Requirements for an eTA Canada

Apply for eTA Canada Online eTA Canada application process
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eta canada electronic travel authorization

Canadian eTA requirements

Before initiating the application process for an eTA Canada, travelers should check if they meet all the requirements to complete the procedure without issues.

Canadian eTA is available only for citizens of eligible countries - those who have Visa Waiver Agreement with Canada. The eTA to Canada is not issued for Canadian citizens and those with dual citizenship, permanent Canadian residents, and nationals of the United States.

People willing to apply for an eTA to Canada must prepare the proper documentation: a valid passport. Furthermore, a US nonimmigrant visa/a Canadian visa in the past 10 years is required for citizens of countries who only recently became eligible for electronic travel authorization to Canada - for example, the Philippines.

Review the requirements to apply for an eTA Canada and make sure you meet the criteria.

Necessary documentation

All applicants for an eTA Canada must hold an international passport that stays valid for at least six months from the intended date of entry into Canada.

Moreover, there is an extra condition for Filipinos and nationals of the following countries:

  • ArgentinaArgentina
  • BrazilBrazil
  • Costa RicaCosta Rica
  • MoroccoMorocco
  • PanamaPanama
  • ThailandThailand
  • UruguayUruguay
  • Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesSaint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • SeychellesSeychelles
  • Trinidad and TobagoTrinidad and Tobago
  • Antigua and BarbudaAntigua and Barbuda

The holders of passports from the countries mentioned above must also provide one of the next documents:

  • a US nonimmigrant visa
  • a Canadian visa received at any point within the previous 10 years

Applicants should upload digital copies of the required documentation. It is possible either to scan the physical documents or take photos using a phone camera or PC web camera. Copies must be of good quality and present all the data clearly.

Other requirements

The application for a Canadian eTA takes place online and remotely. That is why it is essential for an applicant to satisfy such conditions:

  • An applicant has a device (a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet, or a PC)
  • The device is connected to the internet, and the connection is stable
  • An applicant has the ability to make payments online and sufficient funds to cover the eTA Canada fee
  • The applicant’s email address is active, and the applicant has access to it

Requirements on arrival

Upon arrival in Canada, travelers from countries with visa waiver agreements with Canada, including the Philippines, need to show the immigration officers the following documents:

  • a valid passport
  • an approved Canadian eTA

While the eTA to Canada is digitally linked to the visitor’s passport, it is highly advisable to make an eTA printout and take it to the border control.

Canada eTA processing time

The usual time required for processing an eTA to Canada varies from several minutes to a few hours. However, sometimes it may last for up to a couple of days.

The duration of the processing, as well as the final decision, is at the discretion of the Government of Canada and may depend on numerous factors.

There may be delays if the number of applications is significant or if there are holidays or technical issues at the moment.

It is also important to thoroughly check the Canadian eTA application before submitting it - errors, typos, and incomplete information may cause problems during processing.