Do I need an eTA to visit Canada and how do I get one?
Citizens of many visa-exempt countries need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to Canada, even for short visits. The eTA is not required if you are driving across the land border — it is specifically for air travel. Citizens of the United States, for example, do not need an eTA at all. Other visa-exempt nationals — such as citizens of the UK, Australia, and many EU countries — do need one.
An eTA is applied for online through IRCC's website and is typically processed quickly, often within minutes, though some applications take longer. It is linked electronically to your passport and is valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Having an eTA does not guarantee entry to Canada. A border officer makes the final decision when you arrive. If you are unsure whether you need an eTA, a TRV, or neither, the IRCC website has a tool to check, or an immigration lawyer can advise you.
Key takeaways
- Visa-exempt nationals (excluding Americans) generally need an eTA to fly to Canada
- eTAs are applied for online and are usually approved quickly
- An eTA is linked to your passport and valid for up to five years
- Having an eTA does not guarantee entry — border officers make the final admission decision