Checking the visa requirements before planning a trip to any country is imperative, especially for first-time travelers – and traveling to Canada is no exception to the rule.
Not knowing about the visa requirements of Canada well ahead in advance can undo even the most well-devised plans. If you are planning to pay a visit and enjoy a long vacation in Canada, you must know that you need to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter the country.
What is the eTA Canada?
The eTA Canada is a travel authorization that is necessary for entering Canada. Foreign nationals who belong to visa exempt countries or Canada eta eligible countries cannot enter the country without this document.
The eTA Canada is linked to the passport electronically. It is important to note that it is a travel authorization and not a visa, meaning applying for and obtaining this document will be easier than you think.
Who Needs an eTA Canada?
If you intend to visit Canada in near future, chances are you are going to need an eTA. While it may not be necessary for everyone, it is a requirement for many.
If you are not a Canadian citizen, you would want to make sure that your home country falls into the category of Canada eTA eligible countries. In addition to visa-exempt foreign nationals, U.S. citizens will also be required to acquire an eTA Canada.
That having been said, the eTA Canada is a requirement for visitors traveling by plane. Those traveling via a car, bus, train, or boat are allowed to enter the country without one.
Who Does Not Need an eTA Canada?
While ETA is an important visa requirement for traveling to Canada, it does not apply to all tourists and visitors.
People who live in the U.S. are exempt from this requirement and can easily travel to Canada without one. However, they will need to have a proper ID, which may be a valid U.S. passport. For more information about traveling to Canada as a U.S. person click here.
If you are not a U.S. resident, you will have to confirm if your country is among the Canada eTA eligible countries and then apply for the ETA Canada well ahead in time to make sure your Canada trip goes as planned.
Applying for an eTA Canada
As stated earlier, the application process for an eTA Canada is rather easy and uncomplicated. In fact, thanks to modern technology, you can get your hands on the document without leaving the comfort of your home.
To apply, all you have to do is to fill out the online application form. To complete the form, you will only need your passport, credit or debit card, and a valid email address. Answering the questions on the form will only take 5 to 10 minutes and after that, you will be able to acquire your eTA Canada within a matter of minutes!
However, it is noteworthy that some requests may take up to several days to process if there is a need to submit supporting documents.
The best way to go around this is to apply for an eTA Canada well before you book your flight to Canada.
How to Ensure Approval
To make sure everything goes smoothly and your eTA Canada application is approved, make sure you fill out the form honestly and carefully. You would want to provide the most recent and up to date information and recheck everything thoroughly before submitting the form.
Cost of an eTA Canada
Many people belonging to one of the Canada eTA eligible countries assume the cost of an eTA to be too high. The truth, however, is far from it!
You will only have to pay a small fee while applying for an eTA Canada, which is guaranteed to not break your bank.
