Determine your eligibility
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:
- a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and
- a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)
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
- airline staff when you check in for a flight to Canada
- a border services officer when you arrive in Canada
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:
- a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and
- a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)
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
- airline staff when you check in for a flight to Canada
- a border services officer when you arrive in Canada
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
- one of the following:
- your U.S. Refugee Travel Document (I-571) or
- your Permit to Re-enter the United States (I-327)
and
- a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)
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:
- the type of travel document you will travel with;
- the country that issued your travel document;
- your nationality; and
- how you will travel to Canada.
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.
- If we issue you a visa, we’ll stick in your passport.
- If we issue you an eTA, 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.
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:
- the type of travel document you will travel with;
- the country that issued your travel document;
- your nationality; and
- how you will travel to Canada.
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:
- by air: you need to apply for an eTA before you can board your flight to Canada;
- by car, bus, train or boat (including cruise ship): you don’t need an eTA.
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:
- a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and
- a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)
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:
- a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and
- a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)
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:
- If you have a valid Canadian Refugee Travel document, you are exempt from both the visa and eTA requirements.
- If you’re a lawful permanent resident of the United States and don’t have a passport, you can travel to Canada with your valid U.S. Refugee Travel Document (I-571) and official proof of your lawful permanent resident status.
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:
- enter Canada directly from St. Pierre and Miquelon by air, or
- to return to St. Pierre and Miquelon if you only visited Canada.
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.
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