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Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

The Government of Canada's official website to apply for an eTA to fly to, or transit through, a Canadian airport. It only costs $7 CAD. Find out what it is and how to apply online.

Apply online for an eTA

To apply, you must have a valid passport, a credit or a debit card, an email address, and answer a few questions in the online application.

What to do after you apply

What to expect if Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) needs more details from you, as well as things to keep in mind after you receive an eTA.

Dual Canadian citizens need a Canadian passport

Find out how to apply and why you need a passport and not an eTA for travel to or through Canada.

Check your eTA status

Get online updates on pending applications, as well as information on the status of your current eTA.

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Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for Canada

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If you are traveling to Canada by air you likely require either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Your requirements depend on your country of citizenship.

If you’re travelling from a visa-exempt country, you’ll require an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in order to enter. You can quickly and easily apply for an eTA online for a cost of only CAD$7. While eTAs are often granted in a matter of minutes, it can take several days, so you should always apply ahead of time.

Notably, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents of the U.S. are exempt from the eTA requirement.

Once your eTA is approved, it will be valid for five years or until your passport expires. There are a number of exemptions  where an eTA will not be required. These include:

• Visitors arriving by land or sea.
• Those with permanent residency – however, they will need to travel with their permanent resident card.
• Citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States.
• Travellers with a valid Canada visa.
• Passengers on a flight that, because of an emergency or other unforeseen circumstances, makes an unscheduled stop in Canada.

What is a visa-exempt country? Canada requires citizens of certain countries to apply for a visa in order to enter. However, many countries are visa-exempt, meaning that citizens can enter Canada without an official visa. Here’s a breakdown by country:

Not sure if you need a visa or eTA? Click here to find out.

Eta fees and application process.

The eTA is an additional requirement that air passengers will need to follow – meaning they will still be required to show their passport and follow all existing documents and identification rules.

Accepted payment methods for the CAD$7 fee include credit cards and debit cards.

The application should only take a few minutes, and an eTA will usually be granted a few minutes later. IRCC advises that last-minute applications, while not recommended, are possible and can be made on any device with an internet connection, including mobile phones.

Since launching the eTA requirement in 2016, Canada has issued more than 4 million eTAs annually in an average year.

• To apply for an eTA, and for more information,  you can visit the IRCC website .

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Updated: June 5th, 2023

Are you planning a trip to Canada any time soon? If so, you may need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before entering the country. This is a requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. The eTA is a digital document that links your passport to your travel information and is valid for up to five years. Applying for a Canada eTA is a simple process that can be done online, and it typically takes only a few minutes to complete. 

However, it's important to note that not all travelers are eligible for an eTA, and certain requirements must be met to be approved. This page breaks down what is eTA, who needs it, and how to apply for it to prepare you for your upcoming trip to Canada.

What Is eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)?

An Electronic Travel Authorization, or eTA Canada, is an online entry requirement allowing more efficient and secure travel to certain countries. The primary purpose of an eTA is to pre-screen travelers before they board their flights or arrive at their destinations, ensuring that they are eligible to enter the country in question. Various countries worldwide, including eTA Canada, have implemented this electronic system. The eTA system simplifies the travel process for eligible visitors, streamlining entry procedures while maintaining high levels of security and immigration control.

eTA Canada is a specific example of an Electronic Travel Authorization system implemented by the Canadian government. This system allows citizens from visa-exempt countries to apply for travel authorization online and receive it electronically, eliminating the need for a physical visa stamp in their passports. It is important to note that an eTA does not guarantee entry into Canada, as travelers must still meet all other entry requirements and undergo an examination by a border services officer upon arrival.

One of the main advantages of a Canada eTA is its ability to enhance security measures for both the traveler and the host country. By pre-screening visitors, potential security risks can be identified and addressed before they enter the country. Additionally, electronic systems provide a more efficient means of data collection, allowing authorities to monitor patterns and trends in international travel more effectively.

Furthermore, a Canada eTA simplifies the overall travel experience for eligible visitors. By reducing the need for physical visa stamps and allowing travelers to apply online, the eTA system eliminates the need to visit a consulate or embassy in person. This saves time and reduces the potential stress and inconvenience of obtaining a traditional visa.

