eTA Canada — Electronic Travel Authorization
The mandatory pre-screening requirement for visa-exempt nationals flying to Canada — who needs it, how to get it in minutes, and why your eTA might be denied.
What is the eTA and Who Needs One?
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a mandatory pre-entry screening requirement for nationals of visa-exempt countries who travel to Canada by air. It was introduced by Canada in March 2016 as part of a broader effort to modernize border security through advance traveller vetting. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport and must be obtained before you board your flight to Canada.
Who needs an eTA? Citizens of visa-exempt countries (e.g. citizens of the UK, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, and dozens of others — but NOT the United States) who are flying into Canada. Americans are NOT required to have an eTA — they use their US passport alone.
Who does NOT need an eTA? (1) American citizens (use passport only), (2) Canadian citizens (use passport or NEXUS card), (3) Canadian permanent residents (use their PR card), (4) Persons who already hold a valid Canadian visa (they use the visa instead), (5) Travellers arriving by land or sea (they do not need an eTA — only required for air travel into Canada).
Countries Requiring an eTA (Key Examples)
The following nationalities must have an eTA to fly to Canada (they do not need a separate visitor visa, but still need the eTA):
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- 🇦🇺 Australia
- 🇩🇪 Germany
- 🇫🇷 France
- 🇮🇹 Italy
- 🇳🇱 Netherlands
- 🇯🇵 Japan
- 🇰🇷 South Korea
- 🇸🇬 Singapore
- 🇳🇿 New Zealand
- 🇲🇽 Mexico (air only — land border needs visa)
- 🇿🇦 South Africa
- 🇸🇪 Sweden
- 🇨🇭 Switzerland
- 🇦🇹 Austria
- 🇧🇪 Belgium
- 🇩🇰 Denmark
- 🇵🇹 Portugal
- 🇳🇴 Norway
- 🇫🇮 Finland
How to Apply for Your eTA — Step by Step
- Go to the Official IRCC eTA Website: The only official eTA application site is canada.ca/eta. Be careful of third-party websites that charge much higher fees and just submit the application on your behalf — the official fee is only $7 CAD.
- Gather Required Information: You need your valid foreign passport (which the eTA will be linked to), a credit card or debit card, an email address, and your travel history and employment details.
- Complete the Online Application: The form takes approximately 10–15 minutes to complete. You provide personal details, passport information, contact details, travel history, and answer a series of background questions (similar to the US ESTA) about criminal history, medical conditions, visa refusals, and previous stays in Canada.
- Pay the $7 CAD Fee: The fee is $7 CAD per person. Credit card, debit card, or PayPal are accepted. The fee is non-refundable.
- Receive Confirmation by Email: Most eTAs are approved within minutes and you receive an email with your eTA number. In some cases, additional processing is required and can take several days. Always apply before booking flights to avoid being denied boarding. Your eTA is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first) and allows multiple trips to Canada within that period.
Why Your eTA May Be Refused — And What To Do
eTA refusals are rare for straightforward visa-exempt travellers but can occur for the following reasons:
| Reason for Refusal | What To Do |
|---|---|
| Criminal convictions in Canada or abroad | Apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Criminal Rehabilitation through a Canadian visa office instead |
| Previous Canadian visa refusal that was not disclosed | All prior refusals must be disclosed truthfully. Concealing them leads to misrepresentation inadmissibility. |
| Prior removal or deportation from Canada | Apply for an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) and TRP through a Canadian visa office |
| Security concerns or matches on watchlists | Apply through a Canadian visa office for a full assessment and opportunity to provide additional information |
| Medical inadmissibility | Medical assessment and TRP application may be required |
No Formal Appeal for eTA Refusals: There is no appeal process for a refused eTA. However, you can apply for a full Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) through a Canadian visa application center (VAC), which involves a more thorough review with an opportunity to explain your circumstances in writing. This is the recommended next step after an eTA refusal.
What Happens at the Canadian Airport with Your eTA
- Airline Check-In: When you check in for your flight (at the departure airport), the airline verifies your eTA is valid by scanning your passport. If no valid eTA is found, you will be denied boarding — the airline is penalized if they bring inadmissible passengers to Canada. This is why the eTA is a pre-clearance tool.
- Arrivals Hall — CBSA Primary Inspection Kiosks: Upon landing at a major Canadian airport (Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, etc.), you first go to a Primary Inspection Kiosk (PIK) — a self-serve kiosk that scans your passport and takes your photo. The kiosk verifies your eTA and pre-screens your declaration. This takes about 60–90 seconds.
- Border Services Officer Interaction: After the kiosk, you proceed to a border officer who reviews the kiosk printout and asks questions. Typical questions include: purpose of visit, duration, where you'll be staying, and funds available. Answer truthfully and concisely.
- eTA is NOT a Guarantee of Entry: Having a valid eTA does not guarantee you will be admitted to Canada. The CBSA officer at the port of entry has final authority to grant or deny entry. If the officer is not satisfied that you are a genuine visitor (e.g., they suspect you intend to work without authorization, or you can't demonstrate sufficient funds), they can refuse your entry regardless of your eTA status.
• IRCC eTA Official Application Portal: canada.ca/eta
• IRCC Who Needs an eTA (Country List): canada.ca/eta-who-needs
• CBSA Primary Inspection Kiosks (Arrivals Process): cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/pik-arrivals
• IRCC eTA Refusal — Apply for Visitor Visa Instead: canada.ca/visitor-visa-trv