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Travel and identification documents for entering Canada

From: Canada Border Services Agency

October 1, 2022 : COVID-19 emergency border measures ended

Refer to COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders for details.

Make sure you carry proper identification for yourself and any children or minors travelling with you.

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Residents or visitors flying into canada, residents returning to canada, international visitors to canada, travel with children and minors, related links.

Your airline carrier will ask you for travel and identification documents before allowing you to board the aircraft. Being allowed to board does not mean you have the right or will be authorized to enter Canada. A border services officer will determine whether you can enter Canada when you arrive, by confirming your identity and citizenship.

More information

• Pre-boarding identification requirements
• Find out if you can enter Canada

Planning travel to Canada? Visit COVID-19 : Entering Canada requirements checklist for information about quarantine and your admissibility to Canada.

Canadian citizens, permanent residents and persons registered under the Indian Act enter Canada by right. However, returning residents must still demonstrate to a border services officer that they meet the requirements for entering Canada. The officer will confirm your identity and your right to enter Canada through questioning and/or by verifying your documents.

Acceptable documents to denote identity and citizenship

If you have a Canadian passport

Carry a valid Canadian passport for all visits abroad, including visits to the US. It is the only universally accepted identification document and it proves that you have a right to return to Canada.

If you don’t have a Canadian passport

Oher acceptable documents that support identity and/or citizenship include, but are not limited to:

• Canadian emergency travel document
• Canadian temporary passport
• CANPASS authorization, held by a Canadian citizen
• Commercial driver registration program card, held by a Canadian citizen
• FAST card (Free and Secure Trade), held by a Canadian citizen
• NEXUS card, held by a Canadian citizen
• Canadian permanent residence card
• Canadian citizenship card
• Certificate of Canadian citizenship (issued from 1954 to present)
• Certificate of Canadian citizenship (large form issued between January 1, 1947 , to February 14, 1977 )
• Certificate of retention (issued between January 1, 1947 , and February 14, 1977 )
• Certificate of naturalization (issued before January 1, 1947 )
• Registration of birth abroad certificate (issued between January 1, 1947 , and February 14, 1977 , by Canadian citizenship authorities)
• Birth certificate (individuals born in Canada)
• Driver's license
• Enhanced driver's license
• Enhanced identification/photo card
• Health insurance card
• Identity card
• Vehicle registration
• Canadian Forces identification
• Employment or student card with photo and signature
• Police identification
• Firearms acquisition certificate
• Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) card or Certificate of Indian Status (CIS) card
• Vehicle insurance certificate

Permanent residents of Canada who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence , and may be asked to present these documents to the officer upon arrival at the border.

Every person registered under the Indian Act can enter and remain in Canada by right as per subsection A19(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act . The Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS), more commonly referred to as the Status card, is an identity document issued by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada confirming that the cardholder is registered as a Status Indian under the Indian Act .

Note: The Certificate of Indian Status (CIS) was replaced by the SCIS in 2019. Although both CIS and SCIS cards can be presented at the border to confirm status and right of entry (including expired CIS cards), we highly recommend travellers obtain a new SCIS .

If you plan to travel to or transit through the US , we encourage you to visit the US Customs and Border Protection website for information concerning the US Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, and the requirements to enter or return to the US .

For information on Canada- US border-crossing issues, visit Crossing the Canada- US border with a status card .

• Canadian permanent residents
• Dual citizens

Check Travel health measures

All international travellers must carry acceptable identification when entering Canada. A passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document when abroad.

Before making travel plans, learn about entry requirements by country .

What you need will depend on:

• where you are from
• how you are travelling
• what documents you are travelling with

In addition to your passport, you may need a travel authorization such as a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.

Consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s website to learn which authorization you need:

• Find out if you need a visa to travel to Canada
• Find out if you are eligible for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Be prepared: Apply for an eTA before you book your flight to Canada. Most applicants get approved within minutes. However, some applications can take several days to process so don’t wait until the last minute.

Fake websites

Travellers who apply for an eTA are advised to be cautious in all dealings with companies that claim to offer help in getting an eTA . These companies are not operating on behalf of the Government of Canada. Many have established websites that charge a fee to provide information and submit eTA applications.

This Government of Canada website is the official place to apply for an Electronic Travel Application .

US citizens or permanent residents

If you are a US citizen or permanent resident, you must carry proof of citizenship such as a:

• birth certificate
• certificate of citizenship or naturalization
• certificate of Indian Status along with photo identification
• US Permanent Resident Card

If you are a US permanent resident, ensure you carry proof of your status such as a US Permanent Resident Card.