The eTA system minimizes the hassle often associated with traditional visa applications by providing a user-friendly online platform for travelers to obtain authorization. Additionally, the electronic nature of the system allows for increased efficiency and security monitoring, ultimately benefiting both the traveler and the host nation. As international travel continues to grow and evolve, more countries will likely adopt similar eTA systems in the years to come.

How to Apply for an eTA Canada

Applying for an eTA is a simple online process. However, you should apply for an eTA before you book your flight.

Step 1 - Check Your Eligibility

To apply for an eTA, you must have a valid passport from a visa-exempt country, a valid credit card, and an email address. You must also get an eTA to enter or transit Canada by air unless you're exempt.

You need an eTA if you're a:

• Visa-exempt foreign national and you're flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport
• As a visa-exempt foreign national, you do not need an eTA (or a visitor visa) when arriving by car, bus, train, or boat (including a cruise ship).

You may be eligible to apply for an eTA (instead of a visitor visa) if you're a:

• Citizen from select visa-required countries, and you're traveling to Canada by air.
• However, you still need a visitor visa (not an eTA) when arriving by car, bus, train, or boat, including a cruise ship.

Travelers That Don't Need an eTA

U.S. citizens don't need an eTA or Visitor's Visa but must carry identification like a valid U.S. passport. If you're a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., you'll need to present a valid green card and a valid passport.

Canadian permanent residents and citizens don't need an eTA. Canadian permanent residents must have a permanent resident card or travel document. Canadian citizens and dual Canadian citizens can travel with a valid Canadian passport.

American Canadians can travel with a valid Canadian or U.S. passport.

You don't need an eTA if you're visa-required. However, you will need a Visitor's Visa to enter Canada. You may be eligible to apply for an eTA (instead of a visitor visa) if you're a citizen of  select visa-required countries and traveling to Canada by air. However, you need a visitor visa (not an eTA) when arriving by car, bus, train, or boat, including a cruise ship.

Below is a list of visa-exempt nationals that will need an eTA if traveling by air or transit through an airport in Canada:

Step 2 - Gather Your Documentation

To apply for a Canada eTA to travel to Canada, you will need the following documentation: 

• A valid passport from a visa-exempt country 
• Birth date and place of birth,
• Marital status,
• Nationality, and
• Passport number
• A valid credit or debit card An email address

Step 3 - Apply Online and Pay Your Fees

To apply for an eTA, you can use the online form on the Government of Canada's official website. The application process only takes a few minutes, and the fee for an eTA is CAD 7. Learn more about Canadian immigration fees .

After You Apply

If your eTA is approved, you will receive an email confirming you can travel to Canada by air. Your eTA will be linked to your passport, and you must show your passport to airline staff whenever you board a flight to Canada. Most applications are approved within minutes, but some can take longer. You may need to submit additional documents before your application can be approved. If this happens to you, an email will be sent with instructions within 72 hours.

When you receive your eTA Canada, it will be linked to the passport you used to apply. You need to present this passport when you check in to your flight to Canada. The airline staff will scan your passport to confirm that you have a valid eTA. If you do not have one, you won't be able to board your flight. Upon arrival at a Canadian port of entry, travelers must satisfy a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) border services officer (BSO) that they meet the requirements for entry into Canada. 

The eTA does not replace the need for a passport. You must still carry proper identification for yourself and any children or minors traveling with you. You must confirm your legal right or authorization to enter Canada at the border.

How Long Does it Take to Get an eTA?

Getting an eTA before booking your flight to Canada is best. Most applicants get their eTA approval (via email) within minutes. However, some requests can take several days to process if you're asked to submit supporting documents.

Confirm your passport number is correct. Once your eTA is approved, check that the passport number in your eTA approval email matches the number on your passport. You need to apply for a new eTA if they don't match. Learn more about Canadian visa processing times .

Is an eTA the Same as an eVisa?

No, and eTA is different from a visa. An eTA can only be obtained by citizens of countries that participate in Canada's Visa Waiver Program. eVisas, on the other hand, are often available to inhabitants of almost all nations and territories.

How Long Can I Stay in Canada With an eTA?

You can usually stay in Canada for up to six months with an eTA. However, the time you can stay in Canada will be determined by the border services officer at the Canadian port of entry.

Do I Need an eTA for Canada if I Have a Visa?

