What Is ETA Canada

What is an Electronic Travel Authorization for Canada?

The ETA is a new means for the citizens of visa exempt countries to travel to Canada without requiring a regular visa of any kind. It denotes Electronic Travel Authorization. The ETA which is linked to the passports of the citizens of those countries let them travel to Canada under certain conditions.

With an ETA, the citizens of visa exempt countries can travel to Canada minus any visa and stay up to a period of 6 months at a stretch. An ETA has a 5-year validity within which an eligible person can travel many times to Canada. In order to submit an ETA request, a person needs to have a valid passport. It applies to both genders and kids.

Why the Canadian government introduces the ETA?

The ETA, introduced much like ESTA of the USA, enables the Canadian government to screen and assess the citizens of specific countries for traveling to Canada. This effectively reduces the load on the immigration department as they do not have to check Visa for those foreign nationals. Since ETA is issued electronically, each time an ETA holder travels to Canada, his/her eligibility is checked much before he/she actually travels to Canada. It helps the Canadian government assess and monitor security and health-related threats from citizens of those nations. This will help the government to deal with a huge number of visa-exempt foreign citizens traveling to Canada for a short term- in a better and streamlined way.

From when the ETA was made effective?

The Canadian government made ETA effective from August 1, 2015.

Which countries are eligible for Canada ETA?

As of now, there are 55 countries covered under the Canada visa exempt program. These include countries like Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, New Zealand, some British overseas territories, etc.

What are the criteria to apply for Canada ETA?

To apply for the Canada ETA and qualify for it, the applicants need to meet the below-listed criteria:

• He/she should be from one of the 55 Visa exempt countries.
• The applicant will stay for less than 180 days for purposes like business or tourism.
• He/she must possess a valid passport.
• The applicant should be devoid of any immigration violations and criminal convictions.
• The applicant must be in good health.

Does the Canada ETA guarantee entry to Canada?

Even after getting approval for the Canada ETA application, an eligible candidate may not be allowed to enter Canada. Even with a valid passport and approved ETA, such a candidate has to undergo the mandatory immigration check at the airport in Canada. The immigration officials have to be convinced that the applicant has come to Canada for a valid purpose and after a specific duration will return to his/her own country. The officials will also have to be assured about the authenticity of the documents of such applicants.

Who does not need an ETA to enter Canada?

There are certain conditions under which foreign nationals may not need to use ETA to get entry to Canada.

• The foreign nationals entering Canada through land routes and border shared with the USA do not need an ETA.
• The foreign nationals entering Canada through the ports through cruise ships, do not need an ETA.
• The citizens of the USA do not need ETA to enter Canada.
• The citizens of countries not covered by the Canada visa exempt program cannot opt for the ETA; they will require visas.
• Individuals possessing Canadian temporary resident visa do not need ETA to enter Canada.
• People with visa of another country and flying through that destination, transiting through Canada do not need ETA.
• The commercial aircrews are exempted from using the ETA.
• The US nationals do not require the ETA.
• Certain foreign diplomats may also be exempted from using the ETA.
• Any Royal family member does not require the ETA.
• The Canadian visa holders, Canadian permanent residents, also do not need to opt for ETA.

How to apply for the Canada ETA?

Much like the ESTA of the USA, the Canada ETA application process is online. This takes a few minutes to complete. The citizens of visa exempt countries need to fill up the ETA application form and pay the required fee online. The approval for ETA is sent through email, and that comes within a few minutes in most cases. In some cases, the response may be a little delayed. The applicants sometimes may be asked to submit additional documents.

To complete the online ETA application, a candidate needs a valid passport, an email address along with a credit or debit card. Of course, the applicant needs to fill up the online form using correct information. The information entered in the ETA application form must match with the data in his/her passport.

How long the Canada ETA remains valid?

Once approved, an ETA remains valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. However, it is linked with the applicant’s passport. If the passport validity expires within that period- the validity of the ETA also comes to an end. In that case, renewing the passport and applying for a fresh ETA will be necessary.

Can I renew an existing ETA?

As of now, there is no option for Visa exempt country citizens to renew existing ETAs. Once the duration of existing ETA lapses, the applicant has to apply for a fresh Canada ETA online.

