Flying to Canada is a great idea! Before you get on the plane, check if you need an eTA – an Electronic Travel Authorization. It's a small formality that can save you a lot of stress at the airport.
What exactly is an eTA?
An eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an electronic permit that is required by people travelling to Canada by air – if they come from a country exempt from visa requirements. This document is linked to your passport and applies to short tourist, business, or transfer visits.
How long is an eTA to Canada valid for?
Up to five years – or until the end of your passport's validity (whichever comes first).
How much does it cost?
The current price on the eSky Canadian visa website is around USD $18. Payment is made online.
Who needs an eTA?
You need an eTA if:
- You are flying to Canada – regardless of the purpose of your trip (holiday, transit, business meeting),
- You have a passport from a country with visa-free travel – e.g. Poland, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Australia or New Zealand.
Check if you need an eTA on a trusted website.
Who does not need an eTA for Canada?
You do not need an eTA if:
- You are a Canadian citizen (including dual citizenship) – in which case you are travelling with a Canadian passport,
- You are a permanent resident of Canada – a valid PR Card is enough,
- You are a US citizen – you can travel without an eTA and without a visa,
- You are entering Canada by land or sea – e.g. by car from the US or on a cruise ship.
How to apply for an eTA?
You apply online only, and the whole process usually takes less than 10 minutes.
What will you need?
- Email address,
- Valid passport,
- Credit or debit card for payment,
How to do it step by step?
Apply for eTA at least 72 hours before departure. Approval may take up to 24 hours.
The eTA application process is online and you can do it on eSky
What do you need to do?
- Go to the Canadian visa page on eSky
- Select travel dates
- Fill in the form, providing:
- personal data,
- passport information
- destination of travel.
- Pay for the application (current price is around USD 18).
- You will receive a decision within 24 hours at most.
Remember: eTA is assigned to your passport electronically - you do not have to print anything.
Apply now
How can I check the status of my application?
You can check the status of your application by logging in to your account. At each step of the processing of your application, you will receive an appropriate notification.
When is it worth submitting an eTA application to Canada?
It is best to submit an eTA application to Canada as soon as possible - even immediately after purchasing a ticket. In most cases, the decision comes almost immediately, but sometimes the system may ask for additional documents.
Don't leave it to the last minute. Submitting an application is quick, but not having an eTA on the day of departure can mean big problems - including not being able to board.
What is important when submitting an eTA application to Canada?
Correct passport number
When filling out the form, enter your passport number very carefully - one mistake means that your eTA will be invalid. Airlines compare the data with the ticket, so you may not be allowed to board.
Using trusted sites
Use the convenient and secure form on the eSky website or the official website of the Canadian government.
eTA also when transferring
Even if you are only transferring in Canada and not leaving the airport, an eTA is mandatory. Without it, you won’t be allowed to board the plane flying to Canada.