You do not need an eTA if you visit Canada by land from a visa-exempt nation. Likewise, anyone entering Canada with a Canadian visa, permanent residence, or citizenship does not require an eTA travel document.

What is the Difference Between eTA and Visa Canada?

Foreign nationals requiring visas to enter Canada must get Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs), often called entry visas. In contrast, Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) permits foreign citizens from visa-exempt countries to enter Canada without a visa .

Getting To Canada, the Electronic Way

Now that you know what is eTA and how to apply, the far more important step is to find which visa or immigration pathway is right for you before you arrive. This will depend massively on your reasons for going to Canada, how long you plan to stay in Canada, and your eligibility. One of the best ways to determine this is to speak to an immigration professional like a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), who can help you determine the right pathway for you and help you maximize your chances of qualifying!

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What is electronic travel authorization and who needs to worry about it?

Screening affects people who don't need visas to visit canada, including britons, europeans, australians.

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A British grandfather misses his great-granddaughter's birthday party in Nova Scotia. A comedian doesn't make it to a Toronto gig . Canadians with dual citizenship face logistical headaches when they try to head home for the holidays.  

In each case, Canada's recently implemented electronic travel authorization (eTA) policy is getting the blame. Citizens of more than 50 countries who can visit Canada without a visa now need to complete an electronic screening before they're allowed to get on the plane.

• New travel requirement keeps man out of Canada over Christmas

"They figure, you know, 'I'm from a visa-exempt country, I travelled [to Canada] ... two years ago,'" said Henry Chang, an immigration legal expert with the Blaney McMurtry law firm in Toronto. "They don't realize the law has changed."

Who is affected by the eTA?

The electronic travel authorization, or eTA, is an online pre-screening of people from more than 50 countries who can travel to Canada by air without a visa, including Britain, Australia, European nations, Japan and others.

It's supposed to help catch people who might pose a security risk or who might stay in Canada longer than is legal, since these travellers don't go through the formal vetting process required by those who need to get a visa. 

It's essentially a "basic pre-screening of visa-exempt individuals who might not otherwise have this screening done," Chang said. 

• Travel requirement catches Canada-bound comedian by surprise

U.S. citizens are exempt from the new rule. 

And electronic travel authorization only affects people coming to Canada by air. Travellers arriving by land or by sea don't need it. 

When did this program come into effect?

The electronic travel authorization program was supposed to take effect on March 15, 2016, but after the Canadian travel industry voiced concerns about lack of awareness of the new requirement, the government allowed a grace period. Officials started requiring eTAs from travellers in November.   

Does it affect Canadian travellers?

Not when Canadians use their Canadian passports while travelling. Canadian citizens and permanent residents don't need an electronic travel authorization to get back into the country. In fact, they are ineligible to apply for one. 

But some dual citizens (holding citizenship in Canada and another country) have run into problems when using their other passport to travel. If they use a foreign passport and try to get on a plane to Canada, the system says they need to get an eTA — but they can't because they are Canadian citizens. So dual citizens must now use their Canadian passports to avoid being caught in that travel quagmire.

• Dual citizens need Canadian passports

Chang believes that problem was "inadvertent," and that the implication for dual citizens "wasn't very well publicized." Once officials realized it was an issue, "it was a little too late," he said. 

"It was an incidental effect of the eTA program that they didn't really anticipate until later."

How do people complete the eTA?

The electronic travel authorization form is on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website . Travellers fill it out online. Applicants need their passport information, as well as a credit card to pay the fee of $7 Cdn. Once the eTA is approved, it's linked to the traveller's passport. They don't need to complete it again for five years or until their current passport expires, whichever comes first.   

"Most applicants get their eTA approval (via an email) within minutes," the Citizenship and Immigration website says. "However, some requests can take several days to process if you're asked to submit supporting documents. It is best to get an eTA before you book your flight to Canada."

Airlines check to make sure that Canada-bound passengers have completed the eTA, which is why many people who didn't know about the requirement have been filling it out in airports right before their flights. In some cases, there have been problems and passengers have missed their flights. 

What kinds of questions are on the eTA?

The eTA application form asks for the traveller's address, passport information, employment status, how much money they have available for their visit to Canada and whether they have ever applied to enter Canada before. Other questions that appear on the form include:

• "Have you ever been refused a visa or permit, denied entry to, or ordered to leave Canada or any other country/territory?"
• "Have you ever committed, been arrested for, been charged with or convicted of any criminal offence in any country/territory?"
• "Have you or a family member ever had or been in close contact with a person with tuberculosis?"
• "Do you have a serious health condition for which you are receiving medical treatment?"

