Eligibility Guide: Full Country List

Who Is Eligible for Canada eTA? Complete Country List and Requirements

Determining eligibility for Canada eTA requires understanding your country of citizenship and specific passport requirements. This comprehensive guide covers all 49 visa-exempt countries, 15 countries with conditional eligibility, countries that are not eligible, and special passport rules that may apply to your situation.

49

Visa-Exempt Countries

15

Conditional Countries

5

Ineligible Countries

64+

Total Covered

49 Visa-Exempt Countries Eligible for eTA

Citizens of these 49 countries do not require a visitor visa to enter Canada but must have an eTA when traveling by air. These countries represent citizens with low security risk and established reciprocal agreements with Canada.

Complete List of Visa-Exempt Countries

49 countries whose citizens can apply for eTA for air travel to Canada

CountryRegioneTA Required
AndorraEuropeYes, for air travel
AustriaEuropeYes, for air travel
BelgiumEuropeYes, for air travel
BulgariaEuropeYes, for air travel
CroatiaEuropeYes, for air travel
CyprusEuropeYes, for air travel
CzechiaEuropeYes, for air travel
DenmarkEuropeYes, for air travel
EstoniaEuropeYes, for air travel
FinlandEuropeYes, for air travel
FranceEuropeYes, for air travel
GermanyEuropeYes, for air travel
GreeceEuropeYes, for air travel
HungaryEuropeYes, for air travel
IcelandEuropeYes, for air travel
IrelandEuropeYes, for air travel
ItalyEuropeYes, for air travel
LatviaEuropeYes, for air travel
LiechtensteinEuropeYes, for air travel
LithuaniaEuropeYes, for air travel
LuxembourgEuropeYes, for air travel
MaltaEuropeYes, for air travel
NetherlandsEuropeYes, for air travel
PolandEuropeYes, for air travel
PortugalEuropeYes, for air travel
RomaniaEuropeYes, for air travel
SlovakiaEuropeYes, for air travel
SloveniaEuropeYes, for air travel
SpainEuropeYes, for air travel
SwedenEuropeYes, for air travel
SwitzerlandEuropeYes, for air travel
United KingdomEuropeYes, for air travel
France (French Overseas Territories)EuropeYes, for air travel
JapanAsiaYes, for air travel
South KoreaAsiaYes, for air travel
SingaporeAsiaYes, for air travel
TaiwanAsiaYes, for air travel
Hong KongAsiaYes, for air travel
MacauAsiaYes, for air travel
AustraliaOceaniaYes, for air travel
New ZealandOceaniaYes, for air travel
IsraelMiddle EastYes, for air travel
United Arab EmiratesMiddle EastYes, for air travel
United StatesAmericasYes, for air travel
MexicoAmericasYes, for air travel
Costa RicaAmericasYes, for air travel

15 Countries with Conditional eTA Eligibility

Citizens of these 15 visa-required countries can apply for eTA instead of a traditional visitor visa if they meet specific conditions. This provides an alternative pathway for travel without needing to obtain a visitor visa.

Conditions for Conditional eTA Eligibility

To qualify for eTA from a conditional eligibility country, you must meet AT LEAST ONE of these conditions:

Condition 1: Previous Canadian Visa

You held a valid Canadian visitor visa at any point within the last 10 years

Condition 2: Valid US Visa

You hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa at the time of your eTA application

Conditional Eligibility Countries

Visa-required countries with alternative eTA pathway

CountryEligibility Requirement
ArgentinaValid Canadian visa in last 10 years OR valid US visa
BrazilValid Canadian visa in last 10 years OR valid US visa
ChileValid Canadian visa in last 10 years OR valid US visa
ColombiaValid Canadian visa in last 10 years OR valid US visa
EcuadorValid Canadian visa in last 10 years OR valid US visa
El SalvadorValid Canadian visa in last 10 years OR valid US visa
GuatemalaValid Canadian visa in last 10 years OR valid US visa
HondurasValid Canadian visa in last 10 years OR valid US visa
MexicoValid Canadian visa in last 10 years OR valid US visa
NicaraguaValid Canadian visa in last 10 years OR valid US visa
PanamaValid Canadian visa in last 10 years OR valid US visa
PeruValid Canadian visa in last 10 years OR valid US visa
PhilippinesValid Canadian visa in last 10 years OR valid US visa
ThailandValid Canadian visa in last 10 years OR valid US visa
VietnamValid Canadian visa in last 10 years OR valid US visa

Countries NOT Eligible for eTA

Citizens of the following countries are not eligible for Canadian eTA and must apply for a Canadian visitor visa through the traditional visa application process to enter Canada.