When travelling with a minor, you should:

• carry copies of any legal custody documents, such as custody rights, if applicable
• arrive at the border in the same vehicle as the minor
• you share custody of the minor and the other parent or legal guardian is not travelling with you
• you are not the parent or legal guardian of the minor

A consent letter must include the custodial parents' or legal guardians':

• telephone number

Border services officers are always watching for missing children and may ask questions about minors travelling with you.

To avoid delays, have your consent letter notarized to support its authenticity. For more information on consent letters and to download an interactive form, visit Recommended consent letter for children travelling abroad .

• Children and travel
• Our Missing Children program
• Travelling with animals
• Lost, stolen, seized, inaccessible or damaged passports
• Programs for trusted travellers

Page details

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.

Social Sharing

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

Related Stories

• 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
• Dual citizens heading home for holidays need Canadian passports
• Canada gives visa-exempt travellers 6 months to comply with electronic travel authorization

External Links

• Citizenship and Immigration Canada: Electronic Travel Authorization
• Beyond the Border Action Plan

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Visiting Canada

Do I Need an eTA for Canada? – Electronic Travel Authorization

An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a travel document required for travellers coming to Canada from visa-exempt countries. Only individuals from visa -exempt countries are required to get an eTA, and only if they are arriving in Canada by air.

What is an ETA? 

An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada.

Only travellers from countries who do not require a visa to visit Canada are required to get an eTA, and only if they are travelling to Canada by air. If you’re from a visa-exempt country visiting Canada by land, you do not need an eTA.

Anyone who has a Canadian visa, Canadian  permanent residence , or  Canadian citizenship  does not need an eTA travel document to enter Canada.

Do I need an eTA?

1. lawful permanent residents and canadian citizens.

Lawful permanent residents of Canada, do not need an eTA. Instead, you will need your valid  Permanent Resident Card  (PR Card) or Permanent Resident Travel Document to travel to Canada.

If you are a dual citizen, meaning you hold Canadian citizenship and at least one other citizenship, you do not need an eTA to enter Canada. However, if you are entering Canada by air, you must be travelling with a valid Canadian passport.

2. Foreign nationals

Answer the following simple questions to find out if you need an eTA Canada travel document:

• Am I part of the visa-exempt foreign nationals? Check the updated list on the government website: Visa-exempt (eTA eligible) travellers list. The previous list of travellers need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to board their flight to Canada.
• Am I travelling to or through Canada by air?Even if you are an eTA eligible , you do not need an eTA if entering by land or sea – for instance, driving from the U.S. or coming by bus, train, or boat, including cruise ship.

FAQ about eTA for traveling to Canada

Do i need an eta if i have a valid study permit or work permit.

If you are from a visa-exempt country and have been granted a study permit or  work permit , IRCC will automatically issue you an eTA when they accept your study or work permit application.

However, if you are from a visa-exempt country and received your permit before August 1, 2015, you may need to apply for an eTA if you plan to leave and return to Canada by air.

Do U.S. citizens need to apply for an eTA?

U.S. citizens  do not require a visa or an eTA  to travel to Canada. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can visit Canada with your valid passport.

As of April 26, 2022, U.S. permanent residents ( Green Card holders ) no longer require an eTA to travel to Canada.

How to apply for an eTA

Travellers must apply for an eta by submitting their application on the  Government of Canada website . To apply, you must have a valid email address.

How much does an eTA for Canada cost?

The Canadian government charges $7 CAD for an eTA. To make the payment, applicants must have a valid debit or credit card.

What does an eTA look like?

Since an eTA is a digital document, it is electronically tied to your passport number. As such, you will not receive a physical document from the Government of Canada.

How long is an eTA valid for?

An eTA is valid for five years upon approval, or when your passport expires, whichever comes first. To check whether your eTA is still valid, use Canada’s  eTA status check tool .

How long does it take for an eTA for Canada to be approved?

The Canadian government approves most eTAs within minutes. However, the processing sometimes takes longer. If you are required to submit additional documents, you may receive instructions to do so within 72 hours of applying.

Interested in coming to Canada permanently? Discover your options today with our free online assessment!

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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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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.

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

Contact the Cohen Immigration Law Firm for Assistance

Do you need professional assistance getting Canadian TRV? The Cohen Immigration Law Firm can help. We offer over 45 years of Canadian immigration expertise.

Please complete our short form to submit your question directly to our law firm. One of our lawyers will contact you to schedule a free telephone consultation.

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Canada's express entry draw results from august 14, 2024.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a second Express Entry draw this week, issuing 3,200 more Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to Canadian immigration candidates. Here are the results from IRCC's August 14 Express Entry draw.

Canada's Express Entry Draw Results from July 31, 2024

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a second Express Entry draw this week. Read on for the results from the department's July 31st Express Entry draw.

