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Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

I have not been able to submit an eTA application because of technical issues (with the payment or the application form). Can I still fly to Canada?

No. eTA is a mandatory entry requirement. If you have not been able to get an eTA, you should not plan or undertake any travel to Canada.

If you try to apply again but still have technical issues, complete this enquiry form.

If you decide to travel to Canada without an eTA, you will experience delays or be prevented from boarding your flight to Canada.

I submitted an eTA application, but have not received any emails from IRCC. Can I still travel to Canada?

No. eTA is a mandatory entry requirement. You should not travel to Canada until a decision is made on your eTA application.

In most cases, applicants receive a confirmation email from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) within minutes of applying for an eTA. However, some applications can take several days to process.

If you are leaving for Canada soon, you may want to reschedule your flight.

Check the junk/spam mail folder of the email address you provided on your eTA application form. Some spam filters may block automated emails from IRCC.

If you have not received an email confirmation with an application number within 72 hours of applying, you will need to fill out this Web form:

I got an email confirmation from IRCC that my eTA application was received, but nothing since then. Can I still travel to Canada?

No. eTA is a mandatory entry requirement. You should not travel to Canada until a decision is made on your application.

Some applications can take several days to process.

If you are leaving for Canada soon, you may want to reschedule your flight.

Check the junk/spam mail folder of the email address you provided on your eTA application form. Some spam filters may block automated emails from IRCC.

If you have not received an email confirmation with an application number within 72 hours of applying, you will need to fill out this Web form:

I cannot submit the additional documents required for my eTA application by the requested deadline. Can I still travel to Canada?

No. Electronic travel authorization is a mandatory entry requirement. You should not travel to Canada until a decision is made on your application. If you’re leaving for Canada soon, you may want to consider rescheduling your flight.

If you’re not sure how to submit the documents requested for your eTA application, follow these step-by-step instructions.

If you’re waiting for someone (police department, doctor) to send you documents and can’t submit them by the deadline, you can submit an extension request through the IRCC secure account.

If you’re having technical problems uploading the documents and can’t submit them by the deadline, use this web form to request an extension.

I submitted the documents for my eTA application but I haven’t heard anything yet. Can I still travel to Canada?

No. eTA is a mandatory entry requirement. You should not travel to Canada until a decision is made on your application.

If you are leaving for Canada soon, you may want to reschedule your flight.

If you decide to travel to Canada while your application is still being assessed, you will be prevented from boarding your flight to Canada.

My application for an eTA was refused. Can I still travel to Canada?

If your application was refused, you should not travel to Canada. If you try to travel to Canada with a refused eTA, you will be prevented from boarding your flight.

We encourage you to reapply for an eTA only once you have addressed the reason(s) leading to the refusal of your application.

What is a visa-exempt foreign national?

A visa-exempt foreign national is a person who is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, and who does not normally need a visa to enter Canada.

Will the eTA application information be available in multiple languages?

No. However, information to help guide you through the online application will be available in several foreign languages.

Are there any age exemptions for eTA?

No. All eTA-required travellers, regardless of their age, will need an eTA when they fly to Canada.

I will transit by air through Canada. Do I need an eTA?

Passengers transiting Canada will need an eTA or a visa, regardless of the length of time in Canada.

Travellers whose planes refuel in Canada going to and from the United States, as well as participants in the China Transit Program and Transit Without Visa Program, do not need to have an eTA or a visa to transit Canada.

I am a permanent resident of Canada. Do I need an eTA if I leave and want to return to Canada by air?

No, you do not need an eTA if you are a permanent resident of Canada.

However, you must travel with a valid Permanent Resident Card or a Permanent Resident Travel Document. Otherwise, you may face delays or be prevented from boarding your flight to Canada.

If you do not currently have a Permanent Resident Card, find out how to apply.

If you are a Canadian permanent resident outside of Canada and do not have a Permanent Resident Card or your card is expired, find out how to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document.