If a visa exempt country citizen travels with a kid, will the kid require an ETA?

The ETA is mandatory for the citizens of countries covered by the Canada visa waiver program- regardless of their age and gender. The parents of such a kid will have to file an application for an ETA separately using its passport data. The kid may, however, travel using the passport of the parents to Canada.

On what grounds, an ETA may be declined?

For most of the visa exempt country citizens, the application for a Canada ETA is approved within a few minutes. However, in some rare cases, a few applicants may see their ETA application being declined. The reasons can be numerous for denial of the application, including medical issues or past criminal record. However, those applicants can still opt for regular Canada visa by following the regular visa application process.

The ETA application can also be declined if there is any discrepancy of data between the passport of the applicant and the information entered in the ETA online form. This may happen if his/her passport data such as address have changed after the issuance of passport. The applicants should be careful when they fill up the online ETA form and ensure the data in passport matches with what they enter in the form online.

What are the major differences between a regular Canada Visa and Canada ETA?

There are some major differences between a regular Canada visa and the Canada ETA. These are:

• A regular Canada visa – such as a temporary visitor visa or business visa lest the citizens of other nations visit Canada for specific purposes. The ETA is applicable only to the citizens of VISA exempt countries and not other nations.
• The ETA application process is online, and the applicant gets approval through email. For a Canada visa, the applicants need to visit the nearest Canadian embassy and undergo the regular procedure.
• The cost of applying for Canada ETA is far less than what it costs for a regular Canada visa.

 

 

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Canada Electronic Travel Authorization

Prior to 2016, travelers from visa-exempt countries wishing to travel to or transit through Canada could do so without the need of a visa. In April 2015 however, Canada adopted an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program that is in line with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) in the United States and the Electronic Travel Authority(eTA) in Australia. Since August 1, 2015, eligible travelers were able to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for visiting Canada. And, starting 15 March 2016, it was made mandatory for travelers from visa-exempt countries to be in possession of an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to board a flight to Canada. Let us further elaborate on the process of eTA by way of some frequently asked questions:

 

What is an eTA?

An eTA or an Electronic Travel Authorization is an electronic endorsement given by the Canadian Immigration authorities to visitors from visa-exempt countries to fly to Canada. It is an automated procedure that allows Canadian Immigration authorities to examine and screen passengers before they disembark in Canada and ascertain their eligibility to enter Canada to evade any security risk.

 

Which are the Visa-exempt Countries for Canada?

Citizens from the following 55 countries could travel to Canada visa-exempt before March 2016:

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, British citizen, British National (Overseas), British overseas citizen (re-admissible to the United Kingdom), British overseas territory citizen with citizenship through birth, descent, naturalization or registration in one of the British Overseas Territories, British Subject with a right of abode in the United Kingdom, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United States, Vatican City State.

 

Why was eTA introduced by the Canadian government?

Before the formulation of the eTA program, the Canadian Government had a limited competency to screen overseas visitors. Citizens of visa-exempt countries could not be examined until they arrived at the port of entry in Canada. Later in March 2016, the Canadian government kicked off an eTA program, which helps them customize their screening requirements based on threats posed by travelers, making it faster and easier for authentic low-risk travelers from visa-exempt countries to travel to Canada.

 

What do I need to apply for an eTA?

You would need: a valid passport from a visa-exempt country, a valid e-mail address (to receive notifications from immigration) and a valid credit/debit card (such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, UnionPay, JCB card or Interac) to make a payment towards the eTA processing fee.

 

What are the points I need to remember while filling up the eTA application form?

Some important tips while filling up the form are:

1. You can only apply and pay for only one person at a time. E.g., if you have a family of three, you need to fill out and submit three different forms.
2. Print your receipt as soon as you are done with the process, as it is not available afterward.
3. You would receive any notification my mail only. Make sure you check your spam or junk folder to make sure that spam filters have not blocked automated emails from IRCC.
4. You have limited time to complete the form, and your information can not be saved. If you need more time, make sure you click the “Continue session” button, when the “Session timeout warning” box appears.
5. Make sure you enter the passport details correctly, as your eTA is electronically linked with your passport and you won’t be allowed to board the flight if you entered a wrong passport number.
6. It is highly advisable to fill out any personal and passport related information cautiously, as any information on the eTA form cannot be modified once the form is submitted.

