Canadian eTAApply eTA

eTA vs Visitor Visa: Which Do You Need?

Canada eTA vs Visitor Visa: Which One Do You Need?

When planning your trip to Canada, one of the first questions is whether you need an eTA or a visitor visa. These are two different travel documents with distinct requirements, costs, processing times, and eligibility criteria. This comprehensive guide explains the key differences and helps you determine which document you need for your specific situation.

Quick Decision Guide

Are you from a visa-exempt country AND traveling by air to Canada? If yes to both, you likely need eTA. Otherwise, you probably need a visitor visa. Keep reading to confirm your situation.

Check Your Country's Eligibility →

49

Visa-Exempt Countries

$35

eTA Fee

Minutes

eTA Processing

5 Years

eTA Validity

Complete Comparison: eTA vs Visitor Visa

This comprehensive comparison table shows all the key differences between Canadian eTA and visitor visa. Use this to understand which document better suits your travel plans.

AspecteTAVisitor Visa
DefinitionElectronic travel authorization - electronic document for air travelOfficial permission document to enter and stay in Canada
Processing TimeMost approved within minutes to 72 hours2-4 weeks standard, can take months
Cost$35 application feeCAD $100-180+ depending on type
ValidityValid for 5 years or until passport expiresUsually 6 months to 3 years validity
Multiple EntriesMultiple entries allowed within validityMultiple entries allowed (specified on document)
ApplicationOnline only, takes 10-15 minutesPaper or online, requires documentation
Who Needs ItVisa-exempt country citizens flying to CanadaCitizens of countries requiring visitor visa
Travel MethodAir travel onlyAny method (air, land, sea, rail)

Decision Tree: Which Document Do You Need?

Follow this decision matrix to determine whether you need eTA or visitor visa based on your specific circumstances.

Scenario 1: I'm from France, traveling by plane

France is visa-exempt. You need eTA for air travel. Citizens of visa-exempt countries flying to Canada must have eTA.

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Scenario 2: I'm from Brazil, traveling by plane

Brazil requires visitor visa OR eTA if you had Canadian visa in past 10 years or hold valid US visa. Check conditional eligibility.

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Scenario 3: I'm from UK, driving to Canada

UK citizens don't need eTA for land travel. You can enter without visa or eTA when driving by car.

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Scenario 4: I'm from China, traveling by plane

China requires visitor visa - eTA is not available. You must apply for a visitor visa through official channels.

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Who Needs eTA?

You need eTA if ALL of the following apply to you:

Who NEEDS eTA

  • ✓You're from one of 49 visa-exempt countries
  • ✓You're traveling to Canada BY AIR
  • ✓Your passport is valid for your entire stay
  • ✓You meet Canada's entry requirements

Who DOESN'T NEED eTA

  • ✗You're from a visa-required country
  • ✗You're traveling by land, sea, or rail
  • ✗You're a Canadian or US citizen
  • ✗You hold a valid Canadian visitor visa

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Can I use my eTA for land travel to Canada?

A:No. eTA is valid for air travel only. If you're entering Canada by car, train, or bus, you cannot use eTA. Visa-exempt country citizens can enter by land without a travel document. Visa-required country citizens need a visitor visa for land travel.

Q:What if I'm from a conditional eTA eligible country?

A:If you're from a visa-required country that offers conditional eTA eligibility (like Brazil, Mexico, or Thailand), you can apply for eTA instead of visitor visa if you had a Canadian visa within the past 10 years OR hold a valid US non-immigrant visa.

Q:Can I apply for both eTA and visitor visa at the same time?

A:Yes, absolutely. Some travelers apply for both simultaneously as a contingency plan. If your eTA is approved first, you can use it for air travel while your visitor visa application is processing.

Q:Is eTA cheaper than visitor visa?

A:Yes, significantly. eTA costs $35, while visitor visa fees range from CAD $100-180+. However, eTA has limited use (air travel only) while visitor visa covers all travel methods.

Q:How much longer is eTA valid than visitor visa?

A:eTA is typically valid for 5 years (or until passport expires), making it much longer than most visitor visas which are valid for 6 months to 3 years.

Q:What if my country isn't on the eTA eligible list?

A:If your country is not on the visa-exempt or conditional eTA list, you need to apply for a visitor visa through official channels. Check the complete eligibility list to confirm your country's status.

Related Resources & Guides

Explore these related guides to learn more about Canadian eTA and travel documentation requirements.

Who Is Eligible for eTA?

Complete list of 49 visa-exempt countries and 15 conditional eTA countries with eligibility requirements.

View Eligible Countries →

How to Apply for eTA

Step-by-step guide to applying for Canadian eTA with document requirements and confirmation process.

Read Application Guide →

eTA Requirements

Complete list of documents and information needed for successful eTA application.

View Requirements →

Complete eTA Guide

Comprehensive guide covering everything about Canadian eTA from basics to advanced information.

Read Complete Guide →

Ready to Get Your Travel Document?

Unsure which document you need? Check your country's eligibility first, then follow the appropriate application guide. Most eTA applications are approved within hours.

Check Your EligibilityStart Your Application