If you’re following my blog for some time already, then you may have read I’m moving to Canada next month. Well, I’m all excited about that. But, am also a bit sad not to have some of my dear friends and family members around me anymore. Since I hope they’ll visit me, I did a bit of research on what are the visa procedures and who needs an eTA for Canada. And have written this guide for all of you planning to visit that beautiful country.
Who needs an eTA for Canada?
This blog post is sponsored by e-visa.co.uk. Check out their website to learn more about the visa requirements for your upcoming trips.
If you’re anything like me, then dealing with visas, documents and bureaucracy is on top of your stress level scale. And finding the right visa requirements before visiting a new country could be quite overwhelming. That’s why I decided to create this eTA Canada guide to help you learn who needs it.
So you’ll have more time to relax and focus on making an itinerary with all the fantastic places you’re going to visit in Canada.
Do you need an eTA for Canada?
OK, so let’s start with some basics. Who needs an eTA (electronic Travel Authorisation) for Canada?
If you don’t have a Canadian or American passport, chances are you need to apply for a Canadian visa or eTA Canada.
Well, I hear you asking, how do you know which one do you need? Most European countries qualify for eTA, and you can check if your country is among them on a link here. You’ll also see there if you need a visa to enter Canada with your passport.
If you are among the citizens of countries who qualify for eTA and are entering Canada by plane, then you can apply for it online.
You need it in case you’re visiting the country for holidays, business trip, studies, or family visits. Even if you’re only transiting through some of the Canadian airports, you need to apply for it.
TIP: It’s really important to get eTA before your trip. Without it, you won’t be able to check-in at the airport.
How to apply for eTA Canada?
Well, that’s my favourite part: it’s really easy to apply for it. It takes around five minutes, and you can do it entirely online. So, no need to make an appointment and visit the Canadian embassy.
You should apply for it at least a week before your trip. Although, a bit earlier would be even better. Your application should be processed within 72 hours.
TIP: If you’re in a hurry and need to receive your eTA Canada quickly, you can submit an urgent application. They are granted, on average within 18 minutes.
Are you ready to apply for it? You can start your Canada eTA application here.
Right after submitting your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email. And in a few days, once your eTA Canada is approved, you’ll receive the second email stating that.
Were you wondering should you print your eTA Canada?
A great thing is, once you’ll get it, the Canadian authorities, your airline, and the Canadian immigration service are immediately notified about that.
So, it’s not necessary to print it. But, of course, you can do that if you want to have peace of mind. Or you can save some trees and just keep a confirmation email on your phone.
⤷ How to pack smart? Read some of my best travel packing hacks.
How long is eTA valid for?
Once you get your eTA, it will be valid for five years. And during that time you can visit Canada as many times as you want. However, you can’t stay longer than six months in Canada during any of your visits.
A bit different than with visas, once your passport expires, eTA Canada will expire with it. And you’ll need to apply for a new one with your new passport.
TIP: If you’re entering Canada with eTA, you should have a return or a transfer flight ticket with you upon your arrival.
Getting an eTA instead of a visa for Canada is so much easier. And will make preparing your trip much smoother. Check out the e-visa.co.uk website for more info and all the requirements for it. I hope this post made it easier for you to learn who needs an eTA for Canada.