How much time does it take to obtain an eTA?

Most applicants get their eTA approval (via an email) within minutes so that an eTA application could be submitted near to the intended date of departure. However, since some requests can take several days to process if you're asked to submit supporting documents, it is advisable that travelers apply for an eTA well in advance of the intended date of departure.

 

Who needs an eTA to travel to Canada?

You need an eTA if you are one of the following:

1. A visa-exempt foreign national, flying to Canada or transiting through Canada.
2. A Permanent resident of the U.S., flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport.
3. A Citizen of Brazil, Bulgaria or Romania, flying to or transiting through a Canada if you have been in possession of a Canadian visitor visa in the last 10 years, or presently are in possession of a valid US non-immigrant visa.

 

How long can I stay in Canada with an eTA?

An eTA is valid for a period of five years for multiple entries, with each stay not exceeding 6 months, starting from the day on which the eTA is issued or until:

1. the day your passport expires, or
2. the day your eTA is canceled, or
3. the day a new eTA is issued to you.

Whichever is the earliest, if they occur before the end of the eTA validity period of 5 years.

Who is exempt from the eTA requirement?

Following do not need an eTA to visit Canada:

1. Visitors with a valid Canadian visa or the ones with a valid status in Canada (e.g., worker, visitor, or a student) who re-visit Canada after visiting the US or Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
2. French citizens who reside in St. Pierre and Miquelon and are taking a flight directly to Canada from Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
3. Non-Canadian passengers headed to, or coming from, the US (on a flight that halts in Canada only to refuel) and possess appropriate documents to enter the US, or were legally permitted to enter the US.
4. Non-Canadian passengers on a flight that makes an unplanned halt in Canada that was not scheduled.
5. Non-Canadian passengers who transit through a Canadian airport under the “Transit Without Visa Program” (TWOV) or “China Transit Program” (CTP).
6. Accident investigators, Crew members of the flight, and civil aviation inspectors who would be working in Canada.
7. Members are constituting Armed Forces of any country designated under the “Visiting Forces Act” visiting Canada to execute their official duties.
8. Diplomats certified by the Canadian Government.

 

What are the Basic requirements to enter Canada?

You will need to meet the following basic requirements to visit Canada:

1. Be a citizen of a country that is exempt from having to obtain a temporary resident visa.
2. have a valid travel document, such as a passport
3. have a valid eTA
4. have documents to convince the Border Services Officer (BSO) that you have ties—such as a job, studies, home, property, financial assets or family in your home country that you would go back to
5. have documents to convince the BSO that you will leave Canada at the end of your approved stay, such as an onward ticket or a return ticket to your home country
6. have documents to validate that you have sufficient funds to sustain your stay in Canada
7. have no convictions related to crime or immigration.

 

Does an eTA guarantee entry to Canada?

An eTA doesn’t guarantee entry to Canada. You could be denied entry if you fail to furnish documents asked by the BSO at the port of entry or fail to convince the border services officer that you have enough finances to support your stay in Canada or if you fail to convince him of your timely exit from Canada. Also, you won’t be admissible if you try to sneak false or incomplete information.

 

What are the possible reasons, my eTA could get refused?

The following reasons might bring about an eTA denial:

1. Providing a wrong passport number, i.e. a passport number that is lost or stolen
2. Having a history of visa denial
3. Having a history of inadmissibility into Canada
4. Having overstayed in Canada on a previous visit
5. Having links with criminal or terrorist organizations
6. Having engaged in unauthorized work on a previous visit
7. Not having convincing reasons for you to visit Canada.

 

Can I still travel to Canada, if my eTA is denied?

If your eTA is denied, you could still apply for a temporary resident visa at the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate in your country. You might be issued a “Temporary Resident Permit” based upon why you were deemed inadmissible in the first place and the continuing justification for travel.

 

What should I be prepared for once I enter Canada?

