Long-haul, sometimes via the US
Canada eVisa (eTA): rules for Australian travellers
From Australia, the trip to Canada is long-haul. Some routes connect in the United States, which adds a US formality to the Canadian eTA.
- Nationality
- Australian
- eTA
- Required for air travel
- Official IRCC fee
- CA$7
- Flying time to Canada
- About 14 to 15 hr to Vancouver nonstop
- Time difference
- Vancouver is 17 to 19 hr behind Sydney depending on the season
- Currency at departure
- AUD ($)
From Australia
What to check before departure
Your flights to Canada
Nonstop flights from Sydney and Brisbane to Vancouver, some seasonal, and connections via Asia or the United States.
Schedules and routes from Australia can change. Check the full itinerary with the airline, including the formalities of every connecting country.
- Departure airports
- Sydney · Brisbane · Melbourne
- Airlines flying to Canada
- Air Canada · Qantas
High season: December-January (Australian summer holidays, ski season in Canada) and July. Book early during these busy periods.
Your passport
A valid Australian passport. The eTA is electronically linked to it: if you get a new passport, you must apply for a new eTA.
Health
No vaccination certificate is required to enter Canada from Australia. Travel insurance is still strongly recommended: healthcare is expensive for visitors.
Point to watch
A connection in the United States (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu) requires an ESTA in addition to the Canadian eTA.
US connection: one more formality
A connection on US soil requires a US authorization (ESTA or visa, depending on nationality) in addition to the eTA. A nonstop flight avoids it.
Mind the time difference
Booking dates follow local time: an evening departure can land in Canada on the same day, or even the day before.
Good to know
Travelling to Canada from Australia
Trip idea from Australia
Whistler, about two hours from Vancouver, is one of the ski resorts most visited by Australians, who often come during their summer holidays, in the middle of the Canadian winter. For a longer stay, young Australians can look into the International Experience Canada program.
Combining with the United States
Many travellers combine Canada and the United States. Australian citizens can generally enter the US with an ESTA, applied for separately. Crossing between Canada and the US by road or train does not require an eTA, but flying back into Canada does.
Electricity
Canada uses type A and B sockets at 120 V, which do not fit Australian plugs: an adapter is essential.
Language
English is the everyday language in most of the country. In Quebec the majority language is French: a few words will help, although English is widely understood in Montreal.
To prepare
The application of a Australian national
A passport from a visa-exempt country
The eTA is electronically linked to this passport. It must be valid, and it is the passport you will show when boarding.
A valid email address
The answer and any request for additional documents arrive by email. Check the spelling and keep an eye on your spam folder.
Your personal details
Names, date and place of birth, nationality, address and phone number, as shown on your documents.
A payment card
Payment is made online by card, securely.
Frequently asked questions
What Australian travellers often ask us
Do Australian travellers need an eTA for Canada?
Yes, for air travel. Australian nationals are visa-exempt but must obtain an eTA before boarding a flight to or through Canada. By land or sea, it is generally not required.
How long is the flight from Australia?
About 14 to 15 hr to Vancouver nonstop. Nonstop flights from Sydney and Brisbane to Vancouver, some seasonal, and connections via Asia or the United States.
Which airlines fly from Australia to Canada?
From Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, flights to Canada are operated by airlines including Air Canada and Qantas. Routes change, so check the full itinerary with the airline.
Do I need a vaccination to enter Canada from Australia?
No vaccination certificate is required to enter Canada from Australia. Travel insurance is still strongly recommended: healthcare is expensive for visitors.
What should I watch out for during the connection?
A connection in the United States (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu) requires an ESTA in addition to the Canadian eTA.
What is the time difference between Australia and Canada?
Vancouver is 17 to 19 hr behind Sydney depending on the season. Canada spans six time zones: check the one for your arrival city.
When are seats hardest to find from Australia?
Busiest period for departures from Australia: December-January (Australian summer holidays, ski season in Canada) and July. Apply for the eTA as soon as the trip is decided, even before booking.
Which passport do I need to apply for the eTA?
A valid Australian passport. The eTA is electronically linked to it: if you get a new passport, you must apply for a new eTA.
What to see in Canada when travelling from Australia?
Whistler, about two hours from Vancouver, is one of the ski resorts most visited by Australians, who often come during their summer holidays, in the middle of the Canadian winter. For a longer stay, young Australians can look into the International Experience Canada program.
Can I combine Canada and the United States from Australia?
Many travellers combine Canada and the United States. Australian citizens can generally enter the US with an ESTA, applied for separately. Crossing between Canada and the US by road or train does not require an eTA, but flying back into Canada does.
Do I need a plug adapter for Canada?
Canada uses type A and B sockets at 120 V, which do not fit Australian plugs: an adapter is essential.
What language is spoken in Canada?
English is the everyday language in most of the country. In Quebec the majority language is French: a few words will help, although English is widely understood in Montreal.
Go further
Guides to plan your trip
- Trip planning
When to visit Canada, season by season
Summer, autumn colours, snowy winter: a calendar for choosing the best time for your trip.
6 min read - Formalities
Getting your eTA application right first time
Passport number, dual nationality, email address: the details that derail an application and how to avoid them.
6 min read - On the ground
Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver: choosing your city
What each major city offers, how to travel between them and how many days to plan.
7 min read
Other nationalities
Keep reading
- EuropeFranceCanada eTA: requirements and steps for French travellers.View the page
- EuropeBelgiumCanada eTA: requirements and steps for Belgian travellers.View the page
- EuropeSwitzerlandCanada eTA: requirements and steps for Swiss travellers.View the page
- EuropeLuxembourgCanada eTA: requirements and steps for Luxembourg travellers.View the page
- EuropeMonacoCanada eTA: requirements and steps for Monegasque travellers.View the page
- EuropeUnited KingdomCanada eTA: requirements and steps for British travellers.View the page
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