A complete guide to Canada ETA (Arrive Can)

Check the "Entry criteria" section for the most recent limitations and requirements for entering Canada before you go. These are subject to sudden change. Keep an eye on this advice for developments, and keep in touch with your travel company. Check the travel advice for the nation you're transiting if you intend to travel through it on your way back to the U.K.

You do not need to adhere to any COVID-19 limitations to enter Canada from most other countries, including the U.K. (read more about removing COVID travel measures in Canada). However, starting on January 5, 2023, you will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result obtained within two days of your departure to fly to Canada from China, Hong Kong, or Macao.

What is an electronic travel authorization?

For visitors entering Canada by air without a visa, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is necessary. A traveller's passport is electronically connected to a Canada eta. It can be used for up to five years, depending on when the passport expires. A new eTA is required if you receive a new passport.

You can visit Canada as frequently as you'd like for brief visits if you have a valid eTA (normally for up to six months at a time). An eTA is optional to travel within Canada.

An eTA does not ensure admission to Canada. A border services agent will want to examine your passport and other documentation when you arrive.

Who requires an eTA to visit Canada?

There are four distinct traveller types:

• Travellers who need eTA

Visa-exempt foreign citizens must have an eTA to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport. When travelling by vehicle, bus, rail, or boat, these passengers do not require an eTA (including a cruise ship).

• Individuals that may be qualified to apply for an eTA include:

For aviation travel to Canada, citizens of some nations with visa requirements may be able to apply for an eTA rather than a visa. On the other hand, a visitor visa is required when coming by ship, including cruise ships.

1. Travellers who are unable to register for an eTA and who require further identification
2. A current Canadian passport is required for all citizens of Canada, including dual nationals. A valid Canadian or American passport is required for travel for American Canadians.
3. Permanent residents of Canada must possess a current permanent resident card or travel document.
4. Important - former Canadian citizens: The status of a permanent resident (P.R.) never ends. You could still hold permanent resident status if you had resided in Canada many years ago. To prevent flight delays, educate yourself.
5. Stateless people and those with foreign passports must get visas.

1. Travellers who are not required to have an eTA.
2. U.S. citizens must have an adequate identity, such as a current U.S. passport, and are exempt from the eTA requirement.
3. The eTA requirement does not apply to lawful permanent residents of the United States who have legitimate status here.
4. They must have a valid passport from their country of nationality and official evidence of status (or a similar status document) (or an equivalent travel document).
5. See the full identification list required for U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents.

What will you need to fill up the form and pay for your eTA?

Only use this official Government of Canada website to submit an eTA application.

The online application process for an eTA is quick and easy to complete. The majority of candidates receive an email with their eTA clearance within minutes. However, if you are required to provide supporting documentation, some requests may take several days to process. It is recommended to obtain an eTA before making travel arrangements to Canada.

eTAs are CAD 7 each. Only one individual may be applied for and paid for at once. You'll need your passport, a credit card, and an email address to complete the form. It would help if you also answered a few questions.

You must have the following: 

A valid email address, a passport from a nation without visa requirements, AND one of the following approved ways of payment for the $7 Canadian (non-refundable) fee:

1. A prepaid Visa, 
2. Mastercard, or American Express card, 
3. a Visa debit card, 
4. a Debit Mastercard card, 
5. a UnionPay card, o
6. JCB cards are all acceptable forms of payment.

After requesting an electronic travel authorization (eTA)

• We are dealing with your request.

Most of the time, you will get an email from us immediately. However, it can take several days to complete some requests. Within 72 hours after applying, you may receive an email from us if this applies to your application. You will outline your next actions in this email.

Ensure that the email address you supplied on your eTA application form doesn't have junk mail. Some spam filters can reject our automated emails.

Your eTA is sent to you.

When your eta visa Canada is accepted, you will receive an email notification. Your eTA number is included in the approval email.

When you get on the plane

The passport you used to apply for your eTA is connected to it. This passport must be presented when you check in for your flight to Canada. You must print out no particular document. To verify that you have a current eTA, airline workers will scan your passport. You will only be allowed to board your aircraft if you have one.

Conditions where you might require additional documentation upon arrival

Have the paperwork below ready if any of the following scenarios apply to you or a companion you'll be travelling with.

• You have a minor under your care (a minor child)

A youngster under 18 is regarded as a minor in Canada.

• You could be required to present a letter from the minor's parents, legal guardian, or both granting permission for the youngster to visit Canada.
• Depending on whether the young kid travels alone, additional documents such as adoption papers or a custody order may be required.

• You were welcome to visit Canada.

Bring the letter with you if it is from a person or business inviting you to Canada. A border patrol agent could request to see it.

You enter Canada.