When you arrive in Canada, airport authorities will check your identity to ensure that you are the same visitor who has been approved to visit Canada, in the following ways:

1. Your fingerprints might be checked automatically at a primary inspection kiosk, which will help the system verify your identity against the data collected when your eTA application was submitted.
2. You would be approached by a CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) officer at the port of entry, who would ask to see your passport and travel documents.
3. If you are a minor (below 18 years of age), the officer will check your passport, birth certificate and a letter of authorization, signed by both parents or by your legal guardian. This letter of authorization should list your parents’ details such as an address, telephone number, and similar details of the adult who would be your local guardian in Canada.

 

If you succeed the identity check and meet the entry requirements, the BSO may stamp your passport for 6 months or let you know how long you can stay in Canada, depending upon the motive of your visit to Canada.

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Do British Citizens need a Visa for Canada?

The UK and Canada go back a long way in history sharing a strong, healthy relationship with the same language and similar culture, which might be a clear reason why almost 600,000 tourists from the UK get gravitated towards Canada year after year. Although the UK is one of the 55 countries that are visa-exempt, its citizens traveling to Canada are still required to apply online for an eTA(Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter the country, since March 2016.  Luckily, it is quite straightforward and easy to obtain an eTA that remains valid for years, and through the following FAQs, we will attempt to elucidate the process.

 

What is Canada’s Visa-exemption History?

Canada has had a visa policy for several years that has exempted several countries from the requirement to apply for a visa before visiting the country. The country performs in-depth analysis into its visitors and cautiously studies the rates of visa-overstay, security issues, asylum seekers and other factors to decide upon the countries that can remain on the visa exempt list or not.

 

Which are the Visa-exempt Countries for Canada?

Citizens from the following 55 countries could travel to Canada visa-exempt before March 2016:

 

• Andorra
• Australia
• Austria
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belgium
• British citizen
• British National (Overseas)
• British overseas citizen (re-admissible to the United Kingdom)
• British overseas territory citizen with citizenship through birth, descent, naturalization or registration in one of the British overseas territories of:
  • Anguilla
  • Bermuda
  • The British Virgin Islands
  • Cayman Islands
  • Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
  • Gibraltar
  • Montserrat
  • Pitcairn Island
  • Saint Helena
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
• British Subject with a right of abode in the United Kingdom
• Brunei Darussalam
• Bulgaria
• Chile
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China must have a passport issued by Hong Kong SAR.
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Israel must have an Israeli national passport
• Italy
• Japan
• Republic of Korea
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Mexico
• Monaco
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Papua New Guinea
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Samoa
• San Marino
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Solomon Islands
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• United Arab Emirates
• United States
• Vatican City State

 

What is an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)?

An eTA or an Electronic Travel Authorization is official permission granted by the Canadian Government, for citizens from visa-exempt countries, to travel to Canada by air. This Travel Authorization is electronically linked to a traveler's passport. An eTA is valid for multiple entries up to five years(with each stay not exceeding beyond 6 months) or until the passport expiry date, whichever occurs first. The eTA program was brought in in 2016 to screen overseas travelers as a response to the upsurge in global terrorism.

 

What is the cost of a Canadian eTA?

The cost of an eTA is a nominal fee, and the government says most permissions will be granted within a few minutes of applying. Applicants will need to input biographic, passport, and other personal information via the website.

 

How long am I welcome in Canada as a visitor from the UK?

UK citizens can make multiple trips to Canada for five years with a valid eTA, with each stay not exceeding six months(180 days). If your passport expires before your eTA, you will need to apply for a new one for the new passport.

 

What would happen if I exceed my 6-month limit on a stay?

If you stay longer than 6 months on an eTA and your stay has not been extended by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, you will lose your travel authorization and not be able to use the eTA for future trips to Canada.

 

How do I apply for an eTA?

You can find the Canada eTA application by visiting the Canadian government website. The eTA application is a simple online process that takes around 10-15 minutes to complete. You will need your passport, contact, employment, travel details, and a valid debit or credit card to pay the eTA application fees. An approved eTA will be valid for up to five years, or the date of passport expiry, whichever comes first. Eligible applicants are advised to apply for an eTA a few weeks before their departure to Canada, looking at the occasional processing delays.

 

Who needs an eTA to travel to Canada?

