Canada Electronic Travel Authorisation – eTA

What is an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) and Do I Need an eTA for Canada?

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is an entry requirement which is required for all visa exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada.

The Canada eTA is an electronic document which is linked to your passport. An eTA is valid for a period of up to five years, or until the expiration date of your passport.

How Long Can You Stay in Canada with an eTA and When is eTA Required?

A valid eTA means that you can travel to Canada as frequently as you wish for short stays if you have a valid passport. These are usually for periods of less than six months. If you get a new passport, you will need to get a new eTA to enter Canada.

If you come from a country that is not on the visa-exempt list, you will not be able to apply for an eTA. Instead, you will need to apply for a visitor visa.

Visa-Exempt Foreign Nationals and Who Needs an eTA for Canada

All visa exempt foreign nationals travelling by air will require an eTA.

You will also require an eTA if you are travelling through Canada by air, including if you need to change flights in a Canadian airport even if you are then travelling on to another country. If you are arriving in Canada by other means, you do not require an eTA.

If you hold a Canadian passport, or you and your family are Canadian citizens (including dual citizens), you do not require an eTA.

How to Apply for an eTA for Canada and What You Need

You can only apply online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for an eTA.

The application fee is CAN$7.00.

You will require a debit or credit card to make the payment. You will also require an email address to receive confirmation of your eTA.

All travellers must have a valid passport from a country on the visa-exempt list.

Occasionally, travellers are asked to submit supporting documents before the eTA is approved.

You will be asked to provide the following information:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Gender
• Marital status
• Passport Number
• Current occupation (if employed)
• Address
• Nationality

Additional Information

Please note that each eTA can only be linked to one passport, so it is crucial to ensure your passport information is completed correctly.

Each eTA is only valid for one individual. If you are applying on behalf of someone else — a child or dependent, for example — each one will require a separate eTA. Each eTA also requires additional payment.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Canadian eTA?

Because the application process is simple and online, the eTA is normally processed within just a few minutes.

Additional Documentation

If you are requested to submit supporting documentation for your eTA application, you will be sent an email within 72 hours. This will outline what additional information is required to complete the application process.

What to Expect After Your eTA Application is Approved for Canada

Once your application is approved, you will receive confirmation from the Canadian immigration service. This email will contain your eTA number.

When you receive this email, please confirm that all details are correct. If the information is not accurate, you may not be able to board your flight, and you may be refused entry into Canada. You are therefore strongly encouraged to ensure all details are correct.

In addition to the eTA, you will have to provide other details to the Canadian authorities to confirm that you are eligible to enter the country. For this, you will need to download and use the ArriveCAN mobile app.

This will allow you to submit important information, such as your COVID-19 vaccination status, contact details for when you are in Canada, and other relevant travel information.

What Happens if My eTA Application is Rejected for Canada?

If you have applied for an eTA and it has been rejected, you will not be able to travel to Canada.

You can re-apply for an eTA any time after you receive your rejection. However, to be considered you will need to address any concerns or reasons for the rejection.

If your application has been submitted but been unsuccessful you are not eligible for a rebate of the CAN$7.00 processing fee. This is applicable whether your application is successful or not.

Should you choose to challenge the refusal of the eTA, you are entitled to ask the Federal Court of Canada to review the decision. To do this, you will require a lawyer to act on your behalf.

If you need assistance with how to deal with an eTA rejection, or if you have any other questions about the application process for an eTA, our legal advisers are standing by today for expert guidance and advice. Please contact us on 0333 305 9375 or online so we can help.

What Happens When You Travel to Canada with an eTA?

When you are at the departure airport, your passport will be checked, and airline staff will confirm that you have a valid eTA before you board your flight to Canada.

If you do not have a valid eTA, you will be denied boarding and you will not be allowed to travel to Canada.

If you are travelling with children under 18 you may also be required to show documentation that authorises the child to travel to Canada (such as a letter from the child’s parents or guardian), or other documents such as adoption papers, otherwise they can also be denied boarding.

If you have been invited to travel to Canada, please ensure you have your letter of invitation with you.

What Happens at the Border When Entering Canada with an eTA?

When your flight lands and you arrive at the Canadian border, you will be asked to produce your valid passport and other supporting documentation. The Canadian authorities will use this to confirm your identity and ensure you have the right to enter Canada and will include checking that you have an eTA.

You will also be required to be checked for symptoms of COVID-19.

Once this has all been completed, you will be allowed to enter Canada.

How Can IAS Help with Your Canada eTA Application and Support?

Traveling to Canada from a non visa-exempt country requires an eTA. The process of applying is a fairly straightforward one. It is important to ensure all the details are correct, and that you are aware of what you are applying for and how it functions. It is also important to ensure that each individual travelling has an eTA.

If you have any additional questions and require advice, guidance, or further information on the eTA or any other aspects of entering Canada, please contact our legal professionals, who can assist you. Our experts are ready to advise on all aspects of the eTA process, from initial application through to acceptance. Please contact us on 0333 305 9375 or online so we can help