Canada welcomes millions of visitors each year with its stunning natural beauty, vibrant multicultural cities, and legendary hospitality. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to thundering Niagara Falls, from cosmopolitan Toronto to charming Quebec City, Canada offers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.
For citizens of visa-exempt countries, the Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is required when flying to Canada. This simple online authorization takes just minutes to complete, costs only $7 CAD, and remains valid for 5 years. DoVisa makes the application process even easier!
What is the Canada eTA?
The Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a mandatory entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada. Introduced in 2016, the eTA is electronically linked to your passport and verified by airlines when you check in for your flight.
Think of the eTA as a digital pre-screening that allows Canadian immigration to review your eligibility before you board your flight. It's not a visa — it's a simpler authorization for citizens of countries with visa-free agreements with Canada. The entire application can be completed online in about 5 minutes.
Canada eTA at a Glance
Validity: 5 years or until passport expires (whichever comes first)
Maximum stay: Up to 6 months per visit
Cost: $7 CAD (~$5 USD)
Processing: Usually approved within minutes
Purpose: Tourism, business meetings, transit, visiting family
Multiple entries: Unlimited entries during validity period
Required for: Flying to Canada (not land/sea crossings from USA)
Who Needs an eTA?
Understanding who needs an eTA versus a visitor visa is crucial for proper trip planning. The requirement depends on your nationality and how you're arriving in Canada.
- eTA required (flying to Canada): Citizens of UK, EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Chile, and most other visa-exempt countries
- eTA NOT needed: US citizens (passport only), Canadian citizens and permanent residents, travelers with valid Canadian visas
- Visitor visa required instead: Citizens of India, China, Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, most African countries, and most South American countries
- Land/sea border from USA: No eTA needed — just your passport (for visa-exempt nationalities)
Land Border Exception
If you're driving, taking a bus, or arriving by boat from the United States, you don't need an eTA — even if you're from an eTA-required country. The eTA is only mandatory for air travel. However, you still need a valid passport and may be subject to normal immigration checks at the border.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Canada eTA, you must meet several eligibility criteria. Understanding these requirements helps ensure your application is approved without delays.
- Hold a passport from an eTA-eligible country
- Passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay
- Traveling to Canada by air (commercial or charter flight)
- Purpose of visit: tourism, business, transit, or visiting family/friends
- No serious criminal history or immigration violations
- Good health (no communicable diseases of public health concern)
- Sufficient funds to support your stay in Canada
- Genuine intention to leave Canada at the end of your visit
- No previous deportation or removal order from Canada
Documents Needed
The Canada eTA application is remarkably simple compared to traditional visa applications. You'll need the following information ready before starting:
- Valid passport from an eTA-eligible country
- Passport number, issue date, and expiry date
- Valid email address (approval sent here)
- Credit or debit card for $7 CAD payment
- Basic personal information (name, date of birth, nationality)
- Travel details (arrival date, purpose of visit)
- Employment information (job title, employer name)
- Contact details in Canada (if applicable)
- Previous travel history to Canada (if any)
- Information about any criminal convictions
How to Apply for Canada eTA
The Canada eTA application process is straightforward and can be completed online in about 5 minutes. Follow these steps for a smooth application:
- Verify your eligibility — Use our visa checker to confirm your country qualifies for eTA (not a visitor visa)
- Gather your documents — Have your passport, email address, and payment card ready before starting
- Start your application — Access the eTA form through DoVisa or the official IRCC website
- Enter passport details — Input your full name exactly as it appears in your passport, passport number, and expiry date
- Provide personal information — Complete details about your nationality, date of birth, and contact information
- Answer background questions — Honestly answer questions about criminal history and previous travel to Canada
- Review all information — Double-check every field for accuracy before submitting
- Pay the fee — Complete the $7 CAD payment using credit card, debit card, or Interac
- Receive confirmation — Approval is usually sent to your email within minutes
- Save your approval — Keep the confirmation email for your records (printing not required)
Costs & Processing Time
The Canada eTA is one of the most affordable travel authorizations in the world. Here's what to expect regarding costs and processing times:
eTA Costs & Processing
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Government Application Fee | $7 CAD (~$5 USD) |
| DoVisa Service (optional) | $19.99 USD (includes review & support) |
| Standard Processing | Usually within minutes |
| Extended Processing | Up to 72 hours (rare cases) |
| Validity Period | 5 years or until passport expires |
| Entries Allowed | Multiple (unlimited during validity) |
| Maximum Stay per Visit | Up to 6 months |
Get Your Canada eTA Today
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid These Application Errors
Even small mistakes on your eTA application can cause delays or result in denial. These are the most common errors that travelers make — and how to avoid them.
