Canada is one of the most fascinating travel destinations in the world. We explain how the practical eTA authorization simplifies your vacation planning and give you helpful travel tips to make your Canadian adventure unforgettable.
The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) allows citizens from qualified countries to travel to Canada without a visa. It was introduced in 2015 and is similar to the ESTA travel authorization, which had been introduced in the United States several years earlier.
If you meet the requirements for eTA Canada, you can apply for your travel authorization with little effort using an online form. Unlike the traditional visa for Canada, you do not need to make an appointment at the embassy or consulate. The electronic eTA application is usually processed within just 24 hours.
The eTA authorization allows for stays in Canada of up to six months at a time. It remains valid for five years in total. You are allowed to enter Canada several times during this period.
However, your visit must always be for a purpose that complies with the conditions of the eTA Canada. A stay with an eTA Canada is permitted for:
You qualify for visa-free entry with eTA Canada if you are a citizen of one of the following countries:
| eTA Canada: eligible countries | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Andorra | Anguilla | Australia | Austria |
| Bahamas | Barbados | Belgium | Bermuda |
| British Virgin Islands | Brunei Darussalam | Bulgaria | Cayman Islands |
| Chile | Croatia | Cyprus | Czech Republic |
| Denmark | Estonia | Falkland Islands | Finland |
| France | Germany | Gibraltar | Greece |
| Iceland | Ireland | Israel | Italy |
| Hong Kong | Hungary | Japan | Latvia |
| Liechtenstein | Lithuania | Luxembourg | Malta |
| Mexico | Monaco | Montserrat | Netherlands |
| New Zealand | Norway | Papua New Guinea | Pitcairn Islands |
| Poland | Portugal | Republic of Korea | Romania |
| Samoa | San Marino | Singapore | Slovakia |
| Slovenia | Spain | Solomon Islands | St. Helena |
| Sweden | Switzerland | Taiwan | Turks and Caicos Islands |
| United Arab Emirates | United Kingdom | Vatican City | |
Brazilian nationals with a valid US visa or a Canadian visa from the last ten years also qualify for eTA.
American citizens and holders of the US Green Card do not need an eTA to enter Canada, but only have to provide a valid identification document (e.g., passport).
If you come from a country that qualifies for an eTA, you must also fulfill additional requirements to obtain an entry permit for Canada:
Compared to a Canadian visa, the eTA authorization facilitates travel considerably. It is significantly cheaper, and the application process is much quicker and less complicated.
| eTA | Canada visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Application | online form | in person at the Canadian Embassy or Consulate |
| Documents | ePass | Passport, supporting documents (e.g., contracts, certificates), health certificate, passport photos, police clearance certificate |
| Processing time | 24 hours | 15 - 200 days |
| Costs | from $ CAD 7* | $ CAD 75 - $ CAD 500 |
* not including additional services and guarantees
Even small oversights can lead to the rejection of an eTA application! We therefore recommend using the services of a reputable agency such as online-visa.com. For a small service fee starting at € 24.90, the expert team will check your application for correctness, answer your questions, and support you in case of problems.
Before you start filling out your eTA application, have your e-passport, a valid e-mail address, and the details of your preferred payment method ready. You can now apply for your eTA in just a few minutes with a few simple steps:
We recommend submitting the eTA form a few weeks before your planned departure date. In the event of a rejection, you will still have enough time to apply for a visa for Canada.
Once your eTA has been approved, you can start planning your holiday in Canada.
You can save a lot if you use search engines such as Skyscanner and Kayak when looking for flights to Canada. They help you find the cheapest and fastest connections in just a few seconds. You can also filter the search results according to your preferences or include alternative flight dates and airports in the vicinity.
Would you like to visit more than one Canadian region? Then it's best to check out domestic flights, which allow you to quickly cover the long distances in Canada. The national airline Air Canada offers a wide range of connections to large and small airports. You can also find flight bargains with smaller or regional airlines such as WestJet, First Air, or Bearskin Airlines.
Make sure you get an eSIM for Canada before your journey to avoid high roaming charges. The eSIM allows you to surf the Internet at favorable conditions. You can install the practical, digital SIM before your flight to Canada. Once you arrive at your destination, it activates automatically, and you can use the Internet immediately.
An approved eTA does not automatically entitle you to enter Canada. The final decision is made by the official at the Canadian border. Therefore, prepare yourself well and have all the necessary documents to hand.
