How to Apply for Canada eTA
Table of Contents
What is the meaning of Electronic Travel authorization (eTA)?
The Electronic Travel Authorization is required for foreign nationals who do not require a visa to travel to Canada by air. The eTA is electronically connected to the traveler’s passport and has a five-year validity period. However, you must apply for a new eTA if you receive a new passport. You can go to Canada at any time if you have a valid eTA, but you do not need one to travel within the country.
Who Need The Canada eTA To Travel?
- Visa-exempt foreign nationals must use the eTa to travel.
- Canada eTa is only required while traveling by air; if traveling by car, bus, or other means, the eTA is not required.
- Permanent residents of US will also need an eTA to travel to Canada by air.
- To travel to Canada by air, citizens of certain visa-required countries will need to apply for an eTA instead of a visa.
Some travelers who are unable to apply for the eTA and require alternative forms of identification. Canadian citizens and permanent residents will just require the permanent resident travel document and valid Canadian passports to travel. Former residents of Canada will retain their permanent resident status, which does not expire.
There are also travelers who are not required to have an eTA. They include citizens of the United States who have correct identity (a valid US passport).
How to Apply for Canada eTA
A Canada eTA is obtained by filling out an online application on the Canadian government’s website. The eTA document will be sent to you via email in minutes, though it may take longer if you are required to submit supporting papers.
Price / Cost: A Canada eTA costs CAD $7, and it can only be used for one person at a time and it takes some minutes to apply.
A passport, an email address, and a credit card are required to complete the form. To avoid complications traveling to Canada, make sure you do not input the wrong passport number on the eTA form. As soon as your eTA is granted, double-check that the number on the eTA approval email matches the number on your passport.