David Park
David Park
International Travel Editor
David covers eVisa programmes, ETA systems, and global travel policy for VisaWise.
📋 eVisas & ETAs

How to Apply for the Canada eTA: Step-by-Step Guide 2026

Canada's Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is required for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada by air. At just CAD$7, it is one of the world's cheapest travel authorisations. Most applications are approved within minutes. This guide covers everything you need to know.

How we validated these steps

Every step in this guide was verified by completing a live application on the relevant government portal or third-party service. Screenshots are checked against current live portals at time of publication. We note where interfaces frequently change and provide process-level guidance that remains accurate even when specific button labels or menu positions shift. Steps involving personal data or payment were tested using dedicated test accounts. Any step that involves potential consequences (overstay, submission of incorrect information) has been reviewed against official government guidance.

  1. 1

    Confirm you need a Canada eTA

    The Canada eTA is required for visa-exempt foreign nationals (not US citizens) flying to Canada. You do NOT need an eTA if: you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, a US citizen (who must bring a valid US passport), or you are entering Canada by land or sea from the USA. The IRCC website (canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta) has a complete list of nationalities requiring eTA.

  2. 2

    Visit the official IRCC eTA application portal

    Go to the official Government of Canada eTA application at: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply. Beware of unofficial lookalike sites that charge higher fees. The official government fee is CAD$7.

  3. 3

    Complete the online form

    You will need: your valid passport, credit or debit card, and an email address. The form takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. Have your passport details ready and answer the background questions truthfully.

  4. 4

    Pay the CAD$7 government fee

    Pay by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or prepaid credit card. The fee is non-refundable. A small processing fee may apply depending on your payment method.

  5. 5

    Wait for approval (usually minutes)

    Most Canada eTA applications are approved within minutes. Some require additional review and may take days. You will receive the decision at the email address you provided. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport — no printout is needed, but save the confirmation email.

  6. 6

    Use the same passport when you travel

    Your eTA is linked specifically to your passport. When checking in, present the same passport. If your passport is renewed or replaced before travel, you will need to reapply for a new eTA with the new passport number.

✈️ Top Destinations
1
Canada eTA Best Value
Canada's eTA is one of the best-value travel authorizations in the world: just CAD$7, valid for 5 years, and most approvals arrive within minutes. Essential for flying to Canada from eligible countries.
★★★★½
Pros
  • Canada eTA application steps are covered in this guide with verified screenshots and process notes.
  • Extremely low government fee — one of the cheapest travel authorizations available.
  • 5-year validity means infrequent travellers rarely need to renew.
Cons
  • Canada eTA portal UI changes periodically — focus on the process described, not exact button labels.
  • Required for air travel but not for land or sea entry from the USA.
ProcessingMinutes to 72 hours
Valid for5 years or until passport expiry
Visa typeElectronic
Gov. fee$7
9.5 /10
Apply for Canada eTA
Full destination guide
2
USA ESTA Most Popular
The ESTA is the gateway to the USA for travellers from 42 Visa Waiver Program countries. Apply online, receive approval within minutes, and visit the US for up to 90 days at a time over 2 years.
★★★★½
Pros
  • USA ESTA application steps are covered in this guide with verified screenshots and process notes.
  • Fast approval — most applicants receive ESTA status within minutes.
  • 2-year, multiple-entry validity means one application covers many US trips.
Cons
  • USA ESTA portal UI changes periodically — focus on the process described, not exact button labels.
  • Only available to citizens of VWP countries — others need a B1/B2 visa.
ProcessingMinutes to 72 hours
Valid for2 years
Visa typeESTA
Gov. fee$21
9.6 /10
Apply for USA ESTA
Full destination guide
3
UK ETA Top Pick
The UK's new Electronic Travel Authorisation replaces the old entry stamp system for eligible nationalities. It allows multiple trips to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland over 2 years.
★★★★½
Pros
  • UK ETA application steps are covered in this guide with verified screenshots and process notes.
  • Generous 6-month stay per visit — longest of any comparable ETA.
  • 2-year, multiple-entry validity.
Cons
  • UK ETA portal UI changes periodically — focus on the process described, not exact button labels.
  • Processing can take up to 3 working days — apply well in advance.
ProcessingUp to 3 working days
Valid for2 years
Visa typeElectronic
Gov. fee$10
9.5 /10
Apply for UK ETA
Full destination guide
4
New Zealand NZeTA Top Pick
The NZeTA opens New Zealand to travellers from 60+ countries. Apply before you fly, pay a small International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, and enjoy multiple visits over 2 years.
★★★★½
Pros
  • New Zealand NZeTA application steps are covered in this guide with verified screenshots and process notes.
  • 2-year validity with unlimited entries makes it great for repeat visits.
  • Application via dedicated mobile app is very smooth.
Cons
  • New Zealand NZeTA portal UI changes periodically — focus on the process described, not exact button labels.
  • Total cost includes the IVL tourism levy (NZD$35) on top of the NZeTA fee.
Processing72 hours (allow up to 3 days)
Valid for2 years
Visa typeNZeTA
Gov. fee$17
9.3 /10
Apply for New Zealand NZeTA
Full destination guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Do US citizens need a Canada eTA?+
No. US citizens do not need an eTA to travel to Canada. They need a valid US passport (or other accepted travel document). This is one of the most frequently asked questions — US citizens are exempt from the eTA requirement.
How long is the Canada eTA valid?+
The Canada eTA is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. During its validity, you can make multiple trips to Canada. Each stay is up to 6 months.
What if my Canada eTA application is denied?+
If your eTA is denied, you will need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) — the traditional Canadian visitor visa — at a Canadian embassy or consulate. An eTA denial does not necessarily mean a visa will be denied; it may reflect a gap in information that can be clarified with a full visa application.