Everything You Wanted to Know About eTAs But Didn't Know Who To Ask

As of September 29, 2016, new entry requirements will be in effect for many travellers to Canada. Visa-exempt foreign nationals, who fly to or transit through Canada, will be required to have an Electronic Travel Authorization ("eTA").

Notably, there are three main exceptions to this requirement:

1. U.S. citizens do not require an eTA;
2. travellers with a valid Canadian visa do not require eTA; and
3. those entering via a travel method other than air (i.e. land and sea) do not require an eTA.

Note: having a U.S. ESTA does is not an exemption from obtaining a Canadian eTA.

eTA applications are made online and cost only $7 CAD. Most eTA applications are approved within minutes of applying. However, there may be delays if there is a ground of potential inadmissibility or investigation. These grounds can include, but are not limited to, any (even minor) prior criminality, a medical condition, and past immigration refusals in Canada or elsewhere in the world.