I am a permanent resident of Canada. Can I apply for an eTA?

No. By law, Canadian permanent residents, cannot apply for an eTA.

Canadian permanent residents are required to present a valid Canadian permanent resident card or a permanent resident travel document when travelling to Canada. Canadian permanent residents should also carry a valid passport with them when travelling internationally, including when returning to Canada.

If you need to replace or renew your permanent resident card, make sure to plan ahead and check the processing times.

I am an American citizen. What do I need to enter Canada?

American citizens, including American-Canadian citizens, must carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada. You do not need a Canadian passport, a Canadian visa or an eTA to enter Canada if you are travelling with a valid U.S. passport.

I am a NEXUS or CANPASS member and U.S. green card holder. Do I need an eTA to fly to Canada?

No. As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the U.S. must present these documents for all methods of travel to Canada:

Complete list of acceptable status documents for lawful permanent residents of the U.S.

You need an official proof of status as a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., such as one of the following:

  • valid permanent resident card (Form I-551)
  • foreign passport with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (also known as an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication [ADIT] stamp)
  • foreign passport with a temporary I-551 printed notation (“Upon endorsement serves as temporary I-551 evidencing permanent residence for 1 year”) on a machine-readable immigrant visa upon endorsement with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection admission stamp
  • expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) or Form I-829 (Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status)
  • expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card [green card])
  • valid re-entry permit (Form I-327)
  • Form I-94 with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (ADIT stamp) and a passport-style photo

Bring your proof of status documents when you travel to Canada

To confirm your status as a lawful permanent resident in the U.S., you’ll need to show your proof documents to

I am a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (green card holder). Do I need an eTA?

No. As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the U.S. must show the following documents for all methods of travel to Canada:

Complete list of acceptable status documents for lawful permanent residents of the U.S.

You need an official proof of status as a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., such as one of the following:

  • valid permanent resident card (Form I-551)
  • foreign passport with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (also known as an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication [ADIT] stamp)
  • foreign passport with a temporary I-551 printed notation (“Upon endorsement serves as temporary I-551 evidencing permanent residence for 1 year”) on a machine-readable immigrant visa upon endorsement with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection admission stamp
  • expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) or Form I-829 (Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status)
  • expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card [green card])
  • valid re-entry permit (Form I-327)
  • Form I-94 with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (ADIT stamp) and a passport-style photo

Bring your proof of status documents when you travel to Canada

To confirm your status as a lawful permanent resident in the U.S., you’ll need to show your proof documents to

I am a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (green card holder) and my home country will not issue a passport to me. Can I apply for an eTA using a document other than a passport?

As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the United States are exempt from the eTA requirement.

If you’re a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.

If you cannot get a passport from your home country because it doesn’t issue passports to permanent residents of other countries, for all methods of travel to Canada you must bring

Complete list of acceptable status documents for lawful permanent residents of the U.S.

You need an official proof of status as a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., such as one of the following:

  • valid permanent resident card (Form I-551)
  • foreign passport with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (also known as an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication [ADIT] stamp)
  • foreign passport with a temporary I-551 printed notation (“Upon endorsement serves as temporary I-551 evidencing permanent residence for 1 year”) on a machine-readable immigrant visa upon endorsement with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection admission stamp
  • expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) or Form I-829 (Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status)
  • expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card [green card])
  • valid re-entry permit (Form I-327)
  • Form I-94 with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (ADIT stamp) and a passport-style photo

I have a visa or a temporary resident permit to enter Canada. Do I need an eTA too?

No. If you plan to travel to Canada, you need a valid visitor visa or a valid eTA.

The one you need depends on:

Before you apply, answer a few questions to find out what you need to travel to Canada.

If you already have a valid Canadian visitor visa you don’t need to apply for an eTA – even if you’re eligible for an eTA. You can travel with your visa until it expires.

