Presentation of ETA Canada
Like the USA, Canada has implemented an electronic travel authorization, known in English as eTA Canada (AVE in French).
For a stay of less than 6 months in Canada : You can carry out the formalities for entering Canada directly via the Internet by clicking on the online form. It is not necessary to obtain an appointment at the Canadian embassy or consulate.
eTA Canada, mandatory travel authorization
The Canada eTA, is an electronic document allowing nationals of several countries to visit Canada without a visa. Since France is one of the countries exempt from Canadian visas, French citizens can travel to Canada without first consulting the Canadian Embassy.
The conditions for obtaining the eTA Canada are not very restrictive, but obtaining it is nonetheless mandatory. The Canadian authorities in charge of immigration do not allow any entry into Canadian territory without a valid authorization. To apply for an eTA Canada authorization, the traveler must:
- be a national of an eligible country;
- have a valid passport with a remaining validity of at least 6 months;
- travel to Canada by air;
- stay in Canada for a maximum of 6 months;
- not have been inadmissible to Canada (or elsewhere);
- not have committed a criminal offence;
- not suffer from untreated health problems, including alcohol and drug addiction;
- not have had tuberculosis or have been in contact with a person suffering from tuberculosis in the last two years.
The eTA Canada Travel Authorization is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. This period may be shorter if the passport used to make the request expires earlier. Since the authorization is linked to the passport, it is important to make a new request in the event of a new passport or a change in the data contained. It should be noted that the number of stays in Canada during the validity of the authorization is not limited, but a maximum duration of 6 months per stay should be respected.
The eTA Canada is a travel authorization and not an entry authorization. It is up to the border services officer to authorize entry on Canadian soil. His decision is based on the presence of the required travel documents (valid passport, eTA, exit ticket, etc.) and on the answers to his questions.
The Canada eTA to obtain before departure
The eTA Canada being a travel authorization, it must be obtained before departure for Canada. Without it, boarding is not permitted.
The application for eTA Canada is only done on the Internet, which means that you do not have to go to the Canadian Embassy. The application form is made available on the official website of the Canadian government. For a simplified form and access to personalized assistance, it is also possible to call on a private organization such as our partner.
To complete the form , you must bring your passport and a bank card. The fields to be completed refer to passport data and personal information. Four questions are also asked, the answers being to be selected from a drop-down menu. It is important to provide a valid e-mail address, because it is through this address that the response is communicated.
The Canada eTA application is validated once the consent has been signed and payment has been made. An acknowledgment of receipt is sent automatically with the request number. The definitive answer follows almost immediately. In rare cases, a request is pending. An email is then sent within a few days with either the final response or a list of additional documents to be provided.
If the answer is negative, it is advisable to check that the information provided is correct. In case of typing errors or incorrect information, it is possible to make a new request . Otherwise, a visa or PVT application must be sent to the Canadian Embassy.