What exactly is a Canada eTA?

A Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a mandatory electronic travel document required for eligible foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. It's not a visa but an entry requirement that links your passport to a database. Most applications are approved within minutes.

How long is Canada eTA valid for?

A Canadian eTA is valid for up to 5 years from the date of approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can use it for multiple entries to Canada during this validity period without reapplying.

What's the difference between eTA and visitor visa?

eTA is for eligible visa-exempt countries and takes minutes to process, while a visitor visa requires an application, documents submission, and can take weeks. eTA is electronic only, while visas go in your passport. eTA is cheaper and faster but only for air travel.

Do I need eTA if entering by land or sea?

No. eTA is required only for air travel to Canada. If you're driving (land border), arriving by cruise ship, or using rail, you don't need an eTA. You'll go through standard border procedures instead.

Can I work or study with eTA?

No. eTA authorizes only tourism, business meetings, and visiting family. For work or study, you need different permits (work permit or study permit). eTA does not permit employment or full-time studies.

What happens if my eTA is rejected?

If rejected, you can reapply after addressing the reasons for rejection or apply for a visitor visa instead. Most rejections occur due to health, security, or criminal background issues. You receive explanation and can contact support for clarity.

Canada eTA: Complete Traveler's Guide (2026)

Canada eTA: The Complete Traveler's Guide for 2026

Planning to visit Canada? The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is likely your key to hassle-free air travel. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Canada's eTA system, from understanding what it is to avoiding common mistakes that could delay your approval.

Whether you're a first-time traveler or someone preparing for business meetings, family visits, or tourism, this pillar guide consolidates all essential information about Canada's entry requirements for 2026 and beyond.

49

Eligible Countries

5 Years

eTA Validity

Minutes

Instant Decision

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Available Online

What is a Canada eTA?

Canada eTA stands for Electronic Travel Authorization—a digital entry requirement for foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries who are flying to Canada. Unlike a traditional visitor visa, eTA is an electronic document that's linked to your passport in Canada's immigration database. It's not a stamp or sticker in your passport; it exists in the system.

Key Characteristics of Canada eTA:

Electronic document linked to your passport
Applied for and received online
Valid for up to 5 years or until passport expires
Allows multiple entries during validity period
Required for air travel only

Who Needs a Canada eTA?

Not every traveler needs an eTA. Eligibility depends on your nationality and mode of entry. Here's how to determine if you need one.

You Need eTA If:

✓From 49 visa-exempt countries
✓Flying to Canada by air
✓Holding a valid passport
✓Not Canadian permanent resident
✓Without valid Canadian visitor visa

You DON'T Need eTA If:

✗Canadian citizen
✗US citizen (different rules)
✗Entering by land, sea, or rail
✗Holding valid visitor visa
✗Canadian permanent resident

Learn more about which countries qualify for eTA and eligibility requirements.

Canada eTA vs Visitor Visa: Key Differences

Understanding the differences between eTA and a traditional visitor visa helps you determine which entry document you need.

Aspect	eTA	Visitor Visa
Processing Time	Minutes to 24 hours	2-4 weeks typical
Application Method	Online only	Online or paper
Mode of Entry	Air travel only	Any mode (air, land, sea, rail)
Validity Period	Up to 5 years	Typically 6 months - 2 years
Multiple Entries	Unlimited during validity	Specified in visa conditions
Physical Document	Electronic only	Stamp or sticker in passport

For detailed information about requirements and comparison with other programs, check our complete requirements guide.

How Long is Canada eTA Valid?

Your Canada eTA is valid for up to 5 years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This extended validity period makes eTA an excellent long-term entry authorization for frequent travelers.

Multiple Entries Allowed

You can enter and exit Canada unlimited times during your eTA's validity period without needing to reapply.

Passport Expiry Connection

If your passport expires before 5 years, your eTA expires with it. You'll need a new eTA if you get a new passport.

Important: If you renew your passport before the eTA expires, you must apply for a new eTA with your new passport number. Your previous eTA becomes invalid.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learning from common mistakes helps ensure your eTA application is smooth and successful.

Using old passport number

Issue: Applying with a passport that will expire soon or recently changed

Solution: Always use your current, valid passport number. Get a new eTA if you renew your passport.

Incomplete or incorrect information

Issue: Names, dates, or passport details don't match official documents exactly

Solution: Triple-check all information matches your passport precisely. Spelling matters!

Wrong travel purpose

Issue: Misrepresenting purpose (e.g., saying tourism when planning work)

Solution: Be honest about your travel purpose. Working on eTA is illegal and leads to rejection.

Missing health/security requirements

Issue: Not disclosing medical conditions or criminal history when required

Solution: Answer all questions honestly. Misrepresentation can result in permanent bans.

Planning to work on eTA

Issue: Attempting to work while on eTA authorization

Solution: eTA is tourism-only. Apply for work permit if planning employment.

Booking flights before approval

Issue: Arranging travel before receiving eTA approval

Solution: Get eTA approval confirmed before booking flights. Most approvals are instant but plan ahead.

Learn about the complete eTA process to understand each stage and avoid surprises.

How to Apply for Canada eTA: Step-by-Step

The application process is straightforward and takes just a few minutes to complete online.

Prepare Required Documents

Gather your valid passport and email address. Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.

Access the Online Portal

Visit the eTA application portal and create an account or log in securely.

Complete Personal Information

Fill in your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport.

Answer Security Questions

Complete mandatory health and security questions honestly and accurately.

Review Application

Carefully review all information before submission. Corrections are difficult after submission.

Receive Decision

Get your approval decision usually within minutes. You'll receive an email confirmation.

For detailed guidance on the entire process, read our comprehensive how-to-apply guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about Canada eTA.

Need more answers?

View Complete FAQ

Related Resources & Guides

Explore these complementary resources to complete your understanding of Canadian eTA.

Ready to Apply for Your Canada eTA?

Use this comprehensive guide as your reference as you prepare your application. Most approvals happen within minutes, so you could be approved for travel today.

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