CA · ENTRY REQUIREMENTSCANADA · ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Apply for a Canada Electronic Travel Authorisation
Canada Travel Authorization Service. Mandatory entry document for travel to Canada for tourism, transit, or business trips.
Do I Need an eTA?
Three common situations. Find the one that matches your travel before continuing.
You are visiting for tourism, business, or transit
If you hold a passport from an eligible country and plan to fly to or transit through Canada for a stay of up to six months, you require an Electronic Travel Authorisation. You are in the right place.
You plan to work, study long-term, or settle in Canada
An eTA does not authorise paid employment, courses longer than six months, or permanent residence. You will require a work permit, study permit, or another visa category instead.
View visa routes on canada.ca →
You are a Canadian or American citizen
Canadian citizens do not require an eTA. United States citizens are exempt from the eTA requirement and may travel with a valid passport as normal.
No action required
Eligible Nationalities
The Electronic Travel Authorisation is available to nationals of the following countries. Citizens of countries outside this list require a Standard Visitor Visa rather than an eTA.
An applicant is likely eligible if:
- ✓They hold a passport from an eligible country listed.
- ✓The purpose of travel is tourism, business, family visits, or transit.
- ✓The intended length of stay does not exceed six consecutive months per visit.
- ✓They are not seeking to undertake paid employment in Canada.
An eTA is not required if:
- ✕The applicant holds Canadian citizenship.
- ✕The applicant already holds a valid Canadian visa.
- ✕The applicant is entering by land or sea and their nationality is visa-exempt for those modes.
Advantages of Applying Through Our Service
| Service | Canada Government Portal | Service eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year | | |
| No registration or user account required |  | |
| Application reviewed by caseworkers before submission | | |
| Free corrections to any field before submission | | |
| Multilingual customer assistance by email | | |
| Alerts for missing or inconsistent information | | |
| Encrypted submission and data handling | | |
| Document recovery in the event of loss | | |
| Service fee refunded in the event of refusal | | |
Travelling to Canada
The following information is provided for general guidance to nationals of eligible countries who intend to travel to Canada under the Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme. It does not constitute legal advice. Applicants are advised to consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for authoritative guidance.
Permitted Activities Under the eTA
The eTA authorises short visits to Canada so far the following activities:
- Tourism and visits to family or friends
- Business meetings, conferences, and short-term work-related activities not constituting employment in Canada
- Travel through a Canadian airport en route to a third country
- Short courses of study not exceeding six months in duration
Paid employment, long-term study, and permanent residence are not permitted under an eTA. Travellers intending to undertake these activities must apply for the appropriate work permit, study permit, or visa category before travel.
Documents Required on Arrival
Border officers at Canadian ports of entry may request supporting documentation in addition to a valid passport and eTA. Travellers are advised to carry the following:
- Evidence of accommodation arrangements (hotel booking, address of host, or similar).
- A return or onward travel ticket, where applicable.
- Evidence of sufficient funds to support the visit.
- Where the purpose of travel is business, an invitation letter from the host organisation.
Health Provisions for Visitors
Canada's universal healthcare system does not cover short-term visitors. All medical costs incurred during a visit are the responsibility of the traveller, and visitors are strongly advised to hold comprehensive travel and medical insurance covering the full duration of their stay.
An Immigration Health Surcharge does not apply to eTA holders. Emergency treatment is available at hospitals across Canada; however, fees may be substantial and visitors without insurance may be required to pay upfront.
Customs and Prohibited Goods
Travellers are reminded that Canada enforces restrictions on the importation of certain goods, including but not limited to: certain meat, dairy, and plant products; firearms and offensive weapons; cannabis (despite domestic legality, importation is prohibited); endangered animal and plant species; and counterfeit goods. Detailed customs allowances are published by the Canada Border Services Agency.
Climatic Conditions
Canada has a continental climate with significant regional variation. Weather conditions differ markedly between coastal, central, and northern regions:
- Spring (Mar–May): Temperatures rising; significant variation between regions.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm to hot; daily maxima 25°C to 35°C in most populated areas.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Cooling temperatures; notable foliage in eastern provinces.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold, substantial snowfall in most regions; severe cold in the north and prairies.
Visitors are advised to consult Environment and Climate Change Canada for current forecasts before travel.
Connectivity and Practical Matters
- Canada uses NEMA 1-15 / 5-15 (Type A and B) electrical sockets supplying 120 volts at 60 Hz.
- Mobile network coverage is comprehensive in urban areas; rural and northern coverage may be limited.
- The currency in use is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $). Card payments are widely accepted.
- Driving in Canada is on the right-hand side of the road.
VALIDITY
5 years, or until passport expiry
PERMITTED STAY
Up to 6 months per entry
MODES OF TRAVEL
Air only
ISSUING AUTHORITY
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- ›Valid passport from an eligible nationality
- ›A current email address
- ›A debit or credit card for payment
- ›Travel itinerary, where applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
No. An Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is a digital pre-travel screening, not a visa. It permits short visits of up to six months for tourism, business, transit, or short-term study. Travellers who intend to work, study long-term, or settle in the United Kingdom require a Standard Visitor Visa or another visa category instead. Nationals of countries that are not on the eTA eligible list also require a visa, regardless of the length or purpose of the trip.
Service eVisa is an independent online platform that assists travellers with their eTA applications. We review each submission for errors, provide multilingual support, and handle the process on your behalf. Our service is separate from the Canadian Government and charges an additional processing fee for the assistance provided.
Most eTA applications are processed within minutes of submission. In some cases, additional checks may be required, which can extend the processing time to several days. We recommend applying at least 72 hours before your intended travel date to allow for any delays.
Yes. Our multilingual customer support team is available by email to answer questions about the application process, required documents, or the status of your submission. You can reach us through the contact page on our website.
If your eTA application is refused by IRCC, our service fee is fully refunded. The government fee is non-refundable. We will notify you of the decision and provide guidance on alternative options, such as applying for a Temporary Resident Visa.
The official Canadian Government portal requires you to create an account and complete the application independently. Service eVisa offers additional support including application review by caseworkers, error correction before submission, multilingual assistance, and a refund policy in the event of refusal.
Yes. A Canadian eTA is valid for five years from the date of issue, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During that period, you may enter Canada multiple times for stays of up to six months per visit.
Need Help?Our caseworkers provide dedicated assistance for online visa applications. Their role is to simplify the process and help travellers obtain the necessary documentation with confidence.
Please note that Service eVisa is an independent, private agency. It is not connected to any government authority and does not provide legal advice. Travellers may also apply directly through the official Canadian Government website.