What Is an eTA for Canada? A Simple Explanation

If you’re planning a trip to Canada and you’re a citizen of a visa-exempt country (for example France, Belgium, or Switzerland), you generally don’t need a traditional visa, but rather an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). In this article, we explain simply what the eTA is, who needs it, and how the process works.

eTA Canada: definition

The eTA is an electronic requirement that has been mandatory since August 2015 for visa-exempt travelers flying to or transiting through Canada. It is linked to your passport and automatically verified during entry checks — you don’t receive any physical document.

Who needs an eTA?

Citizens of many countries, including France, Belgium, Switzerland, and most EU member states, must hold a valid eTA to enter Canada by air. U.S. citizens are exempt. Travelers entering by land or sea (for example, driving from the United States) do not need an eTA.

How much does the eTA cost?

The official Canadian government fee for the eTA is CAD 7 and is collected directly on the official government website canada.ca. The government’s online form is only available in English and French. That’s exactly where our service comes in: we assist you with your application, verify the completeness and consistency of your information before it is submitted, and remain available for any questions. For this assistance service, we charge an additional service fee on top of the official fee — clearly stated in our Terms & Conditions.

How long is the eTA valid?

The eTA is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It is automatically re-verified each time you enter Canada by air.

How long does processing take?

Most applications are approved within minutes. In some cases, additional documents are required, which can extend the process up to 72 hours. We recommend applying for your eTA well before your trip.

Apply for your eTA now

Would you like to apply for your Canada eTA with personalized support? Start your application here.

Note: eta-ca.online is a private, independent service provider not affiliated in any way with the Canadian government. The eTA can also be applied for directly, without service fees, on the official Canadian government website.