If you apply for an initial work or study permit before you travel to Canada, you’ll get a visa or an eTA automatically once your work or study permit application is approved. You don’t need to apply for a visa or an eTA, or pay extra fees.

Travel documents

  • passport
  • alien’s passport for stateless persons
  • permit to re-enter the U.S. (I-327)
  • U.S. refugee travel document (I-571)
  • other refugee travel document for non-citizens

I am visiting the U.S. and I want to come to Canada. Do I need an eTA?

Most travellers need a visitor visa or an eTA to travel to, or transit through, Canada.

What you need depends on:

Before you apply, find out what you need.

I have an ESTA and I am visiting the U.S. Can I use my ESTA to enter Canada?

You cannot use your ESTA to enter Canada. Canada’s eTA is a separate authorization and is required to enter Canada by air. Find out if you need an eTA.

I am from a visa-exempt country and want to apply for a study or work permit. Do I need to apply for an eTA?

It depends.

If you apply for an initial work or study permit before you travel to Canada

You will get an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) automatically once your work or study permit application is approved. You don’t need to apply for an eTA or pay extra fees. Your eTA number will be included in the letter of introduction we will send you when your study or work permit is approved. Keep this number in case you need to contact us about your eTA.

If you plan to apply for an initial work or study permit at a Canadian port of entry

Depending on your method of travel:

I am from a visa-exempt country and a study or work permit. Do I need to apply for an eTA?

It depends.

Initial permit issued on or after August 1, 2015

If you’re from a visa-exempt country, we issued an eTA automatically to you when your permit was approved.

Your eTA is electronically linked to the passport you used to apply for your permit. It is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. See your letter of introduction for details.

If you got a new passport since your permit was issued, you will need to get a new eTA.

Extension issued before May 1, 2017

If you never received or applied for an eTA before, you will need to apply for one if you plan to leave and return to Canada by air.

Extension issued on or after May 1, 2017

If you extend your permit, we will issue you an eTA automatically when we approve your permit.

I am a lawful permanent resident of the United States and have a study or work permit. Do I need to apply for an eTA?

No. As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the U.S. must show these documents for all methods of travel to Canada:

Complete list of acceptable status documents for lawful permanent residents of the U.S.

You need an official proof of status as a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., such as one of the following:

  • valid permanent resident card (Form I-551)
  • foreign passport with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (also known as an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication [ADIT] stamp)
  • foreign passport with a temporary I-551 printed notation (“Upon endorsement serves as temporary I-551 evidencing permanent residence for 1 year”) on a machine-readable immigrant visa upon endorsement with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection admission stamp
  • expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) or Form I-829 (Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status)
  • expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card [green card])
  • valid re-entry permit (Form I-327)
  • Form I-94 with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (ADIT stamp) and a passport-style photo

I am from a visa-exempt country and want to study in Canada for less than six months. Do I need an eTA?

You need to apply for an eTA if you are from a visa-exempt country and plan to travel to Canada by air.

You don’t need an eTA if you plan to travel by car, bus, train or boat (including cruise ships).

Note: you don’t need a study permit to study in Canada for less than 6 months.

Find out about study permit requirements.

I am from a visa-exempt country and want to extend my work or study permit. Do I need to apply for an eTA?

If you’re from a visa-exempt country

No. As of May 1, 2017, eligible applicants are issued an eTA when we approve their study or work permits.

If you’re a lawful permanent resident of the United States

No. As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the U.S. no longer require an eTA to travel to Canada. These travellers must show these documents for all methods of travel to Canada:

Complete list of acceptable status documents for lawful permanent residents of the U.S.

You need an official proof of status as a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., such as one of the following:

  • valid permanent resident card (Form I-551)
  • foreign passport with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (also known as an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication [ADIT] stamp)
  • foreign passport with a temporary I-551 printed notation (“Upon endorsement serves as temporary I-551 evidencing permanent residence for 1 year”) on a machine-readable immigrant visa upon endorsement with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection admission stamp
  • expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) or Form I-829 (Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status)
  • expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card [green card])
  • valid re-entry permit (Form I-327)
  • Form I-94 with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (ADIT stamp) and a passport-style photo

I am a dual citizen of the U.S. and another country. Do I need an eTA?