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Electronic travel authorization (eTA): Citizens from some visa-required countries

Citizens from some visa-required countries may be eligible to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) , instead of a visa, to travel to Canada by air .

On this page

Eligible visa-required countries, you need a visitor visa to come to canada by car, bus, train or boat.

• Travellers who already have a Canadian visa

Canadian citizens

Canadian permanent residents.

• What you need to board your flight

Rules and recommendations for common travel scenarios

Who can apply.

You are eligible to apply for an eTA if you meet all 3 requirements :

• Your US nonimmigrant visa must be valid on the day you apply for your eTA, but doesn’t need to be valid when you travel to Canada.
• you’re coming to Canada for a temporary stay (normally for up to 6 months)
• you’re flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport using a valid passport from one of the eligible visa-required countries

If you do not meet all of the requirements , you need a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) to travel to Canada.

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

Travellers with a passport from one of the eligible countries still need a valid visitor visa (temporary resident visa) if

• driving to Canada from the U.S. by car or
• arriving by bus, train or boat, including a cruise ship (even if they are not leaving the ship)

Travellers who already have a valid Canadian visa

If you already have a valid Canadian visa, you don’t need an eTA to fly to Canada and should continue to travel with your visitor visa (temporary resident visa) until it expires.

Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, can’t apply for an eTA and need a valid Canadian passport to travel to Canada by air.

Canadian permanent residents can’t apply for an eTA and need a valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document .

What you need to board your flight to Canada if you have an eTA

When you fly to Canada, you must travel with the same passport you used to apply for an eTA. If you get a new passport after applying for an eTA, you must apply for a new eTA with your new passport.

We recommend that you also bring your  old  passport  if  it contains either

• your expired Canadian visitor visa (temporary resident visa)
• Your visa must be valid when you apply for your eTA, but not necessarily when you travel to Canada.

Page details

Tourists of 89 nationalities will need to pay new £10 fee to enter the UK

More tourists will need an electronic travel authorisation to enter the UK from next year

• 11:25, 14 SEP 2024
• Updated 15:57, 16 SEP 2024

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Most visitors visiting the UK from abroad will have to pay a new fee to enter the UK from 2025. The news comes after Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced a scheme which requires non-visa travellers to the UK to pay £10 will be expanded to most countries around the world.

The electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system , which was previously introduced by the former Conservative government in November 2023, is only required for Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan nationals visiting the UK. But from January 8, 2025, all other nationals, except for Europeans, will be required to have an ETA to enter the country, according to MirrorOnline.

The programme will be extended to European nationals in March 2025, becoming a travel requirement for them from April 2, 2025. In a written statement to the House of Commons, the Home Secretary said: “Once fully rolled out, the ETA scheme will close the current gap in advance permissions and mean that for the first time, we will have a comprehensive understanding of those travelling to the UK.”

ETAs are digitally linked to a traveller’s passport and can be applied for via the Gov.uk website. They were introduced as a way to ensure “more robust security checks” which are carried out before people travel to the UK to help prevent “abuse” of the country’s immigration system.

With an ETA, foreign nationals will be able to come to the UK for up to six months for tourism , visiting family and friends, business or short-term study; coming to the UK for up to three months on the Creative Worker visa concession; coming to the UK for a permitted paid engagement; or transiting through the UK – including if you’re not going through UK border control.

As well as the expansion of the ETA programme, the Home Secretary announced that all visitors from Jordan will be required to have a visa due to breaches of visitor rules, so will no longer be able to apply for an ETA. A four-week "transition period" will be implemented for travellers who already hold an ETA and have confirmed travel bookings.

Ms Cooper explained: “We are taking this action due to an increase in the number of Jordanian nationals travelling to the UK for purposes other than what is permitted under visitor rules since the visa requirement was lifted in February 2024. This has included a significant and sustained increase in asylum claims, and high rates of refusals at the border due to people travelling without the intention of visiting for a permitted purpose.”

For more information on the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system, visit here.

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I am an American citizen. What do I need to enter Canada?

American citizens, including American-Canadian citizens, must carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada . You do not need a Canadian passport, a Canadian visa or an eTA to enter Canada if you are travelling with a valid U.S. passport.

New entry requirement now in effect

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada by air. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens , and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA.

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• Do I need a visa to visit Canada?
• Do I need a Canadian visa if I have a United States visa?
• How do I apply for an eTA for travel to Canada?
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• Do I need a visa if I am travelling through Canada without stopping or visiting?
• How do I help a family member or friend apply to visit Canada?
• I am travelling with my minor child without my spouse. What documents must I present?
• What’s the difference between a visitor visa and a visitor record?
• Do I need to apply for both a visitor visa and an eTA?

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Glossary term

• Admissibility