The answers to your questions
Find in this FAQ all the essential information about eTA Canada . You will be able to leave serenely in the land of maple!
What is a Canada eTA?
Issued by the Canadian government, the Electronic Travel Authorization eTA is an official form allowing travelers to enter Canada.
What is the difference between an AVE and an eTA?
None. AVE and eTA describe the same travel authorization. AVE is the acronym in French while eTA is the acronym in English.
Who is the eTA travel authorization intended for?
The eTA Canada travel authorization targets all nationals of member countries of the visa waiver program wishing to stay a maximum of 6 months in Canada. In addition, the eTA authorization is only granted for tourist stays, business trips or transit made by plane.
Please note that people transiting through the United States before returning to Canadian territory must apply for an ESTA authorization from the American government in addition to the eTA application.
What do I need to apply for eTA online?
The online request requires a form to be completed. Here’s what you need :
- a valid passport ;
- a credit card or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, UnionPay);
- a valid email address.
Do I have to pay to apply for a Canada eTA?
The basic eTA application fee is CAN$7. Additional costs may be added if you subscribe to additional services (online assistance, verification of information, etc.). Note that the eTA remains much more accessible than the visa, the cost of which varies between CAN$100 and CAN$200.
What is the difference between an eTA and a visa?
The AVE allows you to stay in Canada for a maximum of 6 months but it only applies to tourists, business travelers and people in transit. If you want to stay longer, study or work there, you will need to apply for a visa from the consular authorities.
For how long can I use my eTA?
The authorization to travel to Canada is valid for five years from the date of issue of the document, provided, however, that you have a valid passport. If applicable, the authorization will end from the expiry date of the passport.
What information is requested from me on the eTA form?
First, the traveler must indicate his marital status (surname, first name, date and place of birth, etc.), as well as the data concerning his passport. Following this, various questions about the state of health or the legal past are asked. Finally, it will be necessary to fill in your bank details in order to pay the fees related to the online request by payment card.
What answers can I receive following the sending of the form?
There are three types of possible answers:
- “authorization granted”, you are officially authorized to travel to Canada;
- “authorization pending”, the request is being processed, a response is generally given within a few days;
- “authorization not granted”, it is impossible for you to travel to Canada using the eTA. On the other hand, nothing prevents you from applying for a visa.
How long does it take to receive my eTA?
Very often, an almost instantaneous answer is sent after the sending of the form. If this is not the case, you will be contacted no matter what within 72 hours, subject to having a valid e-mail address.
My eTA application has been refused, what can I do?
If the Canadian authorities refuse to grant you travel authorization, you can still apply for a visa at the Canadian embassy or Canadian consulate.
Do I need to apply for an eTA if I already have a visa?
It is not necessary to apply for an eTA if you already have a valid Canadian visa.
Do I have to apply for a new eTA each time I go to Canada?
The eTA is valid for 5 years, which means that you can travel to Canada as many times as you want during this period. Be careful to respect the maximum legal duration of 6 months. Make sure your passport is still valid.
Can I make a group request for an eTA?
It is not possible to make a group request. You will need to apply individually, filling in each individual’s personal information and paying the processing fee for each person.
Am I authorized to enter Canadian territory if I have an eTA?
The eTA authorizes you to travel to Canada by air. However, only Canadian customs and immigration services are authorized to approve your entry into Canadian soil.
Can I modify my information after submitting the form?
If you have noticed an error in your eTA form or information on your passport has changed, be aware that no modification is possible. It will then be necessary to proceed with a new request by communicating the correct information.
Do I need to print a paper version of my eTA before boarding?
The eTA is electronically linked to your passport. So you don’t have to print the confirmation email.
I changed my passport, is my eTA still valid?
The personal information contained in your passport must be strictly identical to the information provided on the online form. In the event of passport renewal after having obtained your eTA, you will have no choice but to make a new eTA application.
Still can’t find the answer to a question? To go even further, we invite you to consult the help section and the glossary page .