Canada eTA Guides: All Articles
These Canada eTA guides cover everything a visa-exempt traveller needs to know before flying to Canada: who needs an eTA, what to prepare, how the form works, how long a decision takes and what to do when something goes wrong. Each guide answers one question in depth, in plain English, and links to the others where topics overlap.
If you are new to the subject, start with the basics. If you are about to apply, the application guides walk you through the form field by field. And if your situation is unusual, such as a connection through a Canadian airport, a family trip or a previous refusal, the special cases section is the place to look. For general background on how the eTA fits into Canada’s entry rules, see the overview of Canada’s visa policy on Wikipedia.
Canada eTA guides: the basics
Start here to understand what the eTA is, how it differs from a visitor visa, and which documents you need before you apply.
- What Is an eTA for Canada? A Simple Explanation
- eTA or Visa for Canada? The Difference Explained Simply
- Canada eTA Requirements: What You Need for Your Application
Canada eTA guides: the application process
Practical guides for the application itself: each step of the form, typical processing times, and how to apply for every member of a family.
- Applying for the Canada eTA: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Canada eTA Processing Time: How Long Does It Take?
- Applying for the Canada eTA for the Whole Family
- How Long Is the Canada eTA Valid?
Issues and special cases
Guides for the situations that raise the most questions: transit and layovers, validity after a passport renewal, refusals, and the mistakes that delay a file.
- Avoiding the Most Common Mistakes When Applying for the Canada eTA
- Canada eTA for Transit or a Layover: Do You Need One?
- Canada eTA Refused: Reasons and Next Steps
Still have a question? Check our Canada eTA FAQ, or start your application.
Going further: work and immigration
Planning more than a visit? Our long-form guide covers the eTA, Express Entry, provincial programs, work permits and the path to permanent residence.
Cannot find what you need in these Canada eTA guides? Read the Canada eTA FAQ or write to us: a person reads every message.