- Name mismatches: Enter your name EXACTLY as it appears in your passport — including middle names, hyphens, and special characters
- Passport number errors: Double-check every digit; mixing up O and 0 or I and 1 is common
- Wrong passport selected: If you have dual citizenship, apply with the passport you'll use to travel
- Expired email address: Use an active email you check regularly — approval arrives here
- Applying too late: While most eTAs are instant, apply at least 72 hours before travel
- Not updating after new passport: If you get a new passport, you need a new eTA
- Incorrect travel dates: Verify your arrival date matches your flight booking
- Dishonest answers: Always answer questions truthfully — false information leads to denial and potential bans
DoVisa Catches Errors Before Submission
Our application system validates your information in real-time and our visa experts review every submission before processing. This catches typos and common errors before they cause problems with your eTA approval.
Travel Tips for Canada
Make the most of your Canadian adventure with these essential travel tips from our experts who know the country inside and out.
- Best time to visit: June-September for summer activities and wildlife; December-March for skiing and winter sports; September-October for stunning fall colors
- Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit cards accepted everywhere; ATMs widely available. US dollars sometimes accepted near the border
- Language: English and French are official. Quebec is primarily French-speaking; most tourist areas are bilingual
- Getting around: Domestic flights for long distances; excellent train service via VIA Rail; car rental ideal for exploring national parks
- Must-see attractions: Niagara Falls, Banff National Park, Old Montreal, Vancouver's Stanley Park, Toronto's CN Tower, Northern Lights in Yukon
- Weather: Canada is huge with varied climates. Pack layers and check regional weather forecasts. Winters can be extremely cold (-20°C to -40°C)
- Tipping: 15-20% in restaurants; $1-2 per bag for hotel staff; 15-20% for taxi drivers
- Healthcare: Travel insurance strongly recommended — Canadian healthcare is expensive for visitors
- Cell service: Purchase local SIM at arrival or activate international roaming. Major carriers are Rogers, Bell, and Telus
Pro Tip: The Rockies Road Trip
The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) between Banff and Jasper is one of the world's most scenic drives. Allow 3-4 hours to enjoy the glaciers, turquoise lakes, and wildlife. Stop at Peyto Lake and the Columbia Icefield for unforgettable views!
Why Apply with DoVisa?
Guided step-by-step application
Real-time error checking and validation
Expert review before submission
Instant processing and delivery
24/7 customer support
Money-back guarantee if denied
Secure 256-bit encrypted payments
Trusted by 50,000+ travelers to Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Canada eTA processing take?
Can I work in Canada with an eTA?
What if my eTA application is denied?
Do I need to print my eTA?
What if I get a new passport after my eTA is approved?
Can I extend my stay beyond 6 months?
Is my payment information secure with DoVisa?
Can I apply for my family members on one application?
What's the difference between eTA and visitor visa?
Can I transit through Canada with an eTA?
Ready to Explore Canada?
Canada offers incredible diversity — from world-class cities to pristine wilderness, from French-Canadian culture to Indigenous heritage, from Pacific beaches to Atlantic coastlines. The eTA makes visiting this magnificent country easy and affordable for millions of travelers.
With just $7 CAD and 5 minutes of your time, you'll be authorized to explore the Great White North for the next 5 years. Apply with DoVisa today and start planning your Canadian adventure!
Canada
Capital: Ottawa
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Language: English, French
Timezone: UTC-3.5 to UTC-8 (6 time zones)
Processing: Minutes
Quick Facts
- Best time: May-October (summer), Dec-March (skiing)
- World's second largest country by area
- Power: 120V, Type A/B plugs (same as USA)
- Country code: +1
- Emergency number: 911
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Comments(12)
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British passport holder here - got my eTA through DoVisa and the application was so simple and clear. Love that it's valid for 5 years! Already planning my third trip to Canada.
Pro tip: get your eTA now even if you're not traveling immediately. It lasts 5 years so when you decide to go, you're already sorted. DoVisa made the whole process so easy and straightforward!
Question: My eTA was approved instantly but I haven't received the email yet. Should I be worried?
Important note: you DON'T need an eTA if you're driving from the US! I applied unnecessarily before a road trip. Just FYI if you're crossing by land - the eTA is only required for flying into Canada.
Applied for my whole family (4 people) through DoVisa - the applications were simple and the family management feature made it so easy to keep track of everyone's documents. Great service! Heading to Vancouver next month.
I had a minor criminal conviction from 15 years ago. Will this affect my eTA?
The Banff to Jasper drive mentioned in this article is INCREDIBLE. We did it last summer and saw bears, elk, and the most beautiful turquoise lakes. Canada is magical! Thanks DoVisa for making the eTA process so painless.
First time using DoVisa and I'm impressed. The application was much clearer than trying to navigate the government website myself. Will definitely use them for my Australia trip too!
Got my new passport and forgot I needed a new eTA. DoVisa sent me a reminder email! That's excellent customer service. The renewal process was quick and painless.
Does anyone know if the eTA is valid for multiple entries? Planning to visit Canada twice this year.
Nervous about applying for my first international trip document but DoVisa made it so straightforward. The step-by-step guide was perfect and the confirmation came through immediately. Thank you!
Irish passport holder - eTA application through DoVisa was incredibly straightforward! The whole process was smooth and stress-free. See you soon Canada!