All foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries travelling to Canada by air must first obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This eTA is valid for up to 5 years or if your passport expires within 5 years.
You either need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to, or transit through, a Canadian airport. You only need one or the other, not both.
Who needs an eTA to travel to Canada?
You need an eTA if you’re a:
- Visa-exempt foreign national and you’re flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport
- As a visa-exempt foreign national, you do NOT need an eTA (or a visitor visa) when arriving by car, bus, train or boat (including a cruise ship).
- Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. and you’re flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport
- You must present a valid Green Card and the valid passport used to apply for your eTA at check-in.
- you also do NOT need an eTA when arriving by car, bus, train or boat,including a cruise ship.
You may be eligible to apply for an eTA (instead of a visitor visa) if you’re a:
- Citizens from select visa-required countries and you’re travelling to Canada by air.
- However, you still need a visitor visa (not an eTA) when arriving by car, bus, train, or boat, including a cruise ship.
Contact us for further information regarding the procedures for applying for an eTA.