Canada eTA requirements
What you need before you apply, who needs an eTA, and what to expect at the border — based on official Government of Canada information.
What you need to apply
- A valid passport from a visa-exempt country or territory (or from a select visa-required country if you meet the conditions for an eTA).
- A valid email address — all updates and the decision are sent by email.
- A credit or debit card to pay the government fee. canada.ca lists Visa, Mastercard, American Express (including prepaid), Visa Debit, Debit Mastercard, UnionPay and JCB.
- Answers to a few questions about your travel, background and health.
Source: canada.ca — eTA: How to apply (opens official Government of Canada site in a new tab)
Who needs an eTA
| Traveller | What you need |
|---|---|
| Citizen of a visa-exempt (eTA-required) country flying to or through Canada | eTA + valid passport |
| Same traveller arriving by car, bus, train or boat (incl. cruise ship) | Valid passport; eTA not needed in most cases (except sea travel from Saint Pierre-et-Miquelon, excluding cruise ships) |
| Citizen of a select visa-required country who meets the conditions, travelling by air | May apply for an eTA instead of a visa (by land/sea: visitor visa) |
| U.S. citizen | No eTA — carry proper ID such as a valid U.S. passport |
| Lawful permanent resident of the U.S. | No eTA — valid passport + valid proof of U.S. status (e.g. green card) |
| Canadian citizen (incl. dual citizens) | Valid Canadian passport (American-Canadians: Canadian or U.S. passport) |
| Canadian permanent resident | PR card or permanent resident travel document |
| Visa-required traveller | Visitor visa (not an eTA) |
You need either a visitor visa or an eTA — not both. If you already have a valid Canadian visitor visa, you can travel with it until it expires.
Sources: canada.ca — eTA: Who can apply (opens official Government of Canada site in a new tab); canada.ca — Find out about eTA (opens official Government of Canada site in a new tab). Check your country: Entry requirements by country (opens official Government of Canada site in a new tab).
Validity and use
- Valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- If you get a new passport, you need a new eTA.
- Allows multiple short stays — normally up to 6 months at a time.
- Does not allow you to work or study in Canada.
- One applicant per application: a family of three needs three applications.
Processing time
The Government of Canada states that most applications are approved within minutes, but some may take several days if you are asked to submit supporting documents. If so, an email with instructions is sent within 72 hours. It is best to get your eTA before you book your flight.
Check your passport number. Your eTA is linked to the passport you applied with. If the passport number in your approval email doesn't exactly match your passport, you must apply again — otherwise you may not be able to board your flight.
At the airport and border
Present the same passport you used to apply when you check in; the airline scans it to confirm your eTA. An eTA does not guarantee entry: a border services officer decides whether you can enter. Basic requirements include a valid travel document, good health, no criminal or immigration-related convictions, ties to your home country, intent to leave at the end of your visit, and enough money for your stay. Minors may need a consent letter and other documents.
Sources: canada.ca — eTA: About the process (opens official Government of Canada site in a new tab); canada.ca — eTA: After you apply (opens official Government of Canada site in a new tab)
Information checked against canada.ca on 2 October 2026. Government rules can change — always confirm on the official site before travelling.