Everything You Need To Know
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a travel entry requirement for eligible foreign nationals visiting Canada for short stays. It allows travel for tourism, business visits, or transit through Canada. Most non Canadian citizens must obtain either a valid visa or an approved eTA before travelling to Canada.
Who needs a Canada eTA
Passport holders who need the Canada eTA
If your passport is on the list below, you'll need a valid Canada eTA before boarding your flight to Canada. Search or browse to confirm your nationality.
No country matches that search. Check the spelling, or confirm your status on canada.ca.
US citizens and lawful permanent residents don't need an eTA. Countries not shown generally require a visitor visa. Requirements are set by IRCC and can change — always confirm on canada.ca before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about your Canada eTA
The most common questions about the Canada eTA
What is a Canada eTA?
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a digital entry requirement for visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada. It is linked electronically to your passport and stays valid for up to five years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Do I really need an eTA to enter Canada?
If you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country and you are flying to Canada, yes, you need a valid eTA linked to your passport before you can board. You do not need one to arrive by car, bus, train or boat, and U.S. citizens are exempt. Travellers from visa-required countries need a visitor visa instead of an eTA.
Can I reuse my eTA for a future trip?
Yes. An eTA allows multiple visits and stays valid for up to five years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You only need a new one if you get a new passport, since the eTA is linked to the passport you applied with.
How long can I stay in Canada?
Most visitors can stay for up to six months. A border services officer decides the exact length of your stay when you arrive and may note a date in your passport. If you want to stay longer, apply to extend your stay at least 30 days before your authorized stay ends.
Which countries need a Canada eTA?
Only citizens of visa-exempt countries can apply for an eTA. You can confirm your nationality in our eligibility section. If your country is not eligible, you will usually need to apply for a visitor visa instead, which is a different process.
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