Quick summary
- An eTA is for many visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport.
- Apply only through the official Canada.ca eTA page to avoid extra charges or misleading services.
- The eTA is linked to your passport, so a new passport usually means a new eTA.
Many visa-exempt travellers flying to or transiting through Canada.
U.S. citizens do not need an eTA, but must carry proper travel documents.
Applying with one passport and travelling with another.
Canada’s eTA, or Electronic Travel Authorization, is a digital travel requirement for many visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to Canada or transit through a Canadian airport. It is not a paper visa and it is not needed by every traveller.
The official Canada.ca page is the safest place to apply. Travellers should avoid unofficial sites that charge extra or present themselves like a government service.
The short rule
If you are visa-exempt and flying to Canada, check whether you need an eTA before booking tight travel. If you enter by land or sea, the rules can be different.
Step-by-step checklist
- Check what you need: use Canada’s official visa/eTA guidance before applying.
- Use the correct passport: the eTA is linked electronically to the passport used in the application.
- Apply on Canada.ca: avoid copycat websites and keep the confirmation email.
- Check transit rules: even airport transit can require an eTA for some travellers.
Who usually needs an eTA
Canada says many visa-exempt foreign nationals need an eTA to fly to, or transit through, a Canadian airport. U.S. citizens do not need an eTA, but must carry proper identification. U.S. lawful permanent residents are also exempt from eTA requirements but need official proof of status and a valid passport.
Common mistakes
Do not apply through a paid unofficial site. Do not use the wrong passport number. Do not assume that a previous Canadian trip means your current passport is still connected to a valid eTA. And do not confuse eTA with a visitor visa.
FAQ
Is Canada eTA a visa? No. It is an electronic authorization for eligible visa-exempt travellers flying to or transiting through Canada.
Do U.S. citizens need an eTA? Canada says U.S. citizens do not need an eTA, but they need proper travel documents.
Can I use my eTA after changing passport? Usually no. Because it is linked to the passport used to apply, a new passport usually requires a new eTA.