How does the process work?

The electronic travel authorization is an "automated screening system at the first stage," Chang said, so people usually get their approval back via email right away. But if there's an answer that triggers concern, such as a previous criminal offence, the application would be escalated to a "human officer" to make a judgment call and could take longer, he said. 

When did Canada decide to require eTAs?

The Canadian government's commitment to develop electronic travel authorizations for visa-exempt foreign nationals was mentioned in the  border security plan  jointly released with the U.S. in 2011. The American government already had a similar system in place, called the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). 

The U.S. was likely the "driving force with Canada getting on board with this," said Chang. The idea was the two countries, with their shared border, should have the same level of security screening for people entering both countries. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nicole Ireland is a reporter with The Canadian Press.

With files from Yvonne Colbert, Shannon Martin and Susana Mas

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• Federal communications budget for eTAs 'inadequate,' says tourism group
• Electronic travel authorization program trips up permanent residents
• New requirement catches some travellers to Canada by surprise
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• Canada gives visa-exempt travellers 6 months to comply with electronic travel authorization

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Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Citizens of certain countries are exempt from the requirement to obtain a temporary resident visa (trv). for these individuals, the government of canada has introduced what is known as electronic travel authorization (eta)..

Before the eTA system was introduced, visa-exempt foreign nationals seeking entry to Canada were not systematically screened for admissibility until they arrived at a Canadian Port of Entry.

Get a Free Legal Consultation

The eTA is mandatory for most visitors from countries whose citizens do not require a TRV who are entering Canada by air. Citizens of visa-exempt countries intending to travel to Canada by air are expected to have applied for an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before their departure to Canada. Exceptions to this include citizens of the United States, who do not require a TRV or an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), and Green Card holders in the United States, who need an eTA to come to Canada, regardless of their nationality.

Countries with Conditional Eligibility

• Country Checklist

The Canadian pre-approval system is only required for TRV-exempt individuals seeking to enter Canada by air to visit on a temporary basis. To read a comprehensive list of frequently asked eTA-related questions and answers,  click here . 

Individuals requiring an eTA in order to visit Canada are asked to fill out some personal information and answer a few basic questions relating to criminality or medical issues.

To complete the online form, you need:

• a valid passport from a visa-exempt country,
• a credit card to pay the $7.00 CAD fee,
• a valid email address, and
• access to the internet and a few minutes of your time.

The eTA will be valid for a period of five years from the day on which it is issued to the applicant or until the earliest of the following days, if they occur before the end of that period:

• the day on which the applicant’s passport or other travel document expires,
• the day on which the electronic travel authorization is cancelled, or
• the day on which a new electronic travel authorization is issued to the applicant.

The eTA includes the applicant’s name, date and place of birth, gender, address, nationality, and passport and/or travel document information. If the applicant is unable to make the application by means of the electronic system because of a physical or mental disability, it may be made by another means, including a paper application form.

There are a number of exemptions from the requirement to obtain an eTA. Click this slide to review of list of exemptions.

• Nationals of the United States.
• Her Majesty the Queen of Canada and any member of the Royal Family.
• Citizens of France who are residents of St. Pierre and Miquelon who seek to enter Canada directly from St. Pierre and Miquelon.
• Visitors, students and workers, who seek to re-enter Canada after solely visiting either the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon, providing that they return to Canada by the end of the period initially authorized for their stay or any extension to it.
• possess proper documents to enter the United States and their flight is bound for that country, or
• They were lawfully admitted to the United States and their flight originated in that country.
• Foreign nationals who are passengers on a flight that, owing to an emergency or other unforeseen circumstances, makes an unscheduled stop in Canada.
• Foreign nationals seeking to transit through Canada under the Transit Without Visa or China Transit Program.
• Foreign nationals who hold a passport that contains a diplomatic acceptance, a consular acceptance or an official acceptance issued by the Chief of Protocol for the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade on behalf of the Government of Canada and are properly accredited diplomats, consular officers, representatives or officials of a country other than Canada, of the United Nations or any of its agencies, or of any international organization of which Canada is a member.
• As a crew member of a means of transportation that may be used for transportation by air or to become a member of such a crew, or
• To transit through Canada after working, or to work, as a crew member of a means of transportation that may be used for transportation by air, if they possess a ticket for departure from Canada within 24 hours after their arrival in Canada.
• Foreign nationals seeking to enter and remain in Canada solely to carry out official duties as a member of the armed forces of a country that is a designated state for the purposes of the Visiting Forces Act , unless they have been designated under that Act as a civilian component of those armed forces.
• Foreign nationals seeking to enter and remain in Canada solely to conduct inspections of the flight operation procedures or cabin safety of a commercial air carrier operating international flights, if they are a civil aviation inspector of a national aeronautical authority and possess valid documentation to that effect.
• Foreign nationals seeking to enter and remain in Canada solely to participate as an accredited representative or as an adviser to an aviation accident or incident investigation conducted under the Canadian Transportation Accident Investigation and Safety Board Act , if they possess valid documentation to that effect.

