Canada Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)

What is a Canada Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)?

A Canada eTA is a digital entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. It is electronically connected to your passport and does not require a physical visa sticker. This travel authorisation is intended for short visits for tourism, family visits, approved business activities, or transit through Canada.

What does a Canada eTA allow?

An approved Canada eTA allows you to:

• Travel to Canada for tourism or holidays

• Visit family or friends

• Attend short-term business activities such as meetings, conferences, or events

• Transit through Canada on your way to another destination

Most visitors are permitted to stay in Canada for up to six months per visit. The final length of stay is determined by a border officer on arrival. A valid eTA may allow multiple entries during its validity period, provided all conditions are met.

The eTA does not permit paid employment or long-term study in Canada.

Who can apply for a Canada eTA?

You may be eligible to apply for a Canada eTA if you:

• Hold a passport from a visa-exempt country

• Plan to travel to Canada by air

• Are visiting for tourism, short-term business activities, or transit

• Meet health and character requirements

• Apply before travelling to Canada

Eligibility depends on your individual situation, and all details provided in the application must be accurate and complete

Important note: United States citizens do not require an eTA to travel to Canada. In addition, some travellers who are citizens of visa-required countries may be eligible to apply for an eTA in limited circumstances, such as if they hold a valid US non-immigrant visa or have previously held a Canadian visitor visa.

Who should not apply for a Canada eTA?

A Canada eTA may not be suitable if you:

• Hold a passport that is not eligible for the eTA programme

• Plan to enter Canada by land or sea rather than by air

• Intend to work in Canada or receive payment from a Canadian source

• Plan to undertake long-term or full-time study

• Are seeking to remain in Canada beyond the permitted stay

In these cases, a different travel authorisation or visa type may be more appropriate.

Permitted Activities and Restrictions

Permitted Activities

While in Canada with a valid eTA, you may:

• Travel for tourism or leisure

• Visit relatives or friends

• Attend business meetings, conferences, or trade events

• Take part in unpaid business visitor activities

All activities must align with the purpose stated in your application

Restrictions

You must not:

• Take up paid employment in Canada

• Provide services or sell goods directly to the public

• Enrol in long-term or full-time study programmes

• Remain in Canada beyond the authorised period

• Use repeated visits in a way that suggests long-term residence

Failure to follow these conditions may affect future travel eligibility.

Validity and Length of Stay

A Canada Electronic Travel Authorisation is usually valid for up to five years from the date of issue or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this time, you may travel to Canada multiple times by air. Each visit generally allows a stay of up to six months, subject to approval at the port of entry.

Your approved validity and authorised stay will be confirmed upon arrival in Canada.

Key Travel Conditions

Holders of a Canada Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) must:

• Enter Canada by air using the passport linked to the eTA

• Respect the length of stay authorised by border officials, usually up to six months per visit

• Not take up paid employment in Canada

• Only undertake short courses that are not the main purpose of travel

• Leave Canada before the permitted stay expires

Failure to follow these conditions may impact future travel authorisation applications.

How the Application Process Works

The Canada eTA application is completed online. Once submitted, the application is reviewed electronically. If approved, the eTA is linked digitally to the passport used during the application. No physical document is issued.

You must travel using the same passport that was used when applying for the eTA.

Common Reasons for Delays or Refusals

An application may be delayed or refused if:

• Information submitted is incomplete or inaccurate

• The travel purpose does not meet eTA requirements

• Previous travel conditions were not followed

• There are concerns related to security, health, or background checks

Careful and accurate preparation can help reduce avoidable delays.

Before You Travel

Before travelling to Canada:

• Confirm your eTA approval status

• Ensure your passport remains valid for travel

• Understand the conditions associated with your eTA

• Make sure your travel plans align with permitted activities

Final entry permission is determined by Canadian border officials upon arrival.

Important Reminder

Holding a valid Canada eTA does not guarantee entry into Canada. Border officers make the final decision on admission at the point of arrival.

Why Choose Us

• Careful application support

• Clear and practical guidance

• Transparent and independent service

• Streamlined digital process

• Focused on short-term travel requirements