In addition to the eTA authorization or visa, you will definitely need a valid passport. It must be an e-passport if you are traveling with an eTA. Also, it is important that the number on your e-passport matches the number on your eTA. If your passport expires before the 5-year validity of the eTA, you must submit a new eTA application using the new passport.
Business travelers sometimes have to prove their purpose of travel at the Canadian border. If you are coming to Canada for client meetings or contract negotiations, for example, you will need a letter of invitation written by your Canadian business partners. It must contain information about the business, length of stay, location, and work objective.
Minor children cannot be included in their parents' eTA application, but require their own authorization and e-passport. If you are traveling to Canada with a child, you can fill out their eTA form as part of a group application. However, the eTA fee is the same for every traveler, regardless of age.
The Canadian border official may also request additional documents proving that you are authorized to travel with the child (e.g., custody orders or powers of attorney from guardians).
When traveling to Canada with a cat or dog, the animal must be older than three months and vaccinated against rabies. The vaccination must have been given at least 30 days ago, but no longer than one year ago. The animal must also make a healthy impression. If the border official has any doubts about this, it is possible that they will order an examination by a vet, which must be paid for by the pet owner.
You can find out about the current entry requirements for various types of pets on the website of the Canadian authorities.
Canada has strict rules regarding the importation of food, plants, alcohol, medicines, weapons, and cash, which may change at short notice. Check the current regulations on the Canadian authorities' website before departure.
The pristine nature of the “Great White North” is the perfect destination for a road trip. The endless expanses of the second-largest country in the world are home to some of the most fascinating landscapes, which you can marvel at in a variety of national parks. Around the Great Lakes and on Canada's West Coast, you will also find exciting cities that will charm you with their lifestyle.
Canada's East Coast stretches along the Atlantic Ocean across the provinces of Newfoundland, Québec, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. You can expect vast forest areas, picturesque coastal towns, and the third-largest river in North America, the St. Lawrence River, which runs through the major cities of Québec City and Montréal.
The Cape Breton Highlands are located in the North of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. The picturesque national park offers an irresistible mix of white sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, and a tundra-like highland with forests and waterfalls. It is home to moose, black bears, and bald eagles. With a bit of luck, you can also spot whales while hiking along the coast.
The Fundy National Park in the Bay of Fundy in the province of New Brunswick is characterized by numerous coastal forests, swamps, and waterfalls. It has been a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 2007.
Lunenburg in the province of Nova Scotia is considered the most beautiful small town in Canada. The oldest settlement of German immigrants in Canada has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995 and will also enchant you with its colorfully painted wooden houses and the charm of a fishing village.
-> Peggy's Cove and Lunenburg Tour
The second-largest city in the province of Québec is located not far from the mouth of the St. Lawrence River. Its historic city center, Vieux-Québec, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city's striking buildings, some of which were built in the 17th century, include the luxury hotel Château Frontenac, the Catholic cathedral Notre-Dame de Québec, the Anglican cathedral Holy Trinity, the Hôtel de Ville, the Séminaire de Québec, and the citadel.
About 300 km upriver lies Montréal, the second-largest city in Canada and the largest city in the province of Québec. Most of the urban area is located on the island of Île de Montréal, which is surrounded by the St. Lawrence River. In the old town of Vieux-Montréal, you will find the neo-Gothic basilica Notre-Dame de Montréal, the Old Port with its waterfront promenade, and many historic limestone buildings.
The vast expanses of water of the Great Lakes and the province of Ontario stretch along the border with the United States. The most populous and best developed region in Canada awaits you, with exciting cities such as Toronto and the world-famous Niagara Falls.
Toronto extends in a semicircle around the Western end of Lake Ontario. Canada's most populous city is the country's economic and financial center. Toronto's skyline is characterized by numerous skyscrapers and the 553 m high CN Tower television tower.
Just a few kilometers from Toronto, you have the opportunity to observe Canada's most jaw-dropping natural spectacle. At the junction of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, Niagara Falls, the largest waterfall in North America, plunges around 57 meters into the depths on the border between Canada and the USA.
Tip: The best view of the mighty water masses of Niagara Falls can be enjoyed on board the iconic “Maid of the Mist” boats.
-> Daredevil Waking Tour with Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds
Are you planning a visit to the United States? You will need an ESTA travel authorization for the USA in addition to your eTA for Canada to cross the border to the United States. This applies to flights as well as entries by car or boat.
The Canadian Rocky Mountains region offers spectacular landscapes, popular winter sports areas, and the most visited national parks in Canada.