Important Notice

If you are a citizen of an ineligible country, you must apply for a Canadian visitor visa. eTA is not an option for you. The visitor visa application process is handled separately and may take 4-8 weeks or longer depending on your country and circumstances.

Ineligible Countries

5 countries requiring visitor visa

Afghanistan

Region: Asia

Visitor Visa Required

Iran

Region: Middle East

Visitor Visa Required

Iraq

Region: Middle East

Visitor Visa Required

North Korea

Region: Asia

Visitor Visa Required

Syria

Region: Middle East

Visitor Visa Required

Special Passport Requirements by Country

Some countries have specific passport requirements for eTA applications. Ensure your passport meets these requirements before applying to avoid delays or rejection.

Romania

Requirement: E-Passport Only

Romanian citizens MUST have an electronic passport (e-passport) to apply for Canadian eTA. A regular passport will not be accepted. Your e-passport must be valid and contain a digital chip.

Taiwan

Requirement: Personal ID Number

Taiwanese citizens need an ordinary passport that includes a personal identification number (ID number). This number must be present on your passport document for eTA eligibility verification.

All Other Eligible Countries

Requirement: Valid Passport

Citizens of all other eligible and conditional countries need a valid, current passport that will be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Canada. The passport can be regular or electronic format.

Stateless or Refugee Documents

Alternative Documents

If you hold a travel document issued by the UNHCR (refugee travel document) or a stateless person's document, you may be eligible for eTA. Contact official resources for verification of your specific document type.

How to Determine Your eTA Eligibility

Follow these steps to determine if you're eligible for Canadian eTA based on your country of citizenship.

Step 1: Identify Your Country of Citizenship

Check your passport to identify which country issued it. Your citizenship is based on the country that issued your passport. If you have dual citizenship, you can choose which passport to use for entry.

Step 2: Find Your Country in the Lists Above

Search the three tables above to find your country. If it appears in the visa-exempt list, you can apply for eTA. If it's in the conditional list, check if you meet the requirements.

Step 3: Check Passport Requirements

Review the special passport requirements section to ensure your passport meets the specific requirements for your country (if any). Romania requires e-passport, Taiwan requires ID number.

Step 4: Verify Your Conditions (If Conditional)

If your country is conditional, verify you have either a valid Canadian visa from the last 10 years or a valid US non-immigrant visa before applying for eTA.

Frequently Asked Questions About eTA Eligibility

What if I have dual or multiple citizenship?

Your eTA eligibility is determined by the passport you'll use to enter Canada. If you have multiple passports, you can choose which one to use. If one passport is from an eligible country and another isn't, you can use the eligible passport to apply for eTA and enter Canada with it.

Can I apply for eTA if my country is not on the list?

No. If your country is not on the visa-exempt list or conditional list, you must apply for a Canadian visitor visa instead. The visa application is a more detailed process and may take 4-8 weeks or longer.

What if I was previously denied a Canadian visa?

A previous visa denial may affect your eTA eligibility. If you were denied a Canadian visitor visa, you may still be eligible for eTA if you're from an eligible country, but the factors that led to your visa denial will be considered during the eTA application review.

Are children subject to the same eligibility requirements?

Yes. Children and infants from eligible countries require their own eTA based on their citizenship and passport. Each child needs an individual eTA application and approval. Even newborns traveling to Canada require a valid passport and eTA.

What if I'm a refugee or stateless person?

Refugees and stateless persons holding travel documents issued by UNHCR or government-issued stateless documents may be eligible for eTA. These are alternative travel documents to regular passports. Verification is required during the application process.

Does my country of residence matter for eTA eligibility?

No. Your country of residence does not affect eTA eligibility. Only your country of citizenship (based on your passport) determines eligibility. You can apply for eTA from any location as long as your passport is from an eligible country.

Related Guides & Resources

Ready to Check Your Eligibility?

If your country is on the eligible list above, you can proceed to apply for your Canadian eTA. The application takes just a few minutes and most applications are approved instantly.

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