Canada's eTA: Who Needs It, How to Apply, and Common Refusals
Llandora·Updated 2026-10-14
⚠️ Disclaimer: For general information only — not tax, financial, legal, or medical advice. Figures may be outdated or incorrect; tax rules change frequently. Verify important decisions with the CRA/IRS or a qualified professional (for health topics, a licensed healthcare provider). You use this information at your own risk.
The short answer
Canada's Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a lightweight entry requirement for visa-exempt travelers flying to Canada. It costs CAD $7, usually arrives in minutes, and is valid for years — but getting it wrong (wrong website, wrong assumptions about transit, or a surprise inadmissibility) can strand you at the departure gate. Here is the complete visitor's guide.
Who needs an eTA
You need an eTA if you are a visa-exempt foreign national flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport. That covers citizens of roughly 50+ countries — the UK, EU/EEA states, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and others. Check IRCC's country tool if you are unsure.
You do not need an eTA if:
You arrive by car, bus, train, or boat (including cruise ships) — the eTA is air-travel only.
You are a US citizen — a valid US passport is enough.
You are a US lawful permanent resident (green card holder) — exempt since April 2022.
You are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident — though dual citizens must travel on a valid Canadian passport.
Partial eTA eligibility: citizens of some visa-required countries can get an eTA instead of a visitor visa for air travel only, if they held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years or hold a valid US non-immigrant visa. As of May 2026 this includes Indonesia and Malaysia, alongside countries like Brazil, Argentina, Thailand, and the Philippines. Land and sea entry still requires a visa.
How to apply: the $7 official process
Use only the official IRCC site (canada.ca eTA pages). Third-party sites charge service fees for the same form — some charge $50–$100.
Have ready: a valid passport from an eligible country, a credit card, and an email address.
One application per person. You cannot apply for a group in a single transaction — each traveler, including children, needs a separate application and fee.
Pay CAD $7 (non-refundable) right after completing the form.
Wait for the decision by email. Most are approved in minutes; some require manual review and take several days.
Apply before you book flights. An eTA is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and covers multiple trips — so there is no reason to leave it to the last minute.
Transit: the rule people forget
An eTA is required even if you are only transiting through a Canadian airport without leaving it — as long as you arrive by air and are visa-exempt. Limited exceptions exist: the China Transit Program and Transit Without Visa program cover certain routings through specific airports. If in doubt, get the eTA — at $7 it is cheap insurance.
Common reasons for refusal or delay
Criminal inadmissibility. DUIs and other convictions can make you inadmissible to Canada. Canada treats impaired driving as a serious criminal offence — a single DUI can bar entry. Deemed rehabilitation or a Temporary Resident Permit may be options, but they take time.
Misrepresentation. Inconsistent or false answers on the application — including omitting a prior refusal — can lead to a 5-year ban.
Passport problems. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport number. A new passport means a new eTA. Dual citizens must use their Canadian passport.
Manual review flags. Common names, prior immigration history, or security screening can push an application into manual review lasting days or weeks.
eTA vs. visitor visa: quick comparison
eTA
Visitor visa (TRV)
Who
Visa-exempt nationals (air)
Visa-required nationals
Cost
CAD $7
CAD $100
Processing
Minutes to days
Weeks to months
Validity
Up to 5 years
Up to 10 years / passport
Entry mode
Air only
Air, land, sea
At the border: what to expect
An approved eTA does not guarantee entry — the CBSA officer at the port of entry makes the final decision. Typical visit: proof of onward travel, accommodation details, and evidence you will leave (job, ties at home). Be honest about your plans; working on a visitor entry is not allowed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an eTA for a connecting flight through Toronto?
Yes, if you are visa-exempt and arriving by air — even without leaving the airport (subject to the narrow transit-program exceptions).
My passport expires in a year. How long is my eTA valid?
Until the passport expires. Renew the passport, then apply for a new eTA.
Can I work in Canada on an eTA?
No. An eTA authorizes visits (tourism, family, business meetings) — not employment. Working requires a work permit.
I was refused an eTA. What now?
Depending on the reason, you may need to apply for a visitor visa, address inadmissibility (e.g., criminal rehabilitation), or correct an application error. Do not reapply with the same flawed information.
Is the eTA linked to my passport?
Yes — electronically. Airlines verify it at check-in. If you renew your passport, the eTA does not transfer.
Do children need eTAs?
Yes. Every traveler needs their own eTA and pays the CAD $7 fee, regardless of age.
Sources
Government of Canada, Electronic travel authorization (eTA): How to apply: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html
Government of Canada, Find out about electronic travel authorization (eTA): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/facts.html
IRCC Help Centre, How do I apply for an eTA for travel to Canada?: https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=1056&top=16
This article is general information about Canadian entry rules, not legal advice. Entry requirements change — check the official IRCC site before you travel.
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