No. As long as you travel with a valid U.S. passport, you do not need an eTA to enter Canada.

American citizens, including American-Canadian citizens, must carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada. You do not need a Canadian passport, a Canadian visa or an eTA to fly to Canada if you are travelling with a valid U.S. passport.

I am a Canadian citizen. Do I need an eTA to enter Canada?

No. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, cannot apply for an eTA to enter Canada.

You will need a valid Canadian passport to board your flight to Canada.

A valid Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel document. It provides proof that you are a citizen and have the right to enter Canada without being subjected to immigration screening. Make sure that the expiry date of the passport is well beyond your planned return date.

Find out how to renew or apply for a Canadian passport.

Flying in a few days or at the airport without a Canadian passport?

You can apply for a special authorization that, if approved, will allow you to board your flight with your valid non-Canadian passport.

See Dual Canadian citizens need a Canadian passport.

For future travel, make sure to travel with a Canadian passport. Apply soon. It can take time to get a Canadian passport.

I am a Canadian citizen and a citizen of another country. Can I fly to Canada with my non-Canadian passport?

No. Canadians citizens, including dual citizens, need to fly to Canada with a valid Canadian passport.

Special circumstances:

Flying in a few days or at the airport without a Canadian passport

You can apply for a special authorization that, if approved, will allow you to board your flight with your valid non-Canadian passport.

American-Canadians

You don’t need a Canadian passport, a Canadian visa or an eTA to fly to Canada if you are travelling with a valid U.S. passport. American citizens, including American-Canadian citizens, must carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada.

Can I apply for an eTA with a Refugee Travel Document?

No. Most people using a Refugee Travel Document to travel to Canada will need a visitor visa.

Exceptions:

Complete list of acceptable status documents for lawful permanent residents of the U.S.

You need an official proof of status as a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., such as one of the following:

  • valid permanent resident card (Form I-551)
  • foreign passport with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (also known as an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication [ADIT] stamp)
  • foreign passport with a temporary I-551 printed notation (“Upon endorsement serves as temporary I-551 evidencing permanent residence for 1 year”) on a machine-readable immigrant visa upon endorsement with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection admission stamp
  • expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) or Form I-829 (Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status)
  • expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card [green card])
  • valid re-entry permit (Form I-327)
  • Form I-94 with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (ADIT stamp) and a passport-style photo

I have committed an offence and suspect or know that I am inadmissible to Canada. Should I still apply for an eTA?

Yes. Your application provides you the opportunity to explain your situation. If your eTA application is denied, a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) may be considered to allow you to travel to Canada.

I have been refused entry to Canada in the past. Does this mean that I will be refused an eTA?

A past refusal of entry to Canada, or a refusal of a document to travel to Canada, does not mean you will be refused an eTA. Each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. You are encouraged to apply regardless of a previous immigration decision.

Can a business or agency organizing charter flights to Canada for tour groups get eTAs for their clients?

No, group applications are not possible. Travellers from eTA-required countries who fly to or transit through Canada, whether through regular airline or chartered group, are expected to have an eTA.

Do travellers on chartered aircrafts need an eTA?

Yes. Travellers from eTA-required countries who fly to or transit through Canada, whether through regular airline or chartered group, are expected to have an eTA.

Do VIPs, Heads of State or diplomats need an eTA to travel to Canada?

Yes, visa-exempt foreign nationals, including VIPs, Heads of State and diplomats, need an eTA.

Diplomats who are already accredited in Canada are exempt.

Can diplomats who are not accredited in Canada, but accredited elsewhere, travel to Canada without an eTA?

No. All visa-exempt diplomats who have been accredited by a country other than Canada will need an eTA.

