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eTA — Electronic Travel Authorization
VisasCanadaeTA — Electronic Travel Authorization
CanadaCanada•North America
Open

eTA — Electronic Travel Authorization

Tourist

At a Glance

Processing Time

0-3 days

Application Fee

7 CAD

Stay Duration

6 months

Renewable

No

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

No

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information
Canada flag

Living in Canada

Cost of Living
8% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryCA$50,000
Quality of Life
172/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Digital pre-screening for visa-exempt nationals entering Canada by air.

The Canada eTA is a digital pre-screening requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada. Applied online in minutes for CAD 7, it links electronically to the traveler's passport and permits multiple short visits without a full visa.

Once approved, the eTA is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, allowing repeat entries for stays of up to six months each. It is not required for land or sea crossings. No work authorization is granted, and the eTA does not lead to permanent residence.

This visa is ideal for citizens of visa-exempt countries making short-term trips to Canada by air who want fast, low-cost pre-clearance without a traditional visa.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant6 months

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

S-1 / SW-1 — Study Permit
Canada flagCanada

S-1 / SW-1 — Study Permit

ValidityDuration of program + 90 days
Processing28-84 days
View Visa Details
WP — Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA)
Canada flagCanada

WP — Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA)

ValidityDuration of employment
Processing2-4 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be a citizen of a visa-exempt country.

Must be traveling to Canada by air.

Must have a valid passport from an eligible country.

Must not be inadmissible to Canada (e.g., criminal, security, or health grounds).

Must have a valid email address and a method of payment (credit/debit card).

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport from a visa-exempt country.

Credit or debit card for payment.

Valid email address.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Fast and simple online application process.
  • Most applications are approved within minutes.
  • Valid for up to 5 years or until the passport expires.
  • Allows multiple entries for short stays (typically up to 6 months per visit).
  • Low cost (CAD 7).

Worth Knowing

  • Does not guarantee entry to Canada; border officers make the final decision.
  • Only valid for air travel; not required for land or sea entry.
  • Must be linked to the specific passport used; if the passport expires or is replaced, a new eTA is required.
  • Not for those who are visa-required; they must apply for a visitor visa instead.

Application Process

1

Visit the official Government of Canada eTA website.

2

Complete the online application form (ensure passport details are accurate).

3

Pay the non-refundable CAD 7 fee.

4

Wait for email confirmation (usually within minutes, though some may take days if further documentation is requested).

5

Ensure the eTA is electronically linked to the passport used for the application.

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Electronic Travel Authorization Application
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) Online Application
Fill online

Verified Claims (21)

Last verified May 31, 2026
Application StepsVisit the official Government of Canada eTA website.; Complete the online application form (ensure p…canada.ca
Fee BreakdowneTA fee: 7 CADcanada.ca
FeesCAD 7canada.ca
FormsElectronic Travel Authorization Applicationcanada.ca
Forms · Electronic Travel Authorization Application · descriptionElectronic Travel Authorization (eTA) Online Applicationcanada.ca
Forms · Electronic Travel Authorization Application · urlhttps://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.htmlcanada.ca
Included Nationalities—canada.ca
Job Offer Requiredfalsecanada.ca

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