eTA / Visa Checker Canada 2026

Check if you need an eTA or visa to visit Canada by country. Covers visa-exempt, eTA, conditional eTA, and TRV requirements with fees and processing times.

Key Takeaways

• US citizens are fully exempt from both eTA and visa requirements when visiting Canada, regardless of travel mode.
• An eTA is required only for air travel to Canada. Visa-exempt nationals driving across the border or arriving by land or sea do not need one.
• Some countries have conditional eTA eligibility — nationals must meet specific criteria (such as holding a valid US visa or having travelled to Canada recently) to use the eTA instead of applying for a full TRV.
• A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) application requires biometrics collection and has significantly longer processing times than an eTA.
• Dual citizens should check requirements for each passport separately and travel on the document with the most favourable entry status.

eTA and Visa Requirement Checker for Visiting Canada

Whether you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), or neither depends on your country of citizenship and your mode of travel to Canada. Canada classifies all foreign nationals into entry requirement categories: visa-exempt, eTA-required, conditional eTA, or visa-required. Getting the wrong document — or arriving without the correct one — can result in denied boarding or refusal of entry at the border.

This checker determines your entry requirement based on your passport country and travel method, and provides the associated fees, processing times, and biometrics requirements. It covers all nationalities recognized by IRCC and reflects the most current country classification data.

How It Works

1. Select your country of citizenship from the list or enter the ISO country code from your passport (e.g., CN for China, IN for India, GB for the United Kingdom).

2. Indicate whether you are travelling to Canada by air. The eTA requirement applies only to air travel — visa-exempt nationals arriving by land or sea do not need one.

3. The checker looks up your country's IRCC classification and determines whether you need an eTA, a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), or are fully exempt.

4. Results display the entry requirement category, applicable government fees, estimated processing time, and whether biometrics collection is required.

5. For countries with conditional eTA eligibility, the checker explains the specific criteria that must be met to qualify for the eTA option instead of a full visa.

Understanding eTA vs. Visa Requirements

Canada divides foreign nationals into categories based on bilateral agreements, security considerations, and diplomatic relationships. Visa-exempt countries — primarily Western European nations, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and several others — require only an eTA for air travel. The eTA is a lightweight, electronically linked authorization that costs $7 CAD and is typically approved in minutes.

Countries that are not on the visa-exempt list require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), which involves a more extensive application including biometrics collection, proof of ties to the home country, financial documentation, and sometimes an interview. TRV processing can take several weeks to months depending on the visa office. A small number of countries have conditional eTA eligibility, where nationals who meet specific criteria (such as holding a valid US visa or having visited Canada in the last 10 years) may apply for an eTA instead of a TRV.

eTA Details and Validity

The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a digital entry requirement linked to your passport. It costs $7 CAD and most applications are approved within minutes, though some may require additional processing of up to 72 hours. An approved eTA is valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows multiple entries to Canada during that period.

An eTA does not guarantee entry to Canada — a border services officer at the port of entry makes the final admissibility decision. The eTA is specific to air travel; if you plan to drive across the US-Canada border, you do not need an eTA even if your country is eTA-required for flights. If you get a new passport, you must apply for a new eTA linked to the new passport number.

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) Process

The TRV application is more involved than an eTA. You must submit an online or paper application with supporting documents including proof of financial support, ties to your home country (employment, property, family), a travel itinerary, and a letter of invitation if applicable. Biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) are required and cost $85 for an individual or $170 maximum per family.

Processing times vary significantly by visa office and country of residence — from a few weeks to several months. You can check current processing times on the IRCC website for your specific visa office. A TRV can be issued as single-entry or multiple-entry. Since 2014, IRCC has defaulted to issuing multiple-entry visas valid for up to 10 years or until one month before your passport expires, whichever is earlier.

Special Cases and Transit Requirements

Several special cases affect entry requirements. Canadian permanent residents do not need an eTA or visa — they enter using their PR card or Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD). Canadian citizens with dual nationality must enter Canada on their Canadian passport and cannot use an eTA. Transit passengers passing through a Canadian airport to a third country may need a transit visa or eTA depending on their citizenship, even if they do not intend to enter Canada.

Diplomatic and official passport holders may have different requirements than regular passport holders from the same country. Stateless persons and convention refugees generally require a TRV. Always verify your specific situation with the IRCC website or a Canadian visa office, particularly if you hold a non-standard travel document.

Key Facts

• An eTA costs $7 CAD and is typically processed within minutes. It is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires.
• A TRV application fee is $100 CAD, with biometrics adding $85 per individual or $170 maximum per family.
• Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are required for TRV applicants and are valid for 10 years once collected.
• An eTA is linked to your passport number — if you get a new passport, you need a new eTA.
• Conditional eTA eligibility applies to nationals of certain countries who hold a valid US visa or have travelled to Canada in the last 10 years.

FAQ

Do I need an eTA or visa to visit Canada?

It depends on your country of citizenship and how you are travelling. Citizens of visa-exempt countries (such as the UK, Australia, France, Germany, Japan) need an eTA for air travel but nothing for land crossings. Citizens of countries not on the visa-exempt list (such as China, India, Philippines, Nigeria) need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). US citizens are fully exempt from both. Use this checker with your specific country to see your exact requirement.

How long does it take to get a Canadian eTA?

Most eTA applications are approved within minutes of online submission. In some cases, IRCC may request additional information or documents, which can extend processing to several days. It is recommended to apply at least 72 hours before your planned travel date. The eTA application is completed entirely online — there is no paper application or in-person visit required.

What is a conditional eTA and how do I know if I qualify?

A conditional eTA is available to nationals of certain countries (such as Brazil) who meet specific eligibility criteria. Typically, you may qualify if you have held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years, currently hold a valid US nonimmigrant visa, or have travelled to Canada recently. If you meet the criteria, you can apply for the $7 eTA instead of the more expensive and time-consuming TRV. This checker will tell you if conditional eTA applies to your country and what the criteria are.

Do I need an eTA if I am driving to Canada from the US?

No. The eTA requirement applies only to air travel to Canada. If you are driving across a land border or arriving by sea, you do not need an eTA, even if your country of citizenship would normally require one for flights. You will still need to present a valid passport and may need a TRV depending on your nationality.

I have dual citizenship — which passport should I use for Canada?

If one of your citizenships is Canadian, you must enter Canada on your Canadian passport — you cannot use an eTA or visa from your other nationality. For dual citizens of two non-Canadian countries, check the entry requirements for both passports and travel on the one with the most favourable status (e.g., visa-exempt over visa-required). Airlines check your travel document at boarding, so ensure your eTA or visa matches the passport you present.

Updated April 2026. Information on this page is provided for educational purposes only. Tax rules, rates, and government programs may change — verify details with the CRA or a qualified financial advisor.