Planning a trip to Canada? Before you book your flight, you need to know one thing: how you enter Canada depends entirely on your citizenship and how you are travelling. Most visitors need either an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa. Getting the wrong one, or forgetting to apply at all, can get you turned away at the airport.
This guide covers who needs an eTA, who needs a visa, how to apply for each, and what documents to gather. It is written for people planning to visit Canada as tourists, family visitors, or short-term travellers. Read it before you do anything else.
The official starting point is the IRCC visitor to Canada page, which has a tool to check exactly what you need based on your passport. Use that tool first, then come back here for the step-by-step process.
- A valid passport (must be valid for the full length of your stay)
- A credit or debit card to pay the application fee
- An email address to receive your approval
- Proof of funds and a travel itinerary (for visa applicants)
- A digital photo meeting IRCC specifications (for visa applicants)
- Biometrics, if required for your nationality (collected at a Service Canada location)
eTA vs. Visa: Which Do You Need?
Canada uses two systems for most visitors. Citizens of visa-exempt countries, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany, and Japan, need an eTA to fly into Canada. The eTA is a simple online application. It costs $7 CAD, links digitally to your passport, and is valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Once approved, you do not print anything. Your eTA is attached to your passport automatically, and the airline checks it before you board.
Citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), also called a visitor visa. The fee for a single-entry visa is $100 CAD, and the fee for a multiple-entry visa is also $100 CAD. You apply through your local Canadian visa application centre or online through your IRCC account. Visa applications take longer to process than eTAs, and they often require biometrics, which cost an additional $85 CAD per person or $170 CAD for a family applying together.
American citizens are a special case. US citizens do not need an eTA or a visitor visa to enter Canada by air. They only need a valid US passport or an accepted travel document. However, if a US permanent resident (not a citizen) flies to Canada, they do need an eTA and must carry their valid US Green Card alongside their passport from a visa-exempt country.
How to Apply: Step by Step
Go to the official IRCC "Find out if you need a visa" tool on canada.ca. Enter your country of citizenship and how you plan to travel. The tool tells you in seconds whether you need an eTA, a visitor visa, or neither.
Go to canada.ca and set up a free Secure Certificate of Indian Status (IRCC portal) account. You need this account to apply for an eTA or a visitor visa online. Use an email address you check regularly, because all updates and your approval notification will arrive there.
For an eTA, the online form is short. You need your passport number, date of birth, and email address. For a visitor visa, the main form is IMM 5257. You will also need to complete a family information form (IMM 5645) and upload supporting documents, including proof of funds and your travel history.
Pay online by credit or debit card. The eTA fee is $7 CAD. The visitor visa fee is $100 CAD. If biometrics are required, pay the biometrics fee at the same time. You cannot proceed without payment, and fees are generally non-refundable even if your application is refused.
After paying your biometrics fee, you will receive a biometric instruction letter (BIL). Take this letter to a designated collection site in your country. Biometrics include fingerprints and a photo. Once collected, they stay on file for ten years, so you may not need to give them again if you visit Canada multiple times.
eTA decisions often come within minutes, though some take a few days. Visitor visa processing times vary widely by country. Check current wait times using the official IRCC processing times tool before you apply. Apply as early as possible, especially if you need a visa.
| Document / Fee | eTA | Visitor Visa (TRV) |
|---|---|---|
| Application form | Online short form | IMM 5257 + IMM 5645 |
| Application fee | $7 CAD | $100 CAD |
| Biometrics fee | Usually not required | $85 CAD per person |
| Family biometrics fee | N/A | $170 CAD |
| Validity | 5 years or passport expiry | Varies (single or multiple entry) |
| Photo required | No | Yes |
| Typical processing time | Minutes to a few days | Weeks to months (varies by country) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the biggest mistakes travellers make is applying too late. An eTA usually comes through quickly, but not always. Visa applications can take weeks or months depending on your country. Apply the moment you have a confirmed travel date, not the week before your flight.
Another common error is applying on unofficial websites. Many third-party sites charge much higher fees and simply relay your information to the official IRCC portal. Always apply directly at canada.ca. The eTA only costs $7 CAD through the official site. If a site is asking for more, you are paying for a middleman you do not need.
Make sure your passport is valid for the entire length of your intended stay. Your eTA is linked to your passport number. If you renew your passport after getting an eTA, you need to apply for a new eTA. The old one does not transfer.
Visa applicants often underestimate how many documents they need. Proof of funds is not just a bank statement. Officers want to see that you have enough money to cover your entire trip and that you have ties to your home country, such as employment, property, or family, that give you a reason to return. A weak application without these details is a common reason for refusal.
Finally, never assume that getting an eTA or visa guarantees entry. A border services officer at the port of entry makes the final decision. They can ask you questions about your plans, finances, and ties to your home country. Answer honestly and have your documents ready. Your visa or eTA is permission to travel to the border, not a guaranteed right to enter.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an eTA if I am connecting through a Canadian airport?
Yes, in most cases. If you are flying through a Canadian airport as a transit passenger and you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you still need a valid eTA. The only exception is if you stay airside and never clear Canadian customs, which is rare. Check your specific situation using the IRCC visitor tool before you travel.
Can I work or study in Canada on a visitor visa or eTA?
No. Neither an eTA nor a visitor visa allows you to work or study in Canada. If you plan to study for more than six months or take up any employment, you need a separate study permit or work permit. Applying for the wrong document and then working or studying illegally can result in removal from Canada and a future ban on entry.
What happens if my eTA application is not approved right away?
IRCC may ask you to submit additional documents before they make a decision. You will get an email with instructions. Respond quickly and follow the instructions exactly. In some cases, IRCC may ask you to apply for a visitor visa instead, even if you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, if there are concerns about your travel history or background.
How long can I stay in Canada as a visitor?
Most visitors are allowed to stay for up to six months from the date of entry. The border services officer stamps your passport or issues an entry record showing your authorized stay. You can apply for an extension before your status expires using IRCC's online portal, but approval is not guaranteed. Do not overstay your authorized period, as it can affect future applications.
My passport expires in three months. Can I still use my existing eTA?
No. Your eTA is tied to the passport it was issued for. If your passport expires, your eTA is no longer valid, even if the eTA itself still shows an active date. Get your new passport first, then apply for a new eTA before you travel. This costs another $7 CAD and takes only a few minutes online.
Sources: Government of Canada (canada.ca), IRCC Help Centre. Last verified: July 14, 2026. This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult IRCC or a qualified legal aid service for guidance on your specific situation.
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