Everything you need to know about ETA visa to Canada



With the advent of the ETA visa system, traveling to Canada has never been simpler. The new procedure, though, can terrify people who are less into technology. That's where we step in to support you on your journey. You will require either a visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to visit the country. For short business visits or vacations, you no longer need to visit the Canadian embassy, which makes doing business and entering Canada easier than ever. Let's check what an ETA visa is and how to obtain one.

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What is an ETA visa?

For visitors entering Canada by air without a visa, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is necessary. A traveler's passport is electronically connected to an eTA. It is possible to use a passport for up to five years, depending on when it expires.

You can visit Canada as frequently as you'd like for brief stays if you have a valid eTA normally for up to six months at a time. Travel within Canada is not subject to an ETA requirement.

What is the difference between a Canadian visa and a Canadian eTA?

A Canadian visa is distinct from an eTA for Canada. A visa is a tangible authorization such as a passport stamp or sticker. It permits you to visit a foreign nation. Typically, you can either receive a visa at the border or seek one in advance from an embassy. Both involve extensive paperwork completion and immigration officer approval. Many country nationals must obtain visas to enter Canada.

You can travel with an eTA visa for the following reasons?

  • Vacation/tourism
  • Visiting family or friends
  • Finding a doctor or therapy
  • Participation by amateurs in cultural, musical, or sports activities
  • Business conferences
  • Attending a seminar for professionals
  • Training for a limited time
  • Agreement negotiating

Who requires an eTA to visit Canada?

There are 4 distinct traveler types:

Travelers who need an eTA:

Foreign nationals without a visa must have an eTA in order to travel to or via a Canadian airport. When traveling by vehicle, bus, train, or boat, these passengers do not require an eTA.

Travelers who are unable to apply for an eTA must have another form of identification. All citizens of Canada, including dual citizens, require a current Canadian passport. With a current Canadian or American passport, American Canadians can travel. A valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document is required for Canadian residents. Ex-Canadian citizens' status as permanent residents (PR) lasts forever. Having PR status can still be possible if you once resided in Canada many years ago.

Which kind of travelers is free from the eTA requirement?

In addition to carrying suitable identification, such as a current U.S. passport, U.S. citizens are free from the eTA requirement. In addition to a current passport from their place of nationality, they must have official proof of status or an equivalent travel document.

How can you apply for an eTA for travel to Canada?

Use this official website of the Canadian government alone to submit an ETA application. A quick online process is required to apply for an ETA, and it doesn't take long at all. In the majority of cases, applicants receive their eTA approval by email right away. If you are required to submit supporting documentation, some requests, however, may take several days to process. The optimal time to obtain an eTA is before making travel arrangements to Canada.

Only one individual may apply and be charged at a time.

You'll need a credit card, an email address, and your passport to complete the form. To further establish your eligibility, you must respond to a few questions.

What to do if your eTA visa expires?

There is an expiration date on your eTA. The eTA expiration date is no longer relevant once you are in Canada. You must, however, always consider the maximum permitted stay in Canada. Your eTA will run out five years after it has been granted, or as soon as you begin using a new passport. You won't be able to request an extension if your eTA is about to expire. Even if your current eTA hasn't yet run out, you can still apply for a new one.

About This Author

Philip Diack is Founder and Managing Director of Passports and Visas.com, a national passport and travel visa service with offices in Atlanta, Miami, Washington, DC, NYC, Denver and San Francisco.

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