Frequently asked questions

An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. It lets you fly to Canada or transit through a Canadian airport. It is electronically linked to your passport, so there is no document to print. (Source: canada.ca (opens official Government of Canada site in a new tab))

The Government of Canada charges a small non-refundable fee per applicant, payable by credit or debit card. See the official canada.ca eTA page (opens official Government of Canada site in a new tab) for the current amount. You can apply directly on the official Government of Canada eTA website (opens official Government of Canada site in a new tab) for the government fee only. If you use our service, our service fee is charged in addition to the government fee.

An eTA is valid for up to 5 years or until the passport you used to apply expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need a new eTA. With a valid eTA you can travel to Canada as often as you want for short stays (normally up to 6 months at a time).

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an eTA to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport. Citizens of select visa-required countries may also be eligible to apply for an eTA instead of a visa when travelling by air. Check your country on the official entry requirements by country (opens official Government of Canada site in a new tab) page.

No. U.S. citizens are exempt from the eTA requirement and must carry proper identification, such as a valid U.S. passport. Lawful permanent residents of the United States are also exempt, but must carry a valid passport and valid proof of U.S. status (such as a green card).

In most cases, travellers from eTA-required countries do not need an eTA when arriving by land or sea (including cruise ships) — but they still need a valid passport. An exception applies to travel by sea from Saint Pierre-et-Miquelon (excluding cruise ships). Citizens of select visa-required countries who are eligible for an eTA by air still need a visitor visa for land or sea arrivals.

According to the Government of Canada, most applications are approved within minutes, but some can take several days if supporting documents are requested; in that case IRCC emails instructions within 72 hours. It is best to get an eTA before you book your flight. Our own review time is in addition to government processing.

No. A border services officer makes the final decision on whether you can enter Canada when you arrive. An eTA also does not allow you to work or study in Canada.

No. Each traveller needs their own eTA. The official form only allows one person per application, so a family of three needs three applications.

No. We are a private company and are not affiliated with the Government of Canada or IRCC. We help you prepare and check your application and then submit it on your behalf. You can always apply yourself on the official Government of Canada eTA website (opens official Government of Canada site in a new tab) for the government fee only.

Our service fee covers our review of your answers for errors and omissions (such as a mistyped passport number), submission assistance, and customer support. It does not buy faster government processing or a better chance of approval. The amount is shown before you pay.

Your eTA is linked to the passport number on the application. If the number on your approval email does not exactly match your passport, you need to apply for a new eTA — otherwise you may not be able to board your flight.