Canada eTA: fee, eligibility & how to apply in 2026
Last reviewed 12 July 2026 · Source: Government of Canada (IRCC)The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is Canada’s online pre-screening for visa-exempt travellers arriving by air. It is linked to your passport and costs a modest government fee. This guide explains who needs one, how long it lasts, and how to apply on the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
At a glance
- Document
- eTA (travel authorization)
- Official fee
- CA$7
- Maximum stay
- Usually up to 6 months
- Validity
- Up to 5 years (or passport expiry)
- Entries
- Multiple
- Processing
- Minutes to a few days
- Applies to
- Air arrivals only
- Apply at
- canada.ca (IRCC)
Who needs a Canada eTA
- Visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to, or transiting through, a Canadian airport — for example most European, Australian, Japanese, South Korean and many other passport holders.
- Lawful permanent residents of the United States need an eTA when flying, and must carry proof of that status.
You do not need an eTA if you are a US citizen, if you hold a valid Canadian visa, or if you arrive by land or sea. Nationals who are not visa-exempt need a visitor visa instead, not an eTA.
Canada eTA fee
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| eTA | CA$7 | Per applicant, non-refundable |
The fee is charged per person and paid by card during the application. It is one of the lowest official travel-authorisation fees in the world — which is exactly why overpriced copycat sites are worth avoiding.
Requirements
- A valid passport from a visa-exempt country (the same passport you will fly with).
- A valid email address and a credit or debit card.
- Basic personal, travel and background information.
How to apply
- Open the official eTA application on canada.ca.
- Enter your passport and personal details exactly as printed.
- Answer the eligibility and background questions.
- Pay the CA$7 fee.
- Watch for the approval email — usually within minutes. Some applications are reviewed and take longer, so apply before booking non-refundable travel.
Validity & travel
An approved eTA is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, and is checked automatically when you board. Each visit is normally limited to six months; a border officer sets the exact permitted stay on arrival. The eTA is for tourism, business visits, transit and family visits — not for work or study, which need the appropriate permit.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Canada eTA?
CA$7, paid on the official Government of Canada website. Anything substantially higher is a third-party markup.
Do I need an eTA if I drive across the border?
No. The eTA is only required for air travel. Land and sea arrivals follow the standard border process.
Is the eTA a visa?
No. It is an electronic authorisation for visa-exempt nationals. If you are not visa-exempt, you need a visitor visa.
How long does approval take?
Often just minutes, but some applications are flagged for review and can take several days. Apply early.
My passport is expiring — what happens?
The eTA is tied to your passport. When you get a new passport, apply for a new eTA.
← Back to all destinations · Related: USA ESTA, UK ETA, visa-free travel, transit visas.