eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

If you are a Visa-exempt foreign national who is travelling to Canada by air, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). You do not need an eTA:

If you are travelling to Canada by land or sea;
If you are travelling within Canada

To check what you would need to enter Canada, click the link here. Certain countries such as Germany or France, are Visa exempt for example and thus will not require a Visitor Visa but only an eTA.

eTA REQUIREMENTS

You can apply for an eTA online via the IRCC Web Account. You must have this valid eTA before boarding a flight and travelling to Canada. The process of applying is as follows:

You should have your passport, email, and some method of payment, such as a credit card, with you ready.
You will need to fill out and answer the online form
You will need to complete payment with a fee that is currently set at $7 CAD.
After this is done, you will get an email with the eTA approval. The approval email includes your eTA number.

An eTA is an entry requirement for travelers from visa-exempt countries who fly to or transit through Canada and is valid for up to five years or until the passport you used to apply for your eTA expires. The eTA allows you to travel to Canada many times and stay for up to six months except if the CBSA (the border officer) gives you a different length of stay.

PROGRAM PRIVILEGES

An eTA simply allows you the ability to be able to travel to Canada and apply to enter Canada as a tourist. It is an instrument that allows you to board the plane and travel on a commercial carrier and has no other benefit other than what is necessary for travel.

COMMON TRAPS, PITFALLS AND MISCONCEPTIONS

While everyone’s case and circumstances are different, there are some common traps, pitfalls, and misconceptions when it comes to applying under this program. Here are some general and common ones we have experienced and encountered throughout the years:

American PRs need an eTA when visiting Canada

As of April 26, 2022, permanent residents of the United States are exempt from the eTA requirement.

Getting the eTA approval is fast

It is for some people however it might take some hours or a few days for others.

You need to print out a copy of the eTA approval at the airport

Your eTA is linked to the passport you used to apply. You need to present this passport when you check-in to your flight to Canada. You don’t need to print out any special document. However you may wish to have this email confirmation in case there is an issue.

You need an eTA if you are arriving by land or boat to Canada

The eTA is only needed if you are flying by plane to Canada.

Minors or children under 18 years of age don’t need an eTA

All eTA-required travelers, regardless of their age, will need an eTA when they fly to Canada.

OUR VALUE – HOW WE MAKE THIS EASY FOR YOU

We understand that information can be found on the Internet and there are lots of other consultants or lawyers out there, so things can certainly get confusing very quickly for you. However, our value is in our services and how can simplify a sometimes-complicated process while anticipating and proactively making this whole process easy for you, from the start to the end of your immigration journey. We will guide you and provide:

An affordable service with an individualized payment schedule to suit any budget
Comprehensive documents required for the process, including information and tips that can’t be found on the IRCC website
Personalized immigration advice and solutions that are tailored to your case
Collaboration with a licensed immigration consultant who will communicate and represent your case on your behalf
Support and Assistance through every stage of the process, from the application to the arrival in Canada.

FAQ

Q: I applied for the eTA but there was a technical issue, or I didn’t get an email approval. Can I still fly to Canada and show proof that I tried?

A: No. An eTA is mandatory. The airline staff will scan your passport to confirm that you have a valid eTA. If you don’t have one, you won’t be able to board your flight.

Q: I renewed my passport, but my valid eTA was linked to the old passport. Do I need a new eTA?

A: Yes. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport, so you need a new one for your new passport.

Q: Can I apply for an eTA with a travel document or something other than a passport?

A: You can only apply for an eTA using a valid passport issued to you by your country of citizenship, as there are only certain countries that are Visa exempt.

Q: What can be used to pay the eTA if I don’t have a credit card?

A: Some other methods include INTERACOnline, JCB card, prepaid Visa, and Union Pay.

Q: Can you apply for an eTA as a family?

A: Each eTA must be applied for individually. You must apply for each person with their own separate passport.