Citizens of some countries may be eligible for an eTA if they meet all three of the following conditions. If not they will have to pursue a TRV to travel to Canada. 

To be eligible for an eTA these travellers must:

• The U.S. nonimmigrant visa must be valid on the day that an individual applies for their eTA, but doesn’t need to be valid when they travel to Canada.
• be coming to Canada for a short visit, business or tourist activity (normally for stays of up to 6 months); and
• arriving to Canada by air, or transiting through a Canadian airport using a valid passport from one of the eligible visa-required countries. 

These conditional eligibility rules for an eTA apply to citizens of the following (visa-required) countries:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Philippines
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago

Country Checklist: Electronic Travel Authorization

TRVs are required for citizens of certain countries. The chart below outlines which individuals require a TRV and which individuals need an eTA in order to enter Canada.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Canada set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Canada’s High Commission in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

Countries may restrict travel or bring in rules at short notice. Check with your travel company or airline for changes.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Visit TravelHealthPro (from the UK Health Security Agency) for general COVID-19 advice for travellers .

Travel to Canada

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for passengers entering Canada. Avoid travelling if you have symptoms of COVID-19. See the Government of Canada’s website for more information on COVID-19 and travel.

Public spaces and services

The Government of Canada recommends that all travellers wear a face mask on public transport.

You may be asked to wear a face mask indoors, such as in hospitals or on public transport. You may need proof of vaccination to visit settings such as care homes.

Local authorities in Canada can introduce restrictions or measures at short notice. Comply with the rules and advice of the local authorities. Check the COVID-19 guidance for each province and territory .

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.

Visa requirements

Most people need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada – not both.

You do not need a visa for short visits (normally up to six months). You will need an eTA instead. Check entry requirements and find out if you need a visa or an eTA for your visit using this tool.

You may need to provide fingerprints and photos at a visa application centre to apply for permanent residence or a study or work permit. Find out if you need to give biometrics. If you do need to give biometrics, see the list of biometrics collection points .

When you arrive, you must show that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay, even if you are staying with family or friends.

Contact Canada’s High Commission in the UK if you are unsure about visa requirements or your eligibility to enter the country, for example, if you have a criminal record or have been arrested.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)

You must get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to enter or transit Canada by air, unless you’re exempt. Read the list of exemptions on the ETA website . If you enter Canada by land or sea, you don’t need an eTA. However, you must travel with acceptable travel documents and identification .

If you have British-Canadian dual nationality, you cannot apply for an eTA. You need a valid Canadian passport instead.

The eTA website has information about the eTA system and how to apply .

Visa and eTA scams

Some  unauthorised websites  charge for submitting visa applications. These websites are not associated with the Government of Canada.

If you think you may have been a victim of a scam, use the eTA Check Status tool to confirm if your eTA is valid. If it has been 72 hours since you applied, and you have not received a confirmation of your application, complete this enquiry form .

Transiting through Canada

You must have a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to transit Canada, unless you are exempt.

If you have questions, contact:

• your airline
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
• your nearest Canadian high commission, embassy or consulate

Find out more about transiting Canada .

Travelling with children

If only one parent is present, carry a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent. Immigration officers have the right to question children using simple and appropriate language to see if there are any concerns about child abduction.