You still may not be allowed to enter Canada even with a valid eTA and travel document.

• We assess your compliance with all admission criteria.

A border services agent will request to view your passport and other travel documents when you arrive. They will verify your identity to ensure you are the same individual whose journey to Canada was authorized.

• Your fingerprints will be automatically scanned at a main inspection kiosk if you enter Canada through one of the ten largest Canadian airports. The system will verify your identity by comparing it to the data gathered when you submitted your application.

• Suppose we recommend you for a secondary inspection. In that case, a border services officer will use fingerprint verification equipment to examine your fingerprints if you enter Canada through smaller airports or other land ports of entry.

How do I change my ArriveCAN information?

To obtain your arrive can receipt while travelling to Canada during the COVID-19 epidemic, follow the steps listed below:

Step 1: Register with ArriveCAN.

You'll need this information to log into your account later, so enter your email address and create a password that you can remember. You must read and agree to the ArriveCAN privacy statement as part of the account creation process. This document describes how your information may be used and outlines the consequences of withholding or giving inaccurate information.

Step 2: Begin filling up your ArriveCAN form.

There are various sub-sections on the ArriveCAN form. The order may change depending on whether you submit your information through the website or app.

a) State why you are travelling.

You must be completely immunized to enter Canada if you are a new immigrant with a valid Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). You will choose the discretionary/optional travel category. You are also permitted entry as a foreign national travelling to Canada for employment, education, family reunion, or humanitarian reasons.

b) Sign up for the COVID-19 post-arrival test.

If a COVID-19 molecular test is necessary upon your arrival in Canada, you can sign up in advance to avoid waiting in line at the airport. Although not required at this time, pre-registration is highly advised. You will be prompted to read and confirm that you understand the post-arrival COVID-19 exam criteria on the ArriveCAN website or mobile app.

c) Enter the details of your trip.

The details of your journey itinerary, including the kind of transportation you'll employ to enter Canada, are then entered. Enter your flight details, including your country of origin, destination airport, airline, flight number, arrival date, and arrival time if you're flying in. You may only enter this information if your anticipated arrival in Canada is within the next 72 hours.

d) Indicate how to reach you.

You'll give a phone number at this point that you can use to reach you. Remember to include the proper country code before the number. You have the option of receiving communications in either English or French.

Step 3: Include traveller information 

a) Information about travel documents

Your name and date of birth as they appear on the travel document, as well as the type of travel document you'll be using, such as your passport, permanent residency card, or NEXUS card, as well as the document's number and the nation in which it was issued. You will also be required to scan or submit a photo of your travel documentation using the arrive online app. 

b) Enter the COVID-19 immunization record.

Enter your vaccination information after that, including the brand of COVID-19 vaccine you had, the nation where you received the shot, and the date of the injection. You must give information separately for each immunization dosage if you received more than one dose of the vaccine.

Step 4: Complete the application for entry into Canada.

You must provide information about your COVID-19 past in this area.

1. Have you had a COVID-19 positive test within the previous 14 to 180 days? If the answer is affirmative, you are exempt from the pre-arrival COVID-19 test requirement and can provide a positive molecular test result.
2. Do you have documentation proving that a sample obtained no earlier than 72 hours before the scheduled departure of your journey to Canada yielded a negative molecular COVID-19 test result? When you arrive in Canada, make sure you have a paper or digital copy of your test findings with you.
3. Which nation provided you with negative molecular COVID-19 test results? 

Step 6: Complete the questionnaire for your quarantine strategy.

Travellers entering Canada without a quarantine plan must be fully immunized. Just passengers who are unvaccinated, only partially vaccinated, or who have received a vaccination that is not currently authorized in Canada are subject to this procedure.

Step 7: Finish the self-evaluation

Before entering Canada, you must ensure that you don't have any COVID-19 symptoms, such as a fever, cough, or breathing difficulties. If you travel with others, you must complete this screening for each party member.

Useful tips for ArriveCAN

1. Please complete the ArriveCAN form well in advance of your trip to Canada. Avoid delaying it until the last minute since you'll need a dependable internet connection and copies of your papers to complete the form.
2. Even if you're using the ArriveCAN website to complete your form, download the ArriveCAN app to your device before your trip. When you land, keep the app open, and if you can, snap a screenshot of your ArriveCAN receipt and code.
3. When you arrive in Canada, ensure your mobile devices are charged since border agents will require you to show them your ArriveCAN QR receipt or code.
4. Make sure they are readily available by downloading and saving your COVID-19 test results and your proof of immunization on your device. It's also a good idea to provide a physical copy of your immunization certificate and translated copies if necessary.
5. You may also submit your CBSA customs and immigration declaration using the ArriveCAN app to save time.

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