Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTAs)

TRV-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

What is an eTA?

1. An eTA allows TRV-exempt foreign nationals to travel to Canada.
2. An eTA is a paperless document that is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

United States citizens and permanent residents do not need neither TRV nor eTA.

How to apply?

Case 1: You are applying for a study permit.

1. Your eTA will be issued automatically when your study permit application is approved and will be linked to the passport you used in your study permit application.
2. Your eTA number will appear on your Letter of Introduction (study permit approval letter).
3. You will need to present the passport you used to apply for your eTA to airline staff each time you board a flight to Canada.

Case 2: You are study permit-exempt.

1. If you are study permit exempt (e.g. 1-term exchange student), you will need to apply separately for the eTA.
2. To apply for an eTA, you will have to go online and complete an application form. You will need a credit card, a valid passport, and an email address.
3. You can only apply for one person at a time.
4. Applying for an eTA is a simple and inexpensive ($7 Canadian) online process that will take just a few minutes.
5. Most eTA-eligible applicants will get their authorization by email within minutes of submitting the online form.
6. The eTA is linked to the passport you used in your eTA application. You will need to present the passport you used to apply for your eTA to airline staff each time you board a flight to Canada.

FAQs

1. Does having an eTA automatically mean that I am allowed to enter Canada?
   • No. An eTA will facilitate your entry into Canada. When you arrive at the border, a border services officer will ask to see your passport or travel documents and ask you a few questions. The officer will then decide if you can enter the country.
2. What happens if I get a new passport after I have received an eTA?
   • If you get a new passport, you will need to get a new eTA.
   • Your eTA is electronically linked to your passport.
3. What if I do not know if an eTA has been issued to me?
   • As the eTA is electronically linked to your passport it may not be obvious that an eTA has been issued to you.
   • If you have any doubts, you can verify the status of your eTA on CIC’s website.
4. I have dual citizenship. Do I need an eTA for both passports?
   • No. You only need a valid eTA for the passport that you will use to travel to Canada.
   • The eTA is electronically linked to the passport you use to apply.
   • You may be denied boarding your flight to Canada if you present a different passport.

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