For further information, check with Canada’s High Commission in the UK or the Canada Border Services Agency .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be taken into - and out - of Canada . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Banned food products will be confiscated and you could be fined. Check the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website for more information.

If you visited a farm, or had contact with wild animals before entering Canada, and intend to visit a farm during your stay, you must complete the relevant section in your Customs Declaration Card. For more information, see the Government of Canada’s website on biosecurity .

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Can I travel outside of Canada as a temporary resident?

Temporary residents in Canada may travel outside the country, but they must meet re-entry requirements outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in order to return.

Temporary residents include visitors to Canada, as well as international students and temporary foreign workers. Each of these groups of foreign nationals will receive a visitor visa/ temporary resident visa (TRV) to come to Canada.

Visitors to Canada (temporary residents not on a work or study permit) must meet certain entry requirements to return if they travel outside of Canada or the United States (U.S.). However, these requirements vary depending on whether the individual is a visa-required traveller, a visa-exempt traveller or a U.S. citizen.

Schedule a Free Work Permit Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm

Visa-required travellers

A visa-required traveller is an individual who is from a visa-required country . These travellers require a valid visitor visa every time they want to enter Canada unless they are returning directly from a visit to either the U.S. or St. Pierre and Miquelon.

Visa-exempt travellers

Visa-exempt travellers are individuals from a country that requires an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). These travellers need an eTA if they are flying to Canada but not if they are entering by land or sea (boat, train, bus etc.). Travellers entering Canada by land or sea simply need to ensure they have a valid passport or travel document.

Note: eTAs are valid for either five years from when they were issued or until the passport linked to the eTA expires. Visa-exempt travellers must ensure they travel to Canada using the passport that is linked to their eTA.

U.S. citizens

U.S. citizens normally require only a valid passport or travel document to enter Canada.

However, IRCC notes that NEXUS members can use their membership card to enter Canada regardless of the mode of transportation they use (land, sea, air). Meanwhile, FAST members can use their membership card to enter Canada when travelling by land or sea only.

More: Mobility as an international student or temporary foreign worker

Both study permit and work permit holders can travel outside Canada. However, it is important to note that the permit itself (study or work) does not serve as a travel document.

In other words, neither permit gives you the right to travel to and/or enter Canada. This means that, in addition to your permit*, you may require either a visitor visa or eTA to leave and re-enter Canada, depending on where you are from.

*IRCC notes that some international students may only need a valid passport to re-enter Canada. It depends on where they are from.

Note: IRCC clarifies that possession of an eTA or visa, along with a study/work permit, does not guarantee re-entry to Canada. The permit holder is still required to prove that they meet all applicable re-entry requirements before they are allowed back into the country.

What is the difference between a visitor record and a visitor visa?

Visitor visas allow foreign nationals to come to Canada, either to visit, study or work temporarily. However, it is also important that foreign nationals do not get this document confused with a visitor record.

A visitor visa allows citizens of visa-required countries to travel to and enter Canada as a visitor for up to six months. This visa is placed inside the recipient’s passport, proving that they meet the requirements to enter Canada. Visitor visas include the date by which you must arrive in Canada but it is important to note that this date is not an indication of when the visa holder must leave the country.

A visitor record is a document that is issued by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or IRCC to extend or restrict the recipient’s stay in Canada. In other words, a visitor record is used to verify a foreign national’s visitor status in Canada while also outlining how long the individual is authorized to stay in the country.

Unlike a visitor visa, visitor records are independent documents that are not placed in the recipient’s passport. Notably, these documents include an expiry date for the recipient’s stay in Canada, which is the date by which the individual must leave the country.

Visitor records may also be provided to foreign nationals when IRCC approves the application to extend their stay in Canada or restore their status. Foreign nationals must apply for a visitor record when:

• They first arrive at the port of entry if they already know they want to stay longer than six months
• They are already in Canada and have decided they want to stay longer

Note: Foreign nationals already in Canada must apply for a visitor record at least 30 days before the end of their authorized stay in Canada.

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Electronic System for Travel Authorization

ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) . Authorization via ESTA does not determine whether a traveler is admissible to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers determine admissibility upon travelers’ arrival. The ESTA application collects biographic information and answers to VWP eligibility questions. ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, though it is recommended that travelers apply as soon as they begin preparing travel plans or prior to purchasing airline tickets.

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