An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry system which is electronically linked to the traveler’s passport. It is valid for foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries who are travelling to Canada by air.
Who needs an eTA to travel to Canada?
To travel to Canada by air, a traveler will require either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). If the traveler belongs to a visa-exempt country, he/she will require an eTA in order to enter the country.
How to apply for an eTA?
The application for eTA can be done online. Most applicants will receive their eTA approval (via email) immediately. However, if the applicant is asked to submit supporting documents, the request may take a few days to process. To fill the form, the applicant will require his passport, a credit/debit card and an email address. Once approved the eTA gets automatically linked to the traveler’s passport, which will be checked by the airline staff during the travel to confirm validity.
What is the validity of an eTA?
Once the applicant obtains an eTA, it will be valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. With a valid eTA, one may travel to Canada as often as they want for short stays (normally for up to six months at a time).
