Canada eTA Requirements
To ensure a smooth arrival, understanding entry requirements is crucial. Citizens of certain visa-exempt countries can obtain an eTA online. For some nationalities, a traditional visa is required for entry and in a very limited number of cases travelers can enter Canada solely with a valid passport (without a visa or eTA).
Canadian Citizens, Dual Citizens and US Citizens
Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, must enter Canada using a Canadian passport. US-Canadians can enter Canada using a valid Canadian or US passport. Dual Canadian citizens are not eligible for Canada eTA - so you cannot use your Australian or British passport to apply for Canada eTA.
Entry Requirements for Canadian Permanent Residents
It is important to note that Canadian permanent residents are not eligible to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for entry into Canada. Permanent residents must carry either a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) or valid permanent resident card (PR card).
United States Green Card Holders
As of April 26, 2022, US Green Card holders no longer require Canada eTA. Green Card holders traveling to Canada require:
- Passport: A valid and current Passport from their country of citizenship.
- Green card: A valid Green card showing proof of US residency.
Canada allows certain foreign nationals to visit without a traditional Visitor Visa by using the Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). This visa waiver simplifies air travel to Canada via commercial or chartered flights.
The Canada eTA serves the same purpose as a Canada Visitor Visa but is much faster and easier to obtain, often with approvals within 24 hours. Once approved, the eTA is linked to your Passport and valid for up to five years (or until your passport expires). It allows multiple visits of up to six months each, with the exact duration determined by border officials based on your reason for visiting.
Eligibility Requirements for Canada eTA
Since Canada allows only certain foreign nationals to visit the country without a Visa but on the Canada eTA, you will be eligible for the Canada eTA only if you are a citizen of one of the countries that are eligible for the Canada eTA.
Important information for citizens of visa-exempt countries.
- Arriving to Canada on a plane ? You will need to apply for Canada eTA or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) whether you are visiting Canada or even transiting through a Canadian airport.
- Entering Canada by car or arriving on a ship? Canada eTA is not required, however you must travel with a valid and current Passport.
Conditional Online Canada Visa
Conditional Online Canada Visa implies the issuance of Online Canada Visa under certain conditions. The citizens of the eligible countries must meet the conditions to apply for Online Canada Visa. The conditions are as follows.
- Must have a valid non-immigrant US visa or Canadian visa in the past ten years.
- Entering or transiting through Canada through the Canadian airports.
If any of the above condition is not satisfied, then you must instead apply for a Canada Visitor Visa.
For Conditional Online Canada Visa countries, since their eligibility depends upon previously issued Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) or US non-immigrant visa, passport holders must travel with old passport if it holds:
- your expired Canadian visitor visa, or
- your valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa.
If your country is not in the list of visa-exempt countries for Canada then you need to apply for Canada Visitor Visa instead.
Passport Requirements for Canada eTA
The Canada eTA will be linked to your passport and the type of passport you have will also determine whether you are eligible for applying for the eTA for Canada or . Following passport holders can apply for the Canadian eTA:
- Holders of Ordinary Passports issued by countries eligible for the Canada eTA.
- Holders of Diplomatic, Official, or Service Passports of eligible countries unless they are exempted from applying at all and can travel without the eTA.
- Passport must be Biometric or e-Passport from an eligible country.
You cannot enter Canada even if your eTA for Canada has been approved if you are not carrying proper documentation with you. Your passport is the most important of such documents which you must carry with you when entering Canada and on which the duration of your stay in Canada will be stamped by the border officials.
Other Requirements for Application of Canada eTA
When applying for the Canada eTA online you will be required to have the following:
- Passport
- Contact, employment, and travel details
- A debit or credit card to pay the eTA application fees
If you meet all eTA eligibility requirements, obtaining one and visiting Canada should be straightforward. However, even with an approved eTA, IRCC can deny entry at the border if your documents (such as your passport) are not in order, if you pose a health or financial risk, or if you have a criminal/terrorist record or prior immigration issues.
If you have prepared all the necessary documents and meet the eTA eligibility requirements, you will find the online Canada eTA application form simple and straightforward to complete.