Requirements for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in Canada in 2026

An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a mandatory entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals who travel to Canada by air. It is a lightweight, fully digital authorization linked directly to your passport — there is no physical document to carry.

Most applicants receive a decision within minutes of submitting their online application. Because the process is straightforward when you have the right information ready, this guide walks you through every requirement so you can apply with confidence.

What the eTA is and what it’s for

The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a pre-entry requirement introduced by the Government of Canada. It authorizes visa-exempt foreign nationals to board a flight to Canada and to enter the country for short stays — typically tourism, business, or transit.

Who needs an eTA

You need an eTA if you:

Are a citizen of a visa-exempt country (such as the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, and many others)
Are travelling to Canada by air (the eTA is not required if you enter by land or sea)
Are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Do not hold a valid Canadian visa

Note: Citizens of the United States do not need an eTA. They may enter Canada with a valid U.S. passport or other accepted travel document.

Official body responsible

The eTA is administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Applications are submitted through the official IRCC website at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html.

Documents required

Before you begin your application, gather the following. All information must match exactly what appears in your travel document.

Mandatory documents and information

A valid passport from a visa-exempt country (the eTA is linked to this specific passport; if you renew your passport, you must apply for a new eTA)
Your passport’s biographical data: full name as printed in the passport, date of birth, passport number, country of issue, and expiry date
A valid email address where IRCC will send your eTA confirmation
A credit or debit card to pay the CAD $7 application fee (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or a prepaid card are accepted)

Additional information you may need to provide

Details of your travel plans (destination in Canada, intended length of stay)
Information about past travel to Canada or visa refusals, if applicable
Employment or occupation details
Contact information in Canada, if known

No physical documents are submitted. The eTA application is entirely online; you enter your information directly into the IRCC web form. No apostilles, certified translations, or notarized copies are required for a standard eTA application.

Important: The eTA is tied to one specific passport. If you hold dual citizenship and one of your nationalities is Canadian, you must travel with your Canadian passport — you are not eligible for an eTA.

Steps to complete the procedure

No appointment is needed. The entire process is completed online through the official IRCC portal.

Go to the official IRCC eTA application page at canada.ca. Do not use third-party websites that charge extra fees — the only official fee is CAD $7.
Check your eligibility. Use the IRCC “Find out if you need an eTA” tool on the same page to confirm you are applying for the correct authorization.
Complete the online application form. Enter your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport. Provide your email address and answer the background questions honestly.
Review your application carefully before submitting. Errors in your passport number, name, or date of birth are a common cause of delays or rejections.
Pay the CAD $7 fee using a valid credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused.
Submit the application. You will receive an email acknowledgement immediately.
Wait for the decision. Most applicants receive approval by email within a few minutes. In some cases IRCC may request additional documents or take a few days to process the application.
Check your email and verify your eTA. The approval email confirms your eTA number and the passport it is linked to. No printing is required — airlines verify your eTA electronically when you check in.

Estimated time to complete the form: 10–15 minutes.

Fees and timelines

Application fee: CAD $7 (non-refundable)
Payment method: Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or prepaid card)
Typical processing time: A few minutes to a few days; most applicants receive a decision within minutes
Validity: 5 years from the date of issue, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first
Number of entries: Multiple entries are permitted within the validity period
Maximum stay per visit: Up to 6 months per entry (a border services officer makes the final determination at the port of entry)
Renewal: You must apply for a new eTA if your current one expires, if you get a new passport, or if you change your citizenship

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Entering passport details incorrectly. A single digit wrong in your passport number or an incorrect date of birth can result in a refusal or a mismatch at check-in. Double-check every field against your physical passport before submitting.
Applying with the wrong passport. If you hold dual citizenship, you must apply using the passport you intend to travel with. The eTA is linked to one specific passport document.
Using a third-party website. Many unofficial sites charge CAD $30–$100 or more to “process” your eTA. The only legitimate application portal is the official IRCC website, and the fee is always CAD $7.
Applying too late. Although most decisions arrive within minutes, IRCC advises applying before you book your flight or well in advance of travel, as some applications require additional review that can take several days.
Not checking your spam folder. The eTA approval is sent by email. If you do not see it in your inbox within a few hours, check your junk or spam folder before contacting IRCC.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an eTA if I am only transiting through a Canadian airport? Yes. If you are transiting through a Canadian airport and you are a visa-exempt foreign national, you generally need a valid eTA. There is a specific Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program for certain nationalities, but for most travellers, the eTA applies even for a layover.

Can I apply for an eTA on behalf of someone else? Yes. You can complete the online application on behalf of a family member or another person. However, all information must be accurate and the fee must be paid for each individual applicant. Each person needs their own separate eTA.

What happens if my eTA application is not approved immediately? IRCC may ask you to submit additional documents or information. You will receive instructions by email. Do not book non-refundable travel until you have confirmed approval. If your application is refused, you may need to apply for a visitor visa instead.

My eTA is still valid but I got a new passport. Can I still use the old eTA? No. The eTA is electronically linked to the passport number it was issued for. If you travel with a new passport, you must apply for a new eTA before your trip. The fee is CAD $7 each time.

Is the eTA the same as a Canadian visa? No. The eTA is a lighter authorization for citizens of visa-exempt countries travelling by air. A visa (Temporary Resident Visa) is required for citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt. You cannot hold both an eTA and a visitor visa at the same time — if you have a valid visa, you do not need an eTA.

Before you travel: key reminders

The eTA is simple to obtain when you apply through the correct channel. The most important steps are:

Apply on the official IRCC website (canada.ca) — never through a third-party service
Have your valid passport ready and enter all details exactly as printed
Pay the CAD $7 fee and keep your confirmation email

Requirements, eligible countries, and processing times can change. Always verify the current rules directly with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before you travel: www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html

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