Visitor visas & eTA
Canadian Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
An electronic authorisation linked to your passport, required for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada by air.
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Important information
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On this page
- Our Fee
- CA$49.00
- Official name
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
- Route type
- Electronic travel authorization
- Validity
- Up to 5 years, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first
- Number of entries
- Multiple entry
- Maximum stay
- Usually up to 6 months per visit
- The border services officer decides how long you can stay each time.
- Linked to
- The specific passport you applied with
- If you get a new passport you need a new eTA.
- Apply
- Online — with our experts
Who can apply
- Visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada
- Lawful permanent residents of the United States travelling with the required documents
What you can do
- Travel to Canada by air
- Transit through a Canadian airport
Requirements
- Be a visa-exempt foreign national travelling to or transiting through Canada by air (an eTA is not required for entry by land or sea)
- Hold a valid passport from an eTA-eligible country
- Be admissible to Canada
- Have a valid email address, and a credit or debit card to pay the fee
How to apply
- Confirm you need an eTA (not a visitor visa) using the official IRCC 'Check if you need a visa or an eTA' tool
- Complete the online eTA application form with your passport, personal and travel details
- Pay the application fee by credit or debit card
- Wait for the email confirming your eTA — it is linked electronically to your passport, so there is no document to print
Documents you may need
- A valid passport from an eTA-eligible country
- A valid email address to receive the confirmation
- A credit or debit card to pay the fee
Frequently asked questions
No. An eTA is valid for up to 5 years (or until your passport expires) and allows multiple trips. You only need a new eTA when it expires or when you get a new passport.
Related Canadian visas
- SHORT STAYTOURISMTEMPORARYCanada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa / TRV)For a traveller who is not visa-exempt who wants to visit Canada temporarily for tourism or to see family. It is an official document placed in your passport.View visa details
- SHORT STAYTRANSITAIRPORTCanada Transit VisaFor travellers passing through a Canadian airport on the way to another country. Whether you need a transit visa or an eTA depends on your nationality.View visa details
