Canada Visa (ETA)

The Canada Visa (ETA) is Canada’s official Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for visa-exempt foreign nationals who are flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport. It is issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and is submitted through the Government of Canada’s online system at onlineservices-servicesenligne.cic.gc.ca. The eTA was introduced as a pre-screening step so admissibility questions are reviewed before you board, rather than only at the airport on arrival.

You can apply directly on the IRCC portal or use DoVisa for guided completion and expert review. The application is completed online and requests passport details, contact information, and background questions (for example, health or criminality). Once approved, the authorization is electronically linked to your passport and you typically receive a confirmation by email. Airlines commonly verify an active eTA at check-in and before boarding.

Although it is often called a “visa,” the eTA is not a visa counterfoil and it does not guarantee entry. A Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer still decides admission at the port of entry, and may ask for a return/onward ticket and proof you can support yourself during your visit. A key policy update: as noted by official travel guidance, ArriveCAN submission is not required for entry (this requirement was removed previously), so the eTA remains the main pre-boarding authorization for eligible air travelers. The Canada Visa (ETA) also does not replace a work permit, study permit, or visitor visa when those are required.

For broader entry rules (including who needs a visitor visa versus an eTA), see Canada visa information and verify eligibility using IRCC’s official tools. To get started with document checks, application review, and fast processing options, Apply for your Canada Visa (ETA) now.