Do I need an eTA for Canada? If you are a British, Australian or other visa-exempt citizen flying to Canada, yes: you normally need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before you board. It costs CAN$7 and most people are approved within minutes. US citizens do not need one. That is the position as of 12 November 2026, based on official Government of Canada and UK government pages.
The rest of this guide explains who needs an eTA, who does not, how to apply, and what to check before you fly.
Quick answer: who needs an eTA?
Canada says you need either a visitor visa or an eTA, but not both. Which one depends on your passport and how you arrive. The short version is below.
| Traveller | Flying to Canada | Arriving by land or sea |
|---|---|---|
| Citizen of a visa-exempt country (for example the UK or Australia) | eTA needed | Usually no eTA, but a valid passport is needed |
| US citizen | No eTA; carry valid ID such as a US passport | No eTA |
| US green card holder (lawful permanent resident) | No eTA, with a valid passport and green card | No eTA, with valid proof of US status |
| Canadian citizen or Canadian permanent resident | No eTA or visa | No eTA or visa |
| Citizen of a country that needs a visa | Visa, though a few select countries may be able to apply for an eTA instead | Visa |
Sea travel has one exception: Canada lists travel by sea from Saint Pierre-et-Miquelon (excluding cruise ships) as needing an eTA.
Do British and Australian travellers need an eTA?
Yes, if you fly. The UK government’s travel advice says short visits of normally up to six months do not need a visa, but you may need an eTA. It also says no eTA is needed if you arrive by land or sea with acceptable travel documents and ID, or if you are a British-Canadian dual national with a valid Canadian passport.
The same Canadian rule applies to Australians and citizens of other visa-exempt countries. Canada’s entry requirements by country page lists both “Australia” and “British citizen” among the eTA-required nationalities. Before booking, check your own passport on that page, which is linked in the sources below. Australians should also read their own government’s travel advice for Canada.
Transit stops count too
The UK advice says that transiting Canada by air requires an eTA or a transit visa. If your flight stops in a Canadian airport, check this before you book. If you are also planning Europe, our guide on whether Americans need ETIAS shows how a similar system works there.
What does an eTA cost and how long does it last?
- Fee: CAN$7, non-refundable. Your bank converts this at the going exchange rate, so the amount in pounds, dollars or other currency will vary.
- Validity: up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- New passport: you need a new eTA. It is linked electronically to the passport you used to apply.
- Trips: a valid eTA lets you visit as often as you like for short stays, normally up to six months at a time.
- One person at a time: you can apply and pay for only one person per application.
How to apply for an eTA
Apply only on the official Government of Canada website. The eTA facts page says so directly. The UK government also warns that some unauthorised websites charge for applications and have no link to the Canadian government.
- Check you have a valid passport from a visa-exempt country, a payment card and a working email address.
- Complete the online form in one sitting. It cannot be saved. It is available only in English and French, though field descriptions are provided in other languages.
- Pay the CAN$7 fee straight after the form. Accepted methods include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, prepaid versions of these, Visa Debit, Debit Mastercard, UnionPay and JCB.
- Check your email. Most applications are approved within minutes. If documents are needed, instructions arrive by email within 72 hours.
- Check that the passport number in the approval email matches your passport, and take that same passport to the airport.
Canada advises getting your eTA before you book your flight. Some applications can take several days if supporting documents are requested.
What if I hear nothing after applying?
The UK advice says that if 72 hours pass without confirmation, you should submit an enquiry form through the official site. Do not pay a third party to chase it.
US citizens and green card holders
US citizens
US citizens are exempt from the eTA requirement. Canada says you should carry proper identification, such as a valid US passport. Dual American-Canadian citizens may use either a valid Canadian passport or a valid US passport.
US green card holders
US lawful permanent residents have been exempt from the eTA requirement since 26 April 2022, for all methods of travel. Canada’s page says you must show two things: a valid passport from your country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document), and a valid green card or other valid proof of US status. The official page lists the accepted proof, including a valid Form I-551 card and certain expired cards backed by pending-application notices, so read it if your card is close to expiry.
Other exemptions
Canadian permanent residents need no eTA or visitor visa but must travel with a valid permanent resident card or travel document. Dual Canadian citizens other than American-Canadians must fly with a valid Canadian passport.
What to do now
- Check your passport is valid for your whole stay. The UK advice also notes that many countries on your route may want six months’ validity.
- Look up your nationality on Canada’s official eligibility tool to confirm eTA, visa or nothing.
- Apply on the official site, ideally before booking flights, and keep the approval email.
- Pack proof of onward travel and funds. The UK advice says officers may ask for a return or onward ticket and proof of funds. Our post on why countries ask for a return ticket explains the thinking.
- Driving in winter? See whether winter tyres are mandatory in Canada.
- Sort out mobile data before you land. Our look at whether a travel eSIM is worth it can help.
Remember that an eTA does not guarantee entry. Canada states that a border services officer makes the final decision when you arrive.
Travelling with children
The UK advice says a child travelling alone or with one parent or guardian should carry a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent or guardians. Check the official Canadian site for the current rules on applying for minors before you apply.
FAQ
Do I need an eTA if I arrive by car or cruise?
For visa-exempt travellers, Canada says you do not need an eTA in most cases when arriving by land or sea, but you still need a valid passport. The listed exception is sea travel from Saint Pierre-et-Miquelon, excluding cruise ships.
How long does an eTA take to arrive?
Most applications are approved within minutes. If extra documents are required, Canada says instructions come by email within 72 hours, and some approvals can take several days.
Does a green card mean I can skip the eTA?
Yes. As of 12 November 2026, Canada’s eligibility page says US lawful permanent residents are exempt for all travel methods, provided they carry a valid passport and valid proof of status.
Bottom line
So, do you need an eTA for Canada? If you hold a UK, Australian or other visa-exempt passport and you are flying, yes. Apply on the official Government of Canada site, pay CAN$7, and keep the email. US citizens and US green card holders are exempt, and most land and sea arrivals do not need one. Rules can change, so recheck the official pages shortly before you travel.
Sources
- Government of Canada: Apply for an eTA
- Government of Canada: Find out if you need an eTA
- Government of Canada: eTA facts
- Government of Canada: Entry requirements by country or territory
- GOV.UK: Canada travel advice, entry requirements
