Canada eTA

Electronic Travel Authorization Application Agency

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eTA Basics

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[su_spoiler title=”Receiving authorization to travel to Canada” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]

If you are planning to visit Canada and are a citizen of one of the 52 countries that are visa exempt, you must first apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before traveling to the country.

An eTA allows travelers from visa exempt countries to apply online for their travel authorization without the need to apply for a travel visa at a Canadian embassy.  Approved travelers will be allowed to visit Canada for visits of 180 days or less.
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[su_spoiler title=”Information about the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program ” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]

The Canadian government has recently established the eTA program in order to pre-screen travelers from visa exempt countries that are traveling to Canada.

Before the eTA program was established travelers would arrive in Canada and if they did not meet entry requirements they would be denied entry to the country.  With eTA the Canadian authorities are able to pre-screen travelers and ensure that they meet Canada’s entry requirements.
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[su_spoiler title=”Requirements to Apply for an eTA” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]

  • You are a citizen of one of the 55 countries belonging to the Canada visa exempt program.
  • You are visiting Canada for tourism, business or transit and your trip is for 180 days or less
  • You must not have any criminal convictions or immigration violations
  • You must be in good health
  • You must have ties to your home country such as employment, home or financial instruments
  • You have to convince an immigration officer that you plan to return to your country after your visit to Canada

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[su_spoiler title=”Who needs an eTA to travel to Canada?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]

All persons traveling by air to Canada and are citizens of one of the 52 countries that are visa exempt need to apply for an eTA prior to traveling to Canada.

An approved eTA is mandatory for all passengers including children. If you are entering Canada via automobile through one of the designated land borders with the United States then you are not required to apply for an eTA.

Citizens of countries that are not visa exempt must apply for a regular visa at a Canadian embassy or consulate.
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[su_spoiler title=”An overview of Canada’s visa history” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]

Canada has had a visa policy for several years that has exempted a select group of countries from the need to apply for a visa before traveling to the country.

The country makes very serious analysis into its visitors and carefully looks at visa overstay rates, asylum claims, security issues and other factors to determine whether countries can remain on the visa exempt list or not.
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[su_spoiler title=”Visa-exempt countries” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]

The following 52 countries can travel to Canada visa-exempt and must apply for an eTA:

Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Vatican City.
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[su_spoiler title=”How does eTA work?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]

The CANADA eTA application process requires travelers to provide personal and background information in an online application form.

The application will require the following information:

  • Traveler information such as home address and phone number
  • Passport information including passport number, date of issue and date of expiration
  • Employment information and employer name
  • A valid email address
  • A credit or debit card for payment.

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eTA Specific

[su_spoiler title=”Denial of an eTA” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]Although we do not know the precise reason for denial, our experience shows the following circumstances that may cause an eTA rejection:
• Providing a passport number that was reported lost or stolen
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[su_spoiler title=”eTA validity period” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]Your travel authorization will be valid for two years from the date of issue. If your passport expires or changes within this period, a new travel authorization must be acquired with your renewed passport information.
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[su_spoiler title=”Acceptable travel purposes” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]An eTA is adequate for vacation and most business trips to Canada. The following are valid travel reasons when traveling with an eTA.
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[su_spoiler title=”Children and eTA” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]Travel authorization is also required for children traveling from a Visa-exempt country by air to Canada.
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[su_spoiler title=”Visa-exempt country details” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]As of 2017, there are 52 countries that are exempt from having to obtain visa for visits to Canada. The countries that are eligible for visa free travel to Canada and for an eTA are developed, stable, high income countries that do not pose any threat to Canada.
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Applying for an eTA

[su_spoiler title=”When to complete the eTA application?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]Although we offer expedited services for extreme circumstances, it is highly recommended that you submit your eTA application at least three days (72 hours) before your departure.
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[su_spoiler title=”eTA application outcomes” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]After you submit the eTA form, our agents process the data, submit and monitor the status. We will indicate one of the following three outcomes to you via email after the application has been processed.
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[su_spoiler title=”Multiple passports” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]The eTA application form requires information from a single passport. If you have more than one citizenship of a country eligible to apply for an eTA you must decide which passport you will use for your visit to Canada.
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Using your eTA

[su_spoiler title=”When is the eTA used?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]Once you have been authorized to travel through our eTA process, you may be wondering how and when this will be used during your trip.
The first point where your eTA is checked is at check-in with your carrier to allow you to board the plane to Canada.
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[su_spoiler title=”Transits and eTA” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]If you are traveling in transit to another destination but traveling through Canada then you are required to apply for and have a valid eTA approval.
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[su_spoiler title=”Visiting the UNITED STATES and traveling to Canada by car.” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]If you are entering Canada via a LAND border with the United States and are a citizen of one the 52 visa exempt countries then you are not required to apply for an eTA.
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[su_spoiler title=”Multiple visits with an eTA” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]Visits to Canada are usually approved for up to six months although the final allowed visit time is determined by a Canadian immigration officer at the point of entry.
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[su_spoiler title=”Visa-exempt considerations” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]You will not be allowed to change your immigration status after you enter Canada.
If you plan to stay long term in Canada for work, study, marriage…
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[su_spoiler title=”Departing Canada” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]You must ensure that you leave Canada before your allowed stay period expires.
If you are allowed a six month stay then you must depart the country before…
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[su_spoiler title=”Exceeding your six month limit” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]If you stay longer than 6 months under the eTA program and your stay has not been extended by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (emergency situations only), you will lose your travel authorization and not be able to use the eTA for future trips.
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[su_spoiler title=”eTA expiration while in Canada” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]As long as your eTA is valid on the date of your arrival in Canada, you will not need to reapply for a new eTA.
It is acceptable to have an eTA expire after entry into Canada,
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Common eTA Questions

