by the CBSA officer on arrival, not by the eTA validity period.
Sources and further reading:
- Official eTA application and eligibility: Government of Canada (canada.ca/eta).
- Canada Border Services Agency arrival information: cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.
- Always confirm current requirements with your own government's travel advice before travelling.