An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. Knowing what the eTA does—and does not—do before and after you land will help you move through the process without surprises.

Before you fly

When your eTA is approved, it will be linked to the passport you used to apply. You need to present this passport when you check in to your flight to Canada. Airline staff will scan your passport to confirm that you have a valid eTA; if you do not have one, you will not be able to board your flight. You do not need to print out any special document.

Once your eTA is approved, check that the passport number included in your eTA approval email matches the number in your passport exactly.

If you get a new passport, you need to get a new eTA. An eTA is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

Citizens from select visa-required countries may be eligible to apply for an eTA instead of a visa when travelling by air, but those travellers need a visitor visa when arriving by car, bus, train, or boat, including a cruise ship. Use Canada’s visa and eTA checker to confirm what documents apply to your specific situation.

At the border

An eTA does not guarantee entry to Canada. When you arrive, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and other documents, and you must satisfy the officer that you are eligible for entry into Canada. A full walkthrough of airport and border procedures covers each step in order.

Answer accurately and provide the documents requested.

If the officer is satisfied, they may stamp your passport or let you know how long you can stay in Canada. You are normally allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months. At the port of entry, the border services officer may allow you to stay for less or more than six months. If so, they will put the date you need to leave by in your passport, or they may give you a document called a visitor record showing that date.

Airport kiosks and eGates

CBSA provides kiosks and eGates at Canadian international airports for submitting customs and immigration declarations. Up to five travellers can use a single kiosk to submit their declarations; eGates process travellers individually.

Fingerprint verification at a kiosk is required only for select foreign nationals and permanent residents. If CBSA refers you to secondary inspection, your fingerprints may be checked there using a fingerprint verification device.

If technical issues or occasional outages occur, a customer service representative at the airport will direct you to a border services officer to make your declaration. CBSA maintains current instructions on its kiosks and eGates page.

Declarations

If a declaration cannot be completed at primary inspection, you will be directed to secondary inspection for assistance.

Any time you cross the border, you must declare any currency or monetary instruments you have in your possession that are valued at CAN$10,000 or more. That threshold can be any combination of Canadian or foreign currency and monetary instruments such as stocks, bonds, bank drafts, cheques, and traveller’s cheques, and it applies to business trips, holidays, and money carried on someone else’s behalf.

Review CBSA’s declaration guidance before you travel.

Connecting flights

An eTA requirement can apply even when you are only transiting through Canada. Follow the airport and carrier instructions for your specific itinerary.

Document checklist

Travel Canada is an independent information site and is not affiliated with the Government of Canada. This page provides general border and travel-document information, not legal advice.