The following travelers are required to apply for an eTA to travel to Canada:

1. Visa exempt foreign nationals require to possess an eTA to fly to or transit through Canada. These foreigners do not need an eTA when visiting Canada by a boat, a cruise ship, a train, a bus, or a car. eTA is also applicable for children traveling from a Visa-exempt country by air to Canada.
2. Permanent Residents of the United States (with a valid Passport and a valid Green Card) also require an eTA to fly to or transit through Canada.
3. Citizens from Brazil, Bulgaria, and Romania who have been in possession of a Canadian visitor visa in the last 10 years, or presently hold a valid US non-immigrant visa and who wish to fly to or transit through Canada or visit Canada for a brief stay, tourist activity or business(for up to six months), could apply for an eTA. However, these visitors need a visitor-visa when entering Canada by boat, cruise ship, train, bus, or car.

 

What are the other requirements to Apply for an eTA?

The requirements to apply for a Canadian eTA are:

1. You must belong to one of the above 3 categories(refer to the FAQ – Who needs an eTA to travel to Canada?).
2. You are visiting Canada for tourism, business, medical or transit, and your trip is for 180 days or less.
3. You are traveling by air.
4. You have an e-passport that is machine readable.
5. You must not have any criminal convictions or immigration violations.
6. You must have ties to your home country such as employment, home, or financial instruments.
7. You must be over 18 to apply for an eTA otherwise require a parent/guardian.
8. You have to convince an immigration officer that you plan to return to your country after your visit to Canada.

 

 

Who is exempt from the eTA requirement to travel to Canada?

The following travelers are exempt from the eTA requirement to travel to Canada:

1. Visitors with an authentic Canadian visa or the ones with a valid status in the Canadian province (e.g. that of a student, a visitor or a worker) who re-visit Canada after merely visiting the US or St. Pierre and Miquelon.
2. Citizens of France who reside in St. Pierre and Miquelon and are traveling(by air) straight from St. Pierre and Miquelon to Canada.
3. Foreigners who are flying to, or from, the US on an aircraft that halts in Canada only to refuel and who have all the valid requisite documents to enter the US, or were legitimately allowed entry into the US.
4. Foreign tourists on an aircraft making an unscheduled halt in a Canadian airport.
5. Foreign tourists who transit through Canada under the “Transit Without Visa Program” (TWOV) or “China Transit Program” (CTP).
6. Accident Investigators, crew members of a flight, and inspectors of Civil Aviation, who would be working as long as in Canada.
7. Armed Forces Representatives from a country designated under the “Visiting Forces Act” who come to Canada to accomplish official duties.
8. Diplomats recognized and authorized by the Canadian government.

 

What are the possible eTA application outcomes?

The 3 possible outcomes of an eTA application are “Authorization Approved”, “Travel not Authorized”(in this case, you should contact your nearest Canadian embassy or consulate to apply for a regular visitor visa) and “Authorization Pending” (meaning that an additional review is required before a determination can be made).

 

What could be the reason for my eTA getting denied?

The following circumstances might bring about an eTA rejection:

1. A previous visa denial
2. A previous denial of entry to Canada
3. Providing a passport number that was reported lost or stolen
4. Having overstayed in Canada on a previous visit
5. Connections with criminal or terrorist organizations
6. Engaging in unauthorized work on a previous visit
7. An immigration officer is not convinced of the reasons for your visit to Canada

 

Is my eTA still valid if my passport has expired/changed?

If you get a new passport, the eTA you received with your old passport is no longer valid. Any time a passport is changed, you must reapply for travel authorization using the eTA process with your new passport details. It is strongly advisable to make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months prior to your entry into Canada.

 

Finally, do British citizens need a visa to go to Canada?

Visitors belonging to the following categories do not need a visa to visit Canada, but still, need an eTA:

• British Citizens and British Overseas Citizens

A British citizen or a British overseas citizen who is re-admissible to the UK.

• Citizens of British Overseas Territories

A citizen of a British overseas territory whose citizenship is acquired by way of naturalization, registration, birth or descent in one of the British Overseas Territories of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn, or St. Helena.

• An Overseas British National

Visitors in possession of a British National (Overseas) passport issued by the UK to those naturalized, registered or born in Hong Kong.

• British Subjects

Visitors in possession of a British Subject passport issued by the UK that comprises of the observation that the visitor has the right of abode in the UK.

 

Therefore, British Citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before traveling to Canada.

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