Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

The following travellers need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to board their flight to Canada. However, these travellers do not need an eTA if entering by land or sea – for instance driving from the U.S. or coming by bus, train, or boat, including cruise ship.

2. eTA exemptions

Foreign nationals with official Canadian documents

• Travellers with a valid Canadian visa.
• Travellers with valid status in Canada (e.g. visitor, student or worker) who re-enters Canada after only visiting the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon.

Foreign nationals in the following situations

• French citizens who live in Saint Pierre and Miquelon and are flying directly to Canada from St. Pierre and Miquelon.
• Foreign nationals who are passengers destined to, or coming from, the United States on a flight that stops in Canada solely to refuel and
• have proper documents to enter the United States, or
• were lawfully admitted to the United States.
• Foreign nationals who are passengers on a flight that makes an unscheduled stop in Canada.
• Foreign nationals who transit through a Canadian airport under the Transit Without Visa or China Transit Program.

3. Basic requirements to enter Canada

To visit Canada, you’ll need to meet some basic requirements, such as:

• have a valid travel document, such as a passport
• have a valid eTA or visitor visa
• be in good health
• have no criminal or immigration-related convictions
• convince a border services officer (BSO) that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country
• convince a BSO that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
• have enough money for your stay. (The amount of money you will need can vary. It depends on things such as how long you will stay, and whether you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives.)

Inadmissibility

An eTA doesn’t guarantee entry to Canada. When you arrive, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and other documents – for example, a U.S. Green Card. You must convince the officer that you’re eligible for entry to Canada.

Several things can make you inadmissible, including involvement in criminal activity, human rights violations, or organized crime.