Formalities for entering Canada

Electronic Travel Authorization Canada is an automated travel authorization system for travel within Canada. The implementation of this electronic device dates from September 2016. This compulsory certificate, which must be obtained prior to your stay in Canada, is subject to payment. It allows you to enter Canada without applying for a Canadian visa. The request for an eTA must be made online and before issuing the boarding pass for Canada.

For stays of less than 6 months in Canada: You don’t need an appointment at the Canadian embassy or consulate. You can complete the formalities for entering Canada directly on the Internet by clicking on online form.

What is the Canada eTA used for?

This electronic pre-travel document helps to enhance internal security regarding flights and maritime transport to Canada. As part of your eTA application for Canada, by providing your pre-flight information, the system can then verify that you meet the requirements for obtaining an eTA before your arrival on Canadian soil. Previously, this control was done directly at the border post.

This is an official eTA application form to be completed online, the answers to which will determine whether you are eligible to travel to Canada. The questions are simple, designed to assure the Canadian authorities that you have no connection with a terrorist organization, that you are not a criminal. To enter Canada, you need an eTA rather than an ESTA.

eTA easier to get than visa

An electronic travel authorization for Canada can only be obtained for the following reasons: Tourism, Transit or Business. The stay must be limited to a maximum of 6 months. The process is simpler than obtaining a tourist visa for Canada. You don ‘t need a visa to travel to Canada. An eTA is required in the absence of a Canadian visa.

The process of obtaining a travel authorization is entirely online. It is advisable to anticipate the time it takes to obtain an eTA by taking the necessary steps several days before departure.

The applicant fills in an online eTA form and pays by credit card. The price of an eTA is much lower than that of a visa for Canada. An eTA and a visa are not obtained in the same way. An eTA is the easy, low-cost way to travel to Canada.

How to access the application form?

Accessing the form is easy. You must complete your eTA online to validate your request. Processing is automatic and response is almost immediate. It is nevertheless advisable to apply as soon as your trip is planned.

The registration site is available in several languages. Support and assistance are available at all times. Your contact details and receipt will be saved on the site, allowing you to retrieve a lost eTA or reconnect in the event of an error on your eTA. Losing your eTA Canada number is not a problem: all your travel information is computerized when you apply for Authorization online on the official eTA website.

How long is this request valid?

After you have applied, your residence permit can be used for five years or until your passport expires. on the other hand, your duration of stay on Canadian territory must not exceed 6 months. You can come and go in Canada several times until the 6-month period expires.

Is there a risk of being refused an eTA?

The vast majority of applications for a Travel Authorization for Canada receive a positive response. ETA travel authorization refusals are explained by input errors, and of course by non-compliance with the conditions of the authorization (excessive stay, expired passport, etc.). In case of refusal, you will have to wait 10 days before being able to submit a new request.

You can easily check the status of your eTA online. Verification of an eTA allows you to prepare your trip and modify your eTA if certain personal information has changed since you obtained authorization.

End of entry restrictions due to COVID health crisis

Since May 2023, all restrictions imposed on foreign travelers by the COVID 19 health crisis have been lifted. It is no longer necessary to be vaccinated against COVID 19 to travel to Canada. You no longer need to fill in the ArriveCAN application when you plan to arrive in Canada. You can read our updated article on COVID restrictions Canada.

How to get a tourist visa for Canada

The application for a Canadian tourist visa is made at the Canadian consulate in your country of origin. The process of obtaining a tourist visa for Canada takes place in several stages. The main steps of the Canadian tourist visa are as follows:

1. First of all you have to check that you are eligible to obtain a Canada tourist visa;
2. Then you must create a visitor access on the administrative Internet portal of Canada: the IRCC ;
3. Once connected, you must complete all the documents required for the Canadian tourist visa;
4. Once completed, you can finally validate your Canadian visa application;
5. You will then also need to attach all the documents requested by the administration of Canada to finalize your tourist visa application;
6. When you have sent the documents relating to the application, all you have to do is wait for the return of the tourist visa processing service. The visa department may contact you for additional information.
7. Once your application is accepted, all you have to do is send your passport to be stamped by the official Canadian visa service.

Below is an illustration of a Canadian entry visa.

The process for obtaining a Working Holiday Permit is much the same as for applying to the Canadian authorities.