eTA is short for Electronic Travel Authorization, which is an entry requirement for foreigners who are visa-exempt but want to fly to Canada. Basically, an eTA is linked to your passport electronically. Its validity period is up to 5 years. Once your passport expires, the visa will also expire. Let’s find out more about eTA.
If you own a valid eTA, you are free to go to Canada whenever you want to for a short period, which can be up to 6 months. However, traveling within Canada doesn’t require an eTA.
It’s important to keep in mind that having an eTA doesn’t mean you will enter Canada no matter what. At the time of your arrival, you will be asked to show your passport and some other documents like the US Green Card.
What type of travelers applies for an eTA to travel to Canada?
There are many types of travelers that need an eTA to go to Canada. Let’s discuss them one by one so you can have a better understanding.
Visa-exempt foreigners: These people have to get an eTA to fly to Canada. However, they don’t need one if they are traveling by a cruise ship, boat, train, bus or car.
Permanent residents of the USA: They also need one if they are flying to Canada. They also have to show their valid passport and Green Card.
Citizens from some specific countries are eligible to send their applications for this document rather than a regular visa. However, they only need a visitor visa if they want to use other means like a cruise ship, boat, train or bus.
Travelers who, for some reason, can’t apply for Electronic Travel Authorization can have other documents like a valid Canadian passport or a valid US passport.
Travelers who are not required to meet eTA requirements can have a proper ID like a valid US passport.
How can you apply for an eTA?
Let’s find out how you can apply for Electronic Travel Authorization if you want to travel to Canada by air.
First of all, you should only go to the official website of the government of Canada to send your application.
Applying for the Electronic Travel Authorization is a process that won’t take more than a few minutes. However, if they ask you to submit other documents, the process may take much longer.
For filling in the form, make sure you have the required documents ready like an email address, credit/debit cards, and your passport. Make sure you don’t leave any mistakes when filling in the form. For instance, your passport number must be accurate.
Once your eTA is approved, it will be linked to your valid passport. At the check-in counter, you will have to produce this passport.
So, this was some basic information and guidelines that you should follow if you want to apply for Electronic Travel Authorization for traveling to Canada. Make you don’t make some mistakes while filling in the form or you won’t be able to board the flight. Hope this helps.
