Canadian eTA for French Citizens
Approval Rate
99%+
Processing Time
Instant-72hrs
Validity Period
5 Years
Online Only
24/7 Access
Canadian eTA for French Citizens
French citizens planning to travel to Canada by air require a Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before boarding their flight. The eTA is a mandatory entry requirement for visitors from visa-exempt countries, enabling short-term stays in Canada for tourism, business, or transit purposes. This comprehensive guide walks you through the eligibility requirements, application process, and essential travel information for French passport holders.
Important: The eTA is electronically linked to your passport and serves as proof of your authorization to enter Canada. Approval is usually granted within minutes of application completion.
Are French Citizens Eligible for a Canada eTA?
YES, French citizens are eligible for a Canadian eTA
Key Eligibility Points:
- France is classified as a visa-exempt country for Canadian travel
- eTA is required specifically for air travel to Canada
- eTA is not required for land entry (driving) or sea entry (cruise)
- French citizens must hold a valid national passport issued by France
Canada eTA Requirements for French Passport Holders
Passport Validity Note: Your French passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay in Canada.
To apply for a Canadian eTA, you will need:
- •Valid French passport (biometric or machine-readable)
- •Email address for receiving your eTA approval confirmation
- •Credit or debit card for the online payment process
- •No criminal convictions or immigration violations on your record
- •Good health (no communicable diseases that pose a public health risk)
How French Citizens Can Apply for a Canadian eTA
Complete the Online Application Form
Visit the official application portal and fill out the eTA form with your personal information from your French passport, including your full name, date of birth, passport number, and contact details.
Enter Your Travel and Passport Details
Provide information about your planned trip to Canada, including your intended date of arrival, purpose of visit, and details from your French passport. Answer security and eligibility questions accurately.
Complete Payment
Pay the processing through the secure online payment system using your credit or debit card. You will receive an immediate payment confirmation via email.
Receive Your eTA Approval by Email
Your eTA status will be sent to your registered email address. Most applications are approved instantly, though some may take up to 72 hours. Your approval is automatically linked to your passport.
Processing Time, Fees & Validity for French Citizens
Processing Time
- • Usually approved instantly
- • Can take up to 72 hours in some cases
- • Instant approval most common (95%+ of applications)
eTA Validity
- • Valid for 5 years from approval date
- • Expires with your passport (whichever comes first)
- • Allows multiple entries to Canada
- • Maximum stay: 6 months per visit
Important Details
- • eTA is linked to your passport electronically
- • No physical document is issued
- • Border officer has final entry decision authority
Traveling to Canada with an eTA as a French Citizen
During Airline Check-In: Present your valid French passport at the airline counter. The airline will verify your eTA status in the system before allowing you to board.
eTA Verification: Your eTA is electronically linked to your passport and not a physical document. You do not need to carry or print anything related to your eTA.
Border Entry: Upon arrival in Canada, present your French passport to the border officer. While you have an approved eTA, the border officer retains the authority to make the final decision about your entry into Canada based on immigration regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions – Canadian eTA for French Citizens
Are French citizens required to obtain an eTA before traveling to Canada by air?▼
Yes, French citizens traveling to Canada by air are required to have a valid eTA. France is a visa-exempt country, but the Electronic Travel Authorization is mandatory for air travel. Land and sea entry have different requirements.
Can I apply for a Canadian eTA if I hold a French residence permit instead of a passport?▼
No, the Canadian eTA application requires a valid national passport. Residence permits or travel documents other than a national passport are not accepted for eTA applications from French citizens.
How long is a Canadian eTA valid for French passport holders?▼
A Canadian eTA is valid for up to 5 years from the date of approval. However, your eTA will expire if your passport expires before the 5-year period ends, whichever comes first.
Can French citizens work in Canada with an eTA?▼
No, an eTA is for temporary visits only (tourism, business meetings, transit). If you plan to work in Canada, you will need to apply for a work permit instead of relying on an eTA.
What should I do if my Canadian eTA application is denied?▼
If your eTA is denied, you will receive a detailed explanation by email. You can reapply after addressing the reasons for denial, or you may consider applying for a visitor visa as an alternative entry document.
Do minor children traveling with me need their own eTA?▼
Yes, each person, including children and infants, needs their own approved eTA to board a flight to Canada. Each family member must have their own valid French passport and eTA.