Canada eTA Requirements: What You Need for Your Application

Before starting your eTA application, it’s worth doing a quick check: do you meet all the requirements? Here’s the complete list.

1. Be a citizen of a visa-exempt country

The eTA is only available to citizens of certain countries, including France, Belgium, Switzerland, and most other EU and EEA member states, as well as many other countries in Europe, Asia, and Oceania. U.S. citizens generally do not need an eTA to enter Canada.

2. A valid passport

You must have a valid, machine-readable passport from your home country. It must remain valid for the entire planned duration of your trip, since the eTA is linked to the passport number.

3. A valid email address

The authorization is sent exclusively by email — no physical document is issued. Make sure to enter your email address without errors, otherwise the confirmation won’t reach you.

4. An accepted payment method

To pay the official fee, a standard credit or debit card is required (for example Visa, Mastercard, American Express).

5. Traveling by air

The eTA only applies to entry into Canada by air (including connections through Canada). Different rules apply for entry by land or sea.

What you DON’T need

• No biometric procedure like for a visitor visa
• No embassy appointment or in-person attendance
• No printed document — the eTA is entirely electronic

Check your eligibility and apply now

Do you meet all the requirements? Apply for your eTA here with personalized support.