Diplomats who are accredited in Canada do not need an eTA.

I live in St. Pierre and Miquelon and am a citizen of France. I want to travel to Canada by air. Do I need an eTA?

You do not need an eTA to:

See also I live in St. Pierre and Miquelon and am a citizen of France returning to St. Pierre and Miquelon by air from a country other than Canada. Do I need an eTA?

I live in St. Pierre and Miquelon and am a citizen of a country other than France. I want to travel to Canada by air. Do I need an eTA?

If you are a citizen of a country other than France, you may need an eTA or a visa. It depends on your nationality. Find out if you need an eTA or a visa to come to Canada.

I live in St. Pierre and Miquelon and am a citizen of France returning to St. Pierre and Miquelon by air from a country other than Canada. Do I need an eTA?

If you are a citizen of France who plans to return to St. Pierre and Miquelon by air from a country other than Canada but transit through a Canadian airport, you need an eTA. Apply now.

When I visit Canada, I want to travel to St. Pierre and Miquelon by air. What document(s) do I need to return to Canada?

You can come back to Canada with the documents you initially came in with, as long as they are still valid. Make sure your travel document, and eTA or visa has not expired.

I have a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) and will travel to Canada. Do I need an eTA?

No. If you are from a visa-exempt country and have a Confirmation of Permanent Residence document, you don’t need an eTA. However, if you haven’t received this document before your planned travel to Canada, you will need to apply for an eTA.

If you are from a visa-required country, a permanent resident visa will automatically be issued in your passport for your travel to Canada.

In both cases, make sure you travel to Canada with your valid passport and your valid Confirmation of Permanent Residence document.

How do I apply for an eTA for travel to Canada?

To apply you must have a valid passport from a visa-exempt country, a valid credit card and an email address.

It costs $7 CAD to get an eTA and only takes a few minutes to apply. Approved eTAs are valid for up to five years.

Apply now for an eTA.

Credit cards and prepaid cards

We accept credit cards and prepaid cards from:

  • Visa®
  • MasterCard®
  • American Express®
  • JCB®
  • UnionPay® (online applications only)

If you use a prepaid credit card, keep it for at least 18 months after you pay to make refunds easier. Find more on prepaid cards.

We also accept all Visa Debit cards.

The card you use doesn't have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

I see other websites advertising that I can apply for an eTA with them. Is there more than one website to apply for an eTA?

No. The Government of Canada website is the official place to apply for an eTA. Even authorized third parties that apply on behalf of someone else have to use this website to apply for an eTA. To find out if you need an eTA, answer the questions at the start of this website’s application form.

Travellers who apply for an eTA are advised to be cautious in all dealings with companies that claim to offer help in getting an eTA. Although many of these companies have created websites that charge a fee to provide information and submit eTA applications through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), these companies are NOT operating on behalf of the Government of Canada.

Read more on how to protect yourself.

What type of information do I need to complete an eTA application?

You will need to provide the biographic information from your passport. This includes your name, date and place of birth, gender, marital status, address, nationality and passport number. You will also need to answer a few simple background questions to determine if you can come to Canada. For example, you will be asked about your current job and if you have any medical issues.

Can I apply for an eTA for my child?

Yes. To apply for your child, you need to submit a separate application form. You will need to enter a few things differently on your child’s form:

Can I help a friend or family member apply for an eTA?

Yes, you may help a friend or family member apply for an eTA. You will need to indicate at the start of the form that you are completing the form for your friend or family member.

When you start the application form:

As a Canadian citizen living in Canada, can I apply for an eTA for my non-Canadian relative or friend who lives abroad?

Yes, a Canadian citizen may help a non-Canadian relative or friend apply for an eTA. You will need to indicate at the start of the form that you are completing the form for your relative or friend.

When you start the application form:

Can more than one person, including dependents, be included in an eTA application?

