Travel & Citizenship

Canada eTA Guide: Who Needs an Electronic Travel Authorization

2 min read

In this guide
  1. What do you need to apply?
  2. Who needs one?
  3. Dual Canadian citizens
  4. After you apply
  5. Common mistakes
  6. FAQ
    1. How long is an eTA valid?
  7. Key takeaways
  8. Related guides
  9. Sources

Quick answer: An electronic travel authorization (eTA) is an authorization for foreign travellers to travel to, or transit through, Canada. IRCC says the fee is CAN$7 and you apply online with a valid passport, a credit or debit card and an email address.

What do you need to apply?

  • A valid passport.
  • A credit or debit card.
  • An email address.
  • Answers to a few questions in the online application.

Who needs one?

The IRCC page links to a separate page, “Find out about eTAs and if you can apply”. Use that page to check whether your nationality needs one, and do not rely on a third-party list.

Dual Canadian citizens

Dual Canadian citizens need a Canadian passport, not an eTA, to travel to or through Canada.

After you apply

IRCC may contact you for more details. You can check the status of a pending application or your current eTA with the online status tool on the IRCC page.

Common mistakes

  • Paying a third-party website instead of applying on the official IRCC site. See how to avoid visa scams.
  • Assuming an eTA is a work or study permit. It is a travel authorization.

FAQ

How long is an eTA valid?

The IRCC page we checked does not state this, so check the linked IRCC pages.

Key takeaways

  • The eTA fee is CAN$7.
  • Apply only on the official IRCC site.
  • Dual Canadian citizens use a Canadian passport.

Last updated: October 2026. Fees and rules change, so check the official page.

Sources

  • IRCC: Electronic travel authorization (eTA)

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