Last reviewed: 8 September 2026. This article reflects IRCC policies in effect as of this date.
You need a Canada eTA if you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country and flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport. If you are from a visa-required country, you need a visitor visa instead. Travellers arriving by car, bus, train or boat do not need an eTA but must carry a valid passport.
What Is a Canada eTA and When Is It Mandatory?
A Canada eTA is a CAD $7 electronic travel authorization valid for up to 5 years, mandatory for visa-exempt foreign nationals arriving by air. Introduced in 2016, it is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport and verified by airline staff at check-in before allowing you to board your flight.
For example, a British passport holder flying from London Heathrow to Toronto Pearson must hold a valid Canada eTA before departure. The same traveller driving from Buffalo, NY into Canada faces no such obligation, as the eTA is mandatory only for air arrivals and airport transit.
A Canada eTA is not a visitor visa and does not guarantee entry. A Border Services Officer retains final discretion on admission at the port of entry.
eTA vs Visitor Visa vs Other Documents – Which Do You Need?
Visa-exempt air travellers need an eTA (CAD $7, processed within minutes); visa-required travellers need a visitor visa (~CAD $100, processed over weeks) for any transport mode. You never need both documents.
| Feature | eTA | Visitor Visa (TRV) | Study / Work Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | CAD $7 | ~CAD $100 | Higher, purpose-specific |
| Processing time | Within minutes | Weeks | Months |
| Validity | Up to 5 years or passport expiry | Single or multiple entry | Duration of programme |
| Transport mode | Air only | All modes | All modes |
| Your Situation | Document Required |
|---|---|
| Canadian citizen or permanent resident | Canadian passport or permanent resident card |
| U.S. citizen | Valid U.S. passport (no eTA) |
| Visa-exempt national flying to Canada | eTA |
| Visa-required national flying to Canada | Visitor visa (TRV) |
| Transit through a Canadian airport | eTA or transit visa |
| Arriving by car, bus, train or boat | Valid passport (no eTA) |
| Alien’s passport holder | Visitor visa (cannot apply for eTA) |
| Stateless individual | Visitor visa (cannot apply for eTA) |
Every traveller, including infants, needs their own individual eTA linked to their own passport. The eTA eligibility framework does not grant age-based exemptions; a parent or guardian must submit a separate application for each child.
UK Citizens and eTA Exemptions – Who Doesn’t Need One in 2026?
British citizen passport holders (visa-exempt) must hold a Canada eTA before any flight to Canada; passport validity must cover the length of planned stay. British-Canadian dual nationals entering on a Canadian passport are exempt from the eTA requirement. Always check gov.uk foreign travel advice for Canada for updates.
The Canada eTA requirement exempts the following categories in 2026:
- U.S. citizens – valid U.S. passport only
- Lawful permanent residents of the United States – must carry a green card (Form I-551) or equivalent proof of status plus a valid passport from their country of nationality
- Canadian citizens – valid Canadian passport
- Canadian permanent residents – valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document
- Land and sea arrivals – travellers arriving by car, bus, train, or boat (including cruise ships) are exempt
- Diplomatic and official passport holders – travelling on official business may be exempt; verify with IRCC before travel
How to Apply for a Canada eTA – Cost, Processing, Validity and Renewal
Apply online via the IRCC portal for CAD $7; approval typically arrives within minutes. According to IRCC, an eTA is mandatory for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to or transiting through Canada by air, while land and sea arrivals do not require one.
Visit the IRCC portal
Apply online at canada.ca – the application is online only.
Enter your passport details
Provide your passport number (top of the photo page), a valid email address, and answers to application questions.
Pay the non-refundable fee
Pay CAD $7 by credit or debit card.
Receive approval by email
Typically within minutes. If IRCC requests supporting documents, processing may take several days.
Canada eTA validity: valid for up to five years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. Multiple entries allowed for short stays (up to six months) per visit. A new passport invalidates the eTA entirely, requiring a brand-new application and fee; there is no renewal process. Check your eTA status using the IRCC Check Status tool before reapplying to avoid duplicate payments.
Apply only via the IRCC portal; third-party sites charge inflated fees and are not associated with the Government of Canada. If 72 hours pass without confirmation, complete the IRCC enquiry form. Briefly leaving and re-entering Canada does not automatically reset the 6-month stay limit; a Border Services Officer evaluates each entry independently.
FAQ
Do infants and children need a separate eTA for Canada?
Yes – every traveller, including newborns, needs their own eTA (CAD $7 each). A parent or guardian can apply on behalf of a minor.
Can I enter Canada without an eTA if I have a valid visitor visa?
Yes – a valid Canadian visitor visa (TRV) serves as your travel authorisation for all transport modes. You never need both.
Do I need a printed copy of my eTA confirmation?
No – eTA is verified digitally via passport scan. Keep the confirmation email on your phone in case of system errors.
What happens if I apply for an eTA with the wrong passport number?
Your eTA links to the incorrect passport and the airline will deny boarding. You must apply for a new eTA and pay CAD $7 again.
Is the eTA application fee refundable?
No – the CAD $7 fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome, including refusals and duplicate applications.
Does my study or work permit include an eTA automatically?
No – separate eTA application required. The eTA is mentioned on your permit approval letter but not issued automatically.
Is there an expedited or emergency eTA processing option?
No official fast-track exists. Standard processing is minutes; apply well in advance as document requests can take several days.
Can I re-enter Canada immediately after leaving to reset my stay?
No – a Border Services Officer evaluates each entry independently; repeated short entries may raise concerns about misrepresentation.
Do I need an eTA if I’m only connecting through Canada to another country?
Yes – transiting through a Canadian airport requires an eTA (if visa-exempt) or a transit visa (if visa-required), even if you never leave the airport.
What documents should I bring to the Canadian border beyond my eTA?
Prepare your passport, return or onward ticket, proof of sufficient funds, accommodation details, and any purpose-of-visit documentation. The Border Services Officer has final discretion.