No. Each person must submit a separate eTA application. If your child or children appear on your passport, a separate eTA application must be submitted for each child.

Can I submit a group application for eTA?

No. You must apply one person at a time. For example, for a family of three, you will need to submit each application individually, and pay the fee for each one separately.

Can I use my email address when I apply for an eTA on behalf of someone?

Yes. If the applicant does not have an email address, you can use yours. However, by entering your email address, you will get all emails from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) about the person’s application. You will also continue to get relevant emails for the period the eTA is valid (up to 5 years).

If you enter the person’s email, IRCC will email the applicant directly.

Can I start my eTA application and save it?

No, there is no save feature. You must complete your application in one session. Make sure to have your passport, email address and a credit card ready before you start the form.

Can I review my eTA application before I submit it?

At this time, there is no review function. Please enter the information carefully and take note of the details entered if you want a record of what you submit.

What happens if I made a mistake (like an email address or passport number) on my eTA application?

You will need to apply again. Make sure to enter the correct information.

Your correct email address is needed because we will email you to tell you if your application for an eTA is approved.

The passport number of the passport you will use to travel to Canada is needed because your eTA will be linked to that passport. If the passport number you entered is not correct, you may not be able to board your flight.

Be extra careful when entering your passport information.

Can I apply for an eTA using a document other than a passport?

No. You can only apply for an eTA using a valid passport issued to you by your country of citizenship or nationality.

Find out if your document is a passport

Look at the front cover of the document. The word “passport” should appear on the cover.

What options are available to pay the eTA application fee?

You can pay for an eTA with the following:

What if I don’t have a Visa, Mastercard or American Express? Are there other methods to pay for an eTA?

Yes, we also accept:

Do I have to apply for an eTA each time I travel to Canada?

No. Once approved, your eTA is valid for five years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first. You can come to Canada as many times as you wish as long as your eTA remains valid.

I must travel to Canada for exceptional circumstances. Can I get my eTA on an urgent basis?

When you apply, indicate in detail on the application the urgent and/or compelling reason for your travel. This information will be considered when your application is processed. However, most applicants will receive a confirmation within minutes.

Will IRCC email me when my eTA is approved?

Yes. When your eTA is approved, you will receive an email confirmation. You will also receive an email if we need more information to process your application or if your eTA has been denied.

Please make sure to check your email junk mail folder. Some spam filters may block our emails. Check the folder regularly as emails may at times be moved from your inbox to the junk mail folder.

If you have not received an email confirmation with an application number within 72 hours of applying, you will need to fill out this Web form. You will need to:

NOTE: It can take us several days to answer to your enquiry.

What information will I get by email after I apply for an eTA?

After you submit your application, you should get an email that indicates one of the following:

Why am I not receiving any emails from IRCC about my eTA application?

In most cases, applicants will receive their eTA approval (via email) within minutes of applying. However, some applications may need several days to process.

If this happens to your application, you will receive an email within 72 hours of applying that tells you what your next steps are. This may include a request for:

Once you receive this email, you can use the eTA Check Status tool to follow the progress of your application. To use the tool, you will need:

If you have not received an email confirmation with an application number within 72 hours of applying, you will need to fill out this Web form. You will need to:

Note: Make sure to check your email junk mail folder. Some spam filters may block our emails. Check the folder regularly as emails may at times be moved from your inbox to the junk mail folder.

How long will it take to process my eTA application?

In most cases, applicants will receive a confirmation within minutes. However, some requests can take several days to process.

See also What do I do if my application for an eTA is not approved right away?

I applied for an eTA on a different website. How do I verify if I have a real eTA?

To confirm that you have a valid eTA, use the eTA Check Status tool. You need to provide the following information:

After submitting these details, you will see information about your eTA on the status screen. The Government of Canada website is the official place to apply for an eTA. Even authorized third parties that apply on behalf of someone have to use this website to apply for an eTA.

