Online – Canada Eta

1. What is an electronic travel authorization (eTA)?


An electronic travel authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for foreign nationals who are visa-exempt and traveling to Canada by air. It is a digital document that allows travelers to enter Canada and stays valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. It helps the Canadian government screen travelers before they arrive in the country, ensuring their admissibility and security. It can be obtained online and is linked electronically to the traveler’s passport.

2. Who can apply for a Canada eTA?

Any eligible foreign national traveling to Canada by air can apply for a Canada eTA. Eligibility criteria include having a valid passport and not being inadmissible to Canada.

3. Is a Canada eTA the same as a visa?

No, a Canada eTA is not the same as a visa. An eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an electronic document that allows travelers from eligible visa-exempt countries to enter Canada for tourism, business or transit purposes. A visa, on the other hand, is a stamp or sticker placed in your passport that allows you to enter and stay in Canada for a specific purpose and duration determined by the government. You may require a visa if you are from a non-visa exempt country or if you plan to stay in Canada for longer periods of time or for reasons such as study or work.

4. How long is a Canada eTA valid for?

A Canada eTA is valid for a period of five years from the date of issue or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can travel to Canada multiple times within this five-year period as long as your eTA and passport are both valid.

5. How much does it cost to obtain a Canada eTA?

The cost of a Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is 7 CAD. This fee is paid online during the application process and covers the processing and administration of the eTA. Additional fees may apply for services offered by third-party companies assisting with the application process.

6. Can I apply for a Canada eTA while in Canada?

No, you cannot apply for a Canada eTA while inside the country. You must apply for an eTA before entering Canada, as it is primarily used for short-term visits by visitors from visa-exempt countries. If you are already in Canada and need to leave and re-enter the country, you may be eligible to apply for an eTA while abroad. However, if you are already in the country and need to extend your stay or change your status, you will need to submit a different application through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

7. How long does it take to process a Canada eTA application?


The processing time for a Canada eTA application can vary depending on the individual circumstances and the current volume of applications. In general, most eTA applications are processed within minutes or hours after submission. However, there can be instances where additional processing is required, which could extend the processing time to several days or even weeks. It is recommended to submit an eTA application at least 72 hours before your intended travel to Canada to account for any potential delays.

8. Can I travel to both the USA and Canada with a single eTA application?


No, a single eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) application is only valid for entry into either Canada or the United States. If you plan to travel to both countries, you will need to apply for separate eTAs for each country.

9. Do infants or young children need an eTA to travel to Canada?

Yes, all foreign nationals, including infants and young children, require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada by air. This includes infants and children who are passport holders of visa-exempt countries. However, they do not need an eTA if they are entering Canada by land or sea.

For more information on traveling to Canada with children, you can refer to the official Government of Canada website.

10. Do I need to print my eTA confirmation after I receive it?

It is not necessary to print your eTA confirmation after you receive it. You can access your eTA information online at any time by checking the status of your application using your application number and passport details. However, it is recommended to keep a copy of your eTA confirmation for your records and for any future travel purposes.

11. Can I enter multiple times into Canada with an eTA on the same trip?

Yes, an eTA is valid for multiple entries into Canada within its validity period, which is usually 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. As long as you do not stay in Canada for more than 6 months at a time and your eTA and passport remain valid, you can enter and exit Canada multiple times during the same trip.

12. What information do I need to provide when applying for an eTA?

When applying for an eTA, you will need to provide personal information such as your full name, date of birth, and passport details. You will also need to provide contact information, employment details, travel plans, and other relevant information pertaining to your trip. Additionally, you may be asked to answer questions related to your criminal history or medical conditions. It is important to ensure that all the information provided is accurate and up-to-date.

13. Is there any age limit for applying for an eTA?


There is no specific age limit for applying for an eTA. However, individuals under the age of 18 may need to provide additional documents, such as a consent letter from a parent or legal guardian, to apply for an eTA. It is recommended to check the requirements of the country you are traveling to before applying for an eTA.

14. Can I apply for an eTA without having my flight booked yet?


Yes, you can apply for an eTA without having your flight booked yet. The application process only requires basic information such as personal details and passport information. However, it is recommended to have your travel plans finalized before applying for an eTA, as you will need to provide your planned date of entry and exit from Canada. This ensures that your eTA is valid for the dates of your trip.

15.Can I use someone else’s credit card to pay for my eTA application fees?

No, you are not allowed to use someone else’s credit card to pay for your eTA application fees. The credit card used for payment must belong to the applicant or an authorized person acting on their behalf. If you do not have a credit card in your own name, you may consider using a prepaid credit card or asking a trusted friend or family member to make the payment for you. It is important to remember that the eTA fees are non-refundable, so it is crucial to ensure that the payment is made correctly and with the proper authorization.

16.What happens if my passport expires before my approved stay in Canada?


If your passport expires before your approved stay in Canada, you will need to renew your passport before traveling to Canada. Without a valid passport, you may not be allowed to enter and may be denied entry at the Canadian border. It is important to ensure that your passport will remain valid for the entire duration of your stay in Canada.

17. Do I need a medical examination before applying for an eTA?


No, a medical examination is not required for an eTA application. However, you may be asked to provide information about your health condition as part of the application.

18.Can I extend or change my visit once I am in Canada with an approved eTA?


No, you cannot extend or change your visit once you have entered Canada with an approved eTA. If you wish to stay longer in Canada or change the purpose of your visit, you must apply for a new visa or permit before your eTA expires.

19.What happens if my application is denied?


If your application is denied, you will typically receive a written notice or email explaining the reasons for the denial. You may have the option to appeal the decision or reapply at a later time. It is important to carefully review the reasons for the denial and address any issues before reapplying.

20.How do I check the status of my Canadian visa or invitation letter application online?


You can check the status of your Canadian visa or invitation letter application online by visiting the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Follow these steps to check your application status:

1. Go to the IRCC website and click on “Check application status” from the menu options.

2. You will be redirected to a new page where you will have to enter your application number, date of birth, and country/territory of residence.

3. Click on the “Submit” button after entering the required information.

4. If you have applied for a visa, you can also check your application status using the MyCIC account that you created during the application process.

5. After logging in to your MyCIC account, select “View my submitted applications or profiles” from the main menu screen.

6. You will be able to see all your applications under “Submitted Applications”. Click on the specific application that you want to check the status for.

7. The current status of your application will be displayed on the screen along with any additional notes or updates provided by IRCC.

Please note that processing times may vary depending on various factors such as type of application, volume of applications being processed, etc. It is recommended to regularly check for updates on your application through either method mentioned above.