Disclaimer: eTA requirements may change without notice. Always check the official Government of Canada site before traveling.
What is Canada eTA?
The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is Canada’s online entry requirement for travelers from visa-exempt countries arriving by air. It pre-screens passengers before they board flights to Canada, linking authorization directly to their passport.
An eTA is not a visa. It is a lighter approval process designed for short-term stays like tourism, business, or transit. Land and sea travelers generally do not need an eTA, but must still carry proper travel documents.
Why was eTA introduced?
Canada launched the eTA system in 2015, following the US ESTA model. The goals were:
- Enhanced border security: Screening passengers before they travel.
- Faster arrivals: Reducing processing time at immigration checkpoints.
- Alignment with international standards: Many countries (US, Australia, soon Japan with JESTA) have similar systems.
The eTA helps Canada maintain strong border control while keeping travel simple for low-risk, short-term visitors.
Who needs an eTA?
You must apply for eTA if:
- You are from a visa-exempt country such as the UK, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, or South Korea.
- You are flying to Canada for tourism, business, visiting family, or transit.
- Your stay will be six months or less.
Even if you are only transiting through a Canadian airport, you still need an eTA if you’re from a visa-exempt country.
Who does not need an eTA?
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
- US citizens (but US permanent residents need an eTA when flying).
- Travelers entering by land or sea from the US (eTA applies only to air arrivals).
- Travelers who already hold a valid Canadian visa.
How to apply for Canada eTA
The application process is simple and done online:
- Visit the official Government of Canada eTA site.
- Enter your passport details (must be an electronic passport from a visa-exempt country.)
- Provide personal and travel information such as employment and trip purpose.
- Answer security and health questions.
- Pay the fee: $7 CAD (by credit or debit card).
- Receive approval, often within minutes. Some cases may take days if extra documents are requested.
How long is eTA valid?
- Valid for five years from approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- Allows multiple entries to Canada.
- Each stay can be up to six months.
If you renew your passport, you’ll need a new eTA linked to the new document.
What happens if eTA is denied?
If denied, you cannot board a flight to Canada under the visa-exempt program. Instead, you must apply for a visitor visa at a Canadian consulate or embassy.
Denials usually result from:
- Previous overstays in Canada.
- Visa refusals in the past.
- Security or medical concerns.
- Incorrect or incomplete application details.
eTA vs ESTA, JESTA, and eTravel Philippines
Here’s how Canada’s eTA compares to other systems:
- eTA (Canada): For visa-exempt travelers arriving by air, valid for five years.
- ESTA (US): For visa waiver travelers to the US, valid for two years.
- JESTA (Japan, launching 2028): Planned pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt tourists.
- eTravel Philippines: Different system. Digital arrival card for all passengers, not an entry authorization.
Together, these show the global move to electronic pre-screening and paperless border entry.
Common mistakes with eTA applications
- Applying through unofficial websites that charge inflated fees.
- Typing passport details incorrectly, especially passport numbers with mixed letters and digits.
- Not checking email spam folders for approval messages.
- Assuming land or sea travelers need eTA - they don’t. It’s for air travel only.
- Waiting until check-in to apply - airlines will deny boarding without proof of approval.
Tips for smooth travel with eTA
- Apply at least a few days before your flight to avoid delays.
- Use the same passport every time as your eTA is electronically tied to it.
- Carry a printed copy or screenshot of the approval, even though it’s linked digitally.
- Double-check passport expiry; your eTA will end when your passport does.
- Remember the six-month stay limit per entry.
Conclusion: Travel confidently with eTA and Eskimo eSIM
Canada’s eTA makes visiting simple for millions of short-term travelers. With an easy online application and five-year validity, it’s one of the most convenient travel authorizations globally.
But don’t let lack of internet access complicate your trip. With Eskimo, you can set up a global eSIM before departure and land in Canada with data already active. That way, your eTA confirmation, boarding passes, and onward plans are always in reach. New users can also claim a free global eSIM trial, making international travel even smoother.
FAQs
Is eTA a visa?
No. eTA is not a visa. It’s an online pre-approval for air travelers from visa-exempt countries.
How much does eTA cost?
The fee is $7 CAD per application. Apply only through the official Canadian government site.
How long is eTA valid?
Up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Do children need an eTA?
Yes. Every traveler, regardless of age, must have their own eTA approval.
Do I need eTA if I enter by land or sea?
No. eTA applies only to air arrivals. For land or sea entry, you just need proper travel documents.
