Quick answer
If you’re a citizen of a visa-exempt country flying to or through Canada, you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Apply only on the official Government of Canada website: it costs CAN$7, takes a few minutes, and most applicants are approved by email within minutes. It’s valid for up to five years or until your passport expires. US citizens don’t need one.
Use the official site only
Many third-party websites charge extra to “process” eTAs. IRCC says they don’t act for the Government of Canada, and it won’t refund their fees. Start from the official eTA page.
Who needs an eTA?
- Need one: citizens of visa-exempt countries who fly to Canada or transit through a Canadian airport (IRCC eligibility).
- Don’t need one: US citizens (carry proper ID such as a US passport), and US lawful permanent residents (carry your passport and valid green card).
- Arriving by land or sea: generally no eTA needed, but you need a passport.
- Dual Canadian citizens: must travel on a Canadian passport (American-Canadians may use either).
- Visa-required countries: you need a visitor visa, unless you qualify for the expanded eTA below.
The expanded eTA for some visa-required travelers
Citizens of 15 countries (Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, the Philippines, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay) may get an eTA instead of a visa if they fly, and either held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years or hold a valid US non-immigrant visa (IRCC). Mexican citizens have stricter conditions; a previous eTA doesn’t count. In May 2026, IRCC announced similar eligibility for some travelers from Indonesia and Malaysia. Always confirm with IRCC’s eligibility tool before booking.
What you need
- A valid passport (from an eligible country)
- A valid email address
- A payment card: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Visa Debit, Debit Mastercard, UnionPay or JCB
- About 5–10 minutes
How to apply, step by step
- Go to the official site from the Government of Canada eTA page. The form is in English and French, can’t be saved, and times out if left idle.
- Enter your passport details exactly as printed. The passport number must match perfectly.
- Answer the questions about yourself, your contact details and background.
- Pay the CAN$7 fee. It’s non-refundable, and each application covers one person.
- Print or save your receipt. You can’t retrieve it later.
- Watch your email, including your junk folder, for the decision and your eTA number.
How long does it take?
Most applicants get an email within minutes, but IRCC says some requests take several days. If you’re asked for documents, that email arrives within 72 hours (IRCC). Apply before you book flights if you can.
How long is an eTA valid?
Up to five years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first (IRCC). It’s electronically linked to the passport you used, so if you get a new passport you need a new eTA.
Problems and fixes
- No email after 72 hours: check junk mail, then use IRCC’s enquiry web form.
- Wrong passport number: you must apply again with the correct number, or you may not be able to travel.
- Check status: use IRCC’s online Check Status tool with your eTA number.
- Used a third-party site? Verify your eTA with IRCC’s Check Status tool.
FAQ
Does an eTA guarantee entry to Canada?
No. A border officer decides at entry. If you have a criminal record, read can you travel to Canada with a criminal record?
Do children need an eTA?
Yes, if they’re from a visa-exempt country and flying. Each traveler needs their own eTA, with one person per application.
Next steps: travel tips for visiting Canada, the best time to visit and our international travel checklist.
Sources checked November 2026: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Travel rules, prices and product details change. Check official government, airline and manufacturer sources before you book or buy.
