Canada eTA: Who Needs One, How to Apply and What It Costs
An electronic travel authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt travellers who fly to Canada. It costs CAD$7, links to your passport and lasts up to 5 years or until your passport expires. You need a visitor visa or an eTA, never both. We help you pick the right one and fix mistakes.
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Who needs an eTA to fly to Canada?
Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an eTA to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport. They do not need one when they arrive by car, bus, train or boat. Some citizens of visa-required countries may also qualify for an eTA instead of a visa when they fly, such as certain citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia from 26 May 2026 (IRCC).
Who does not need an eTA?
US citizens are exempt, and so are US lawful permanent residents with valid status. Canadian citizens and permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA and use a Canadian passport or PR card. Read our visitor visa guide, the Visiting Canada hub and the visitor record guide.
Key rules at a glance
- Linked to your passport: you must fly with the same passport you used to apply. A new passport needs a new eTA.
- Check the number: the passport number in your approval email must match your passport exactly, or you must reapply.
- No guarantee: an eTA does not guarantee entry. A border officer decides when you arrive.
- Minors and invitations: carry a parent authorization letter for a minor child, and any letter of invitation you received.
Which situation matches yours?
Pick the situation that matches yours below.
An eTA fits if
- Your passport is from a visa-exempt country and you will fly.
- You are a certain citizen of a country allowed to use an eTA instead of a visa.
- You want repeat short visits on one document.
You need something else if
- You arrive by land or sea: most visa-exempt citizens need no eTA, but you need a valid passport.
- You are visa-required and not eligible for an eTA: apply for a visitor visa.
- You hold dual Canadian citizenship: you need a Canadian passport to fly in.
See the Visiting Canada hub and the visitor record guide if you want to stay longer.
Why eTA trips go wrong
Five problems cause most trouble. Source: IRCC.
Wrong passport number
If the number in your approval email does not match your passport, you may not board. You must reapply with the correct number.
New passport, old eTA
Your eTA is linked to the passport you used to apply. A new passport needs a new eTA.
Last-minute application
Most applications are approved within minutes, but some need up to 72 hours or documents. Apply well before you fly.
Applying when a visa is required
Applicants from visa-required countries can only use an eTA if they are specifically eligible. Check the rules first.
Missing papers at the border
Carry minors’ authorization letters and any invitation letter. A valid eTA does not guarantee entry.
Not sure an eTA is the right document?
We check your passport, route and plans before you pay or fly.
Timing you cannot miss
Apply before you book
Most applications are approved within minutes, but some take up to 72 hours. Apply before you book non-refundable flights.
Compare the passport number in the email with your passport. If they differ, you need to apply again.
Your eTA lasts up to 5 years or until your passport expires. Get a new eTA when you get a new passport.
What you need to apply
The form cannot be saved, so have these ready.
How the eTA works, step by step
Six stages from your check to your flight.
Check you can use an eTA
Use the IRCC questionnaire for your passport and route.
Get your details ready
The online form cannot be saved.
Apply online
Answer the questions in English or French.
Pay CAD$7
Pay right after you finish the form.
Check your email
Most are approved within minutes. Check the passport number.
Fly with the same passport
The airline scans your passport. You need no printout.
eTA costs
From IRCC pages. Last updated: October 2026.
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Canada eTA FAQs
What is an eTA?
An electronic travel authorization is an entry requirement for visa-exempt travellers who fly to Canada. It is linked to your passport and is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires.
How much does an eTA cost?
CAD$7. The fee is non-refundable and you pay it right after you complete the online form.
Who needs an eTA?
Visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through a Canadian airport. They do not need one when arriving by car, bus, train or boat.
Do US citizens need an eTA?
No. US citizens are exempt and must carry valid identification such as a US passport. US lawful permanent residents with valid status are also exempt.
Do Canadian citizens need an eTA?
No. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, need a valid Canadian passport to fly to Canada. Permanent residents need a PR card or a PR travel document.
Can I use an eTA if I normally need a visa?
Some citizens of select visa-required countries can apply for an eTA instead of a visa when flying. As of 26 May 2026 this includes some citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia who meet requirements. They need a visa to arrive by land or sea.
How long does it take?
Most applications are approved within minutes. Some need documents, and IRCC says you can expect an email within 72 hours if so. Apply well before your flight.
What if my eTA passport number is wrong?
If the passport number in the approval email does not match your passport, you must apply again with the correct number. You may not be able to board if you do not.
How long can I stay with an eTA?
Normally up to 6 months at a time, and the border officer decides. An eTA does not guarantee entry.
Do I need an eTA for my child?
Yes, if the child is visa-exempt and flying. A child under 18 may also need a letter from one or both parents or a legal guardian that authorizes travel.
Can I get an eTA and a visitor visa?
You need one or the other, not both. If you have a valid visitor visa, you can use it to travel until it expires. Read our visitor visa guide.
What if I need to stay longer?
Apply for a visitor record before your status expires. Read our visitor record guide.