Planning to fly to Canada on an Australian or New Zealand passport? Before you board, you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). It is a quick online application that costs just CAD $7, and most people are approved within minutes. This guide explains who needs one, what you need to apply, the exact steps, and the mistakes that cause travellers to be refused at the airport.
Canada eTA at a glance
- Official website: Government of Canada – apply for an eTA
- Cost: CAD $7 per person
- Validity: up to 5 years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first
- Processing time: usually minutes; some applications take several days if extra documents are requested
- Needed for: travel to Canada by air, including transit through a Canadian airport
- Not needed for: arriving by car, bus, train or boat (for example, driving in from the U.S.) – you still need your passport
Who needs an eTA?
- Citizens of visa-exempt countries, including Australia, New Zealand and the UK, flying to or through Canada
- Some citizens of visa-required countries who meet extra conditions, such as having held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or currently holding a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa (check the Government of Canada website for your nationality)
Who does not need an eTA?
- Canadian citizens (including dual citizens, who must travel on a Canadian passport)
- Canadian permanent residents (you need a PR card or permanent resident travel document)
- U.S. citizens, and lawful permanent residents of the U.S. with valid proof of status
- Travellers who already hold a valid Canadian visitor visa
Living in Australia on a different passport?
Your eTA eligibility depends on the passport you travel on, not where you live. For example, an Australian permanent resident who holds an Indian or Nepali passport usually needs a Canadian visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) instead of an eTA, which includes giving biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a visa application centre. Apply for a visa well in advance, as processing can take weeks.
What you need before you start
- A valid passport from an eTA-eligible country
- A credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, UnionPay or Visa/Mastercard debit)
- A working email address
- Answers to questions about your job, travel plans, health and any past immigration or criminal history
How to apply for a Canada eTA: step by step
- Go to the official Government of Canada eTA page and click Apply for an eTA.
- Answer the short eligibility questions (the passport you will use, your nationality and how you are travelling).
- Enter your passport details exactly as they appear on the photo page. Double-check the passport number.
- Answer the background questions honestly.
- Pay the CAD $7 fee.
- Check your email. Most people receive approval within minutes. If you are asked for more documents, upload them as soon as possible.
- Keep the approval email. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport, so you do not need to print it, but a copy is useful.
After you apply
- Approved: you can book and travel. The airline checks your eTA electronically at check-in.
- More information requested: you may be asked for documents or a medical exam. Follow the instructions in the email within the deadline.
- Refused: you cannot fly to Canada on that passport without a visa. You can apply for a visitor visa instead.
Remember that an eTA lets you board your flight but does not guarantee entry. The border services officer at the airport makes the final decision, so carry proof of your return ticket, accommodation and enough money for your stay. Visitors can usually stay up to 6 months, but the officer may give a shorter period.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using unofficial websites. Many websites charge $50–$100 or more for the same application. The official fee is CAD $7, and the only official application is on canada.ca.
- Wrong passport number. This is the most common problem. If your eTA does not match your passport, you may be refused boarding. Mixing up the letter “O” and the number “0” is a frequent error.
- New passport, old eTA. When you renew your passport you must apply for a new eTA.
- Applying for the wrong document. If you are going to study for more than 6 months or work in Canada, you need a study or work permit, not just an eTA.
Frequently asked questions
Do children need an eTA?
Yes. Every traveller flying to Canada on an eligible passport needs their own eTA, including babies and children.
Do I need an eTA if I am only transiting in Vancouver or Toronto?
Yes. You need an eTA even if you do not leave the airport.
I am driving from the U.S. into Canada. Do I need an eTA?
No. The eTA is only required for air travel. You need your passport at the land border. If you then fly out of Canada or back into Canada by air, you will need an eTA.
Can I use my eTA to work in Canada?
No. An eTA is for visits, tourism, transit and some short business activities. Working holiday participants under International Experience Canada receive an eTA automatically with their work permit approval.
Related guides
Information checked against the Government of Canada website in September 2026. Fees and rules can change, so always confirm on canada.ca before you apply.
