Canada eTA requirements
The eTA is required for citizens of visa-exempt countries who fly to or through Canada. It is checked at boarding, then a border services officer decides on entry at arrival.
To prepare
What a complete application needs
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.
Additional documentsif applicable
In some cases, IRCC asks for additional documents. Instructions are then sent by email, usually within 72 hours.
A Canadian passport if you are also Canadianif applicable
Dual Canadian citizens cannot use an eTA: they must travel with a valid Canadian passport.
Common mistakes
Four common mistakes to avoid
A mistyped passport number
This is the most common mistake. An eTA linked to the wrong number will not let you board: check every character, telling the letter O apart from the digit 0.
The wrong passport
If you hold several nationalities, use the passport you will travel with. Dual Canadian citizens must travel with a Canadian passport.
A passport renewed after applying
The eTA is linked to one specific passport. If you get a new one, you must apply for a new eTA before you travel.
A wrong email address
The answer and any document requests arrive by email. One missing letter, and nothing reaches you.
After applying
What happens next
Complete the form
Enter your details exactly as they appear on your passport: identity, birth, address and passport information.
We check the application
An adviser checks every field, especially the passport number, the most common source of errors, and contacts you if anything needs correcting.
The application is submitted
Once checked, the application is submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which alone makes the decision.
You receive the answer
Most eTA applications are approved within minutes. Some require additional documents: we let you know by email.
Canada · eTA
Do you have your passport to hand?
You can start now. The form takes about five minutes, then an adviser checks the details before submission.
by email