[su_spoiler title=”Is there such a thing as an eTA visa?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]Many times the phrase eTA visa is used, but this can be a bit confusing. The eTA is very different from visa in several ways and using the term eTA visa is misleading.
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[su_spoiler title=”Is my eTA still valid if my passport has expired / changed?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]If you get a new passport, the eTA you received with your old passport is no longer valid.
Any time a passport is changed,…
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[su_spoiler title=”What can be done if the eTA is denied?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]Rest assured, our eTA specialists will make every effort to make sure your application is correct before it’s processed to maximize your approval chances.
Travel authorization is rarely denied but in the unlikely event that your eTA application results in a “travel not authorized” outcome, your next best option is to obtain a visa for travel to Canada through a Canadian embassy or consulate.
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[su_spoiler title=”Can I learn why my travel authorization was denied?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]Generally, the only reasons you may be denied an eTA are as follows:
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[su_spoiler title=”Do I need the eTA if entering the Canada by land?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]No.
If you are entering Canada through a land border with the United States and are a citizen of one of the 52 visa exempt countries (excluding the United States) you do not need an eTA to enter Canada.
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[su_spoiler title=”Do I need an eTA if entering Canada on a private plane?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]Yes.
If arriving by air, you must apply….
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[su_spoiler title=”Do I need the eTA if entering the Canada on a private boat?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]No.
Travelers arriving by land borders or by boat from the United States…
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[su_spoiler title=”What if my passport is about to expire before my trip to the Canada?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]While Canada does not enforce a six-month rule of passport validity, we strongly recommend that your passport is valid for at least six months prior to your entry into Canada.
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[su_spoiler title=”What happens to my personal information when I apply with the eTA?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]Your personal information is used solely for determination to whether you meet admissibility criteria under the eTA program.
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The eTA Application Form

[su_spoiler title=”eTA form questions” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]Some of the security questions on the eTA form are a bit confusing. We’ve provided some additional information for each question to help you understand them better before selecting an answer.
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[su_spoiler title=”Correcting mistakes on the eTA application form” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]Our eTA specialists carefully review each application for errors, but some personal information cannot be verified for accuracy.
If you’ve submitted the eTA application form…
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[su_spoiler title=”Don’t have access to the internet and/or a correct payment method?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]A person can fill out the eTA application form on your behalf, but the traveler is ultimately responsible for the truthfulness and accuracy of all form data submitted.
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[su_spoiler title=”Non-English characters and the eTA application form” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]A person’s name may contain non-English characters that are not accepted into fields of the eTA application form.
You can find the correct characters that should be used near…
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[su_spoiler title=”My passport has an X for the sex marker” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]Please select the “Other” category in the gender section of the application.
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[su_spoiler title=”HIV and the eTA program” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]Visitors to Canada with HIV are allowed to visit without restrictions.
If you are taking medications or are under medical care for HIV…
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[su_spoiler title=”I have U.S. Permanent Residence (Green Card), can I apply for an eTA?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]If you are a citizen of a country that requires a visa to visit Canada but you currently have U.S. Permanent Residence (Green Card) then you are eligible for an eTA and do not have to apply for a visitor visa.
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[su_spoiler title=”Updating information on the eTA application after submitting” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]Sometimes personal information changes after the eTA has been processed.
If you’ve submitted the eTA application to us and made a payment, please contact us immediately and if your application has not been submitted yet we will be able to edit it.
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[su_spoiler title=”Why does the eTA form ask for employment information?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]Your employment information is a factor in determining whether you qualify for an eTA approval.
If you are unemployed please state it in the employment information section.
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[su_spoiler title=”What if I leave an eTA form field blank?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]All required fields must be completed. If erroneous information is provided…
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VISA and eTA

[su_spoiler title=”VISA vs. eTA” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]An Electronic Travel Authorization or eTA allows citizens of the 52 visa exempt countries to apply online for an approval to visit Canada.
Travelers from visa exempt countries are not required to apply for a visa at a Canadian embassy or consulate but are required to apply for an eTA in order to enter Canada.
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[su_spoiler title=”What if I already have a valid visa?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]You do not need to apply for an eTA if you have a valid visa. The visa authorizes you to travel to Canada already.
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[su_spoiler title=”Previously denied visa request” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]If you’ve requested a visa in the past and it was denied, your eTA application is likely to be rejected as well.
If your eTA application is accepted after a previous visa denial…
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[su_spoiler title=”Expedited visa request after eTA denial” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]There are no guarantees for quick (next day) appointments with a Canada embassy or consulate, so it is highly recommended to apply for…
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Canada Customs and eTA

[su_spoiler title=”The customs inspection process” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]The customs inspection process is typically simple and straightforward.
The basic customs steps are listed below.
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[su_spoiler title=”What if I’m denied admission into CANADA?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]A Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer can refuse admission into Canada even when an eTA has been approved if they do not believe you meet or fulfill Canada’s entry requirements.
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