Canada's oldest and most popular national park attracts over four million visitors a year. It is located in the province of Alberta in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and includes the Valley of the Ten Peaks, the Wapta, and Waputik ice fields and several ski resorts.
Jasper National Park is located around 250 km North of Banff National Park. With 2.5 million visitors a year, it is also one of the tourist highlights in the Rocky Mountains. A very spectacular attraction is the 325 km² Columbia Icefield, which is made up of eight glaciers. Other sights include the Athabasca River with Athabasca Falls, the Miette Hot Springs, and Medicine Lake.
Calgary is the largest city in the province of Alberta and was the venue for the 1988 Winter Olympics. The winter sports paradise is known for World Cup races in speed skating, bobsleigh, and luge and is home to a successful ice hockey team. In summer, Calgary offers a variety of music festivals, rodeo shows, and cultural events.
The endless expanses of Northern Canada are the perfect terrain for adventurers.
The protected area along the Nahanni River in Canada's Northwest Territories has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. Fans of untouched nature will find pristine landscapes with deep canyons, high rocky plateaus, and turquoise-blue lakes in this remote national park.
Riding Mountain National Park rises on a high plateau in the province of Manitoba and is very different from the prairie landscape that otherwise predominates in this region. The UNESCO biosphere reserve with its densely wooded parks and clear lakes is ideal for hiking, swimming, and observing moose or bison in the wild.
Only the province of British Columbia has access to Canada's Pacific coast. It is one of the most scenically diverse regions in Canada. With Vancouver and Whistler, you will also find exciting cities that offer you plenty of entertainment options.
The port city on Canada's West Coast is the largest city in the province of British Columbia and regularly ranks in the top 10 of the world's most liveable cities. The young city is characterized by modern architecture and many parks and green spaces that invite you to do sports and relax. Vancouver is also the most important location for the Canadian film industry and is therefore nicknamed “Hollywood North.”
Canada's largest winter sports area is located around 100 km North of Vancouver around the city of Whistler. The slopes on Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Peak offer guaranteed snow in winter. There are also facilities for luge, bobsleigh, cross-country skiing, biathlon, and ski jumping. In summer, the region is a wonderful destination for hikers and mountain bikers.
A seaplane flight takes you from Vancouver to Vancouver Island. On the West Coast of the island lies the magnificent Pacific-Rim National Park, which will impress you with its mix of long beaches, rugged coastlines, and temperate rainforests.
Tip: Vancouver Island is the perfect starting point for a whale-watching boat tour, during which you can spot seals, orcas, and other whales.
Canada is a country for motorists and has a large road network. However, the infrastructure varies in quality. You will find very good conditions in the densely populated areas on the Atlantic, along the St. Lawrence River, on the Great Lakes and around Vancouver on the West Coast. However, the North of Canada is less developed.
Therefore, you should adapt your choice of rental vehicle to your travel plans. An off-road vehicle is definitely recommended for exploring the national parks and regions with a less developed road network.
Do you have further questions about your travel to Canada with eTA? The following tips will give you practical advice for your next dream vacation.
With the Working Holiday Visa, you can stay in Canada for 12 months at a time. In contrast to the eTA, you are allowed to accept a job in Canada with the Working Holiday Visa. You can work for a maximum of six months.
As an applicant, you must be between 18 and 35 years old and have a passport that is valid until the end of your stay. The working holiday visa is therefore suitable for young people who want to travel to Canada for a longer period of time and take on odd jobs.
More and more countries around the world are introducing electronic travel authorizations. The term ETA can be confusing as it is used by several nations.
In addition to the eTA Canada, there is an ETA for the United Kingdom, an ETA for Thailand, and an Australian ETA for travelers from Canada, the USA, and Asia. In addition, New Zealand has a NZeTA and South Korea has a K-ETA.
If you do not meet the requirements or submit an incorrect application, your eTA will be rejected. However, this does not mean that you cannot travel to Canada. You have the option of applying for a Canadian visa that corresponds to your purpose of travel. However, the processing time for this is longer and can take between 15 and 200 days, depending on the visa category.
There are no mandatory vaccinations for entry into Canada.
Canada has one of the longest road networks in the world, but the level of development varies from region to region. If you are traveling along the East and West coasts, around the Great Lakes, or along the St. Lawrence River, you can easily reach all destinations in a rental car.
Coaches are also very popular and by far the cheapest way to get around Canada. The rail network, on the other hand, is comparatively poorly developed. However, there are connections between the main cities and some very scenic routes through the Rocky Mountains. To cover longer distances, you can opt for domestic flights.