What is an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)?

The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a document for travellers who are visiting or in transit through Canada.

If you are planning to travel to Canada by air or your flight has a stop in a Canadian airport, you will need to make sure that you have all the necessary documentation.

You are required to obtain an eTA if:

You are not a Canadian or American citizen,
You are from a country that does not require a visitor’s visa to Canada.

This electronic document is a security measure that allows Canadian authorities to check travellers’ information before they arrive in the country.

You can apply for an eTA online. While usually the eTA is approved within minutes, the process can take a few days. Once approved, this document is attached to your passport electronically and is valid for up to 5 years.

If you are not eligible for an eTA, you can also apply for a visitor’s visa online.

For more information

Do I need a Visitor’s Visa to Visit Canada? – More information on the requirements for people travelling to Canada. From Settlement.Org.

Visiting Canada – Information about how to apply for a visitor's visa, how you can extend your stay, and answers to frequently asked questions. From Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).