If it has been more than 72 hours since you applied and if you do not see any information or get an error message when you use the Check Status tool, complete this enquiry form. Note: It can take us several days to answer your enquiry.

I have been charged more than CAN$7 my eTA on another website. I think I have been scammed. How can I find out and can I get a refund?

You may have used a legitimate third party service that charges more to get an eTA. These companies do not operate on behalf of the Government of Canada, but have websites that charge extra fees to give information and submit an eTA application to the Government of Canada website.

The Government of Canada does not issue refunds for extra fees charged by third party websites.

Find out if your eTA is valid

As a first step, use the eTA Check Status tool. Enter the following information:

After submitting these details, you will see information about your eTA on the status screen. This information will confirm whether you are authorized to travel to Canada.

If it has been more than 72 hours since you applied and if you do not see any information or get an error message when you use the Check Status tool, complete this enquiry form. Note: It can take us several days to answer your enquiry.

If, once the Government of Canada reviews your enquiry, it is confirmed that you do not have an eTA and there is no application in your name, follow these steps:

I have to submit documents for my eTA application. How can I find out what documents I need to provide?

To know what documents you need to submit, you must first:

Once you complete these three steps, you will be able to view the message in your account that lists the document(s) you need to submit. Do not submit your documents by email.

Follow these instructions to upload your document(s).

I need to submit documents in a secure IRCC account for my eTA application. How can I do this?

If IRCC asks you to submit documents to process your eTA application, follow these step-by-step instructions as soon as you get the email request.

Note: Get your requested document(s) as soon as possible. Some of them could take you a while to get. Remember that your document(s) must be in English or French, or be accompanied by a certified translation. If you don’t submit the requested document(s) by the deadline given to you, your eTA could be refused.

What do I do if my application for an eTA is not approved right away?

While most eTAs are issued in minutes, some can take several days to process. In such cases, more information is needed before the application is approved. IRCC will contact you via email and advise you of the next steps.

Check the junk/spam mail folder of the email address you provided on your eTA application form. Some spam filters may block automated emails from IRCC.

The email from IRCC may include a request for:

If you have not received an email confirmation with an application number within 72 hours of applying, you will need to fill out this Web form. To do so, you will need to:

If you apply for an eTA at an airport, and your eTA is not approved in time for you to check-in for your flight, you will need to reschedule your flight.

Do I have to print anything to prove that I have an eTA?

No. An eTA is electronically linked to your passport. You will need to travel with the passport you used to apply for your eTA.

Can I withdraw my eTA application?

Yes. To withdraw your application, you must use this Web form. You will need to provide:

Please note that the application fee is non-refundable. In most cases, eTA applications will be approved within minutes of applying. Therefore, you may receive an approved eTA before your request to withdraw your application has been processed. If this is the case, you will continue to hold an approved eTA.

If my eTA is cancelled after I get one, can I travel?

An eTA can be cancelled in cases where information comes to light that you have become inadmissible to Canada. At that point, an immigration officer would cancel your eTA and let you know by email.

If your application was cancelled, you should not travel to Canada. If you decide to travel to Canada with a cancelled eTA, you will be prevented from boarding your flight to Canada.

We encourage you to reapply for an eTA only once you have addressed the reason(s) leading to the cancellation of your application.

What happens if I get a new passport after I have received an eTA?

If you get a new passport, you will need to get a new eTA. Your eTA is electronically linked to your passport.

My application for an eTA was refused. Can I get a refund?

No. All application fees are non-refundable.

My application for an eTA was refused. Is there a way I can appeal?

You can ask the Federal Court of Canada to review the decision related to your application. To do so, a lawyer must apply for judicial review on your behalf.

See also My application for an eTA was refused. Can I still travel to Canada?

Does having an eTA automatically mean that I am allowed to enter Canada?

No. An eTA will facilitate your entry into Canada. When you arrive at the border, a border services officer will ask to see your passport or travel documents and ask you a few questions. The officer will then decide if you can enter the country.

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