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Citizens of visa-exempt countries need an eTA to fly to Canada. Most applications are approved within minutes - but complex cases require careful preparation.
eTA snapshot
~$7
Gov. fee
5 yrs
Typical validity
Air
Travel mode
RCIC
Complex help
Not visa-exempt?
eTA under review?
We prepare clarification and next-step strategy for flagged applications.
Book consultation →The eTA replaced the visa requirement for citizens of visa-exempt countries who travel to Canada by air.
Apply online at Canada.ca. Most applicants receive approval within minutes by email. Some applications are selected for additional review - We assists complex cases.
The eTA is ONLY required for air travel. If you are a visa-exempt country citizen arriving by land or sea (from the US), you do NOT need an eTA.
Once approved, your eTA is linked electronically to your passport and valid for 5 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first.
The government fee is just $7 CAD. Be wary of third-party websites charging much more - only apply through Canada.ca or a licensed RCIC.
Your nationality and travel method determine whether you need an eTA, a visa, or nothing at all.
Dual citizens - if you hold citizenship of both a visa-exempt country AND another country, you must travel on your visa-exempt country passport and get an eTA linked to that passport.
Only apply at Canada.ca/eTA. Third-party sites often charge excessive fees. The official government fee is CAD $7.
Enter your passport details, contact information, travel history, and answer eligibility questions honestly.
Pay by credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the decision.
Most approved within minutes. Some applications are selected for review and may take a few days or weeks. We assists if your application is placed under review.
The eTA is electronic - no sticker or stamp. It is tied to your passport number. When you check in for your flight, the airline verifies electronically.
Most eTAs are instant - but these situations require more careful preparation.
If you were previously refused a Canadian visa, had a removal order, or overstayed in any country, your eTA may be flagged for review or refused. VMC advises on disclosure and preparation.
Any criminal conviction - even a minor one from years ago - can result in eTA refusal due to inadmissibility. A TRP or Criminal Rehabilitation may be needed before you can travel.
Dual citizens from visa-required and visa-exempt countries must use the right passport. Using the wrong one can lead to refusal at check-in or the port of entry.
An eTA refusal does not always mean you cannot visit Canada. We review the reason, advises whether a full TRV application or TRP is the right next step, and prepares the file.
We review your situation, identifies inadmissibility issues, and finds the right pathway to get you to Canada.
| Feature | eTA | Visitor Visa (TRV) |
|---|---|---|
| Who needs it | Visa-exempt countries | Visa-required countries |
| How to apply | Online, Canada.ca | Online, IRCC portal |
| Fee | CAD $7 | CAD $100 |
| Processing | Minutes (usually) | 2-6 weeks |
| Documents | Minimal | Full supporting docs |
| Validity | 5 years | Up to 10 years |
| Travel method | Air only | Air, land, sea |
| Entry decision | Border officer at arrival | Border officer at arrival |
If you have no criminal history, no prior refusals, and no immigration complications - apply directly at Canada.ca for $7. It takes 5 minutes.
We always recommend the official government site for straightforward cases.
If your application is placed under review, you have a prior refusal, criminal record, or immigration complications - We prepare the supporting documentation and advises on the right approach.
An eTA refusal triggers inadmissibility review. VMC advises on Criminal Rehabilitation, TRP, or full TRV application as the appropriate next step.
Most eTAs are straightforward - but if yours is complicated, Our team's licensed RCICs make sure your travel plans aren't derailed.