eTA meaning

Although it was at the end of 2016 when the use of this authorization for people from non-visa countries was implemented, there are still many questions around this necessary permission to enter Canada, which is called eTA.

For those who do not know, eTA means Electronic Travel Authorization and consists of a type of special accreditation, only for access by plane, through which citizens from the 45 countries exempt from Canadian visas are allowed to enter the territory for tourists or business reasons.

An eTA is not necessary for all foreign citizens who decide to travel to Canada. In fact, the requirements of the eTA are designed specifically for travelers visiting Canada from a visa-free country. Currently, as we mentioned at the beginning, there are 45 eligible countries, including nations in Europe, America, and Asia. Any foreign citizen, whose country of origin is not included in any visa waiver agreement with Canada, can request their eTA accreditation without problems. On the other hand, there are four types of travelers that are considered at the moment of making the eTA application.

Travelers who need an eTA:

Those are the visa-exempt foreign citizens; they need an eTA to fly to or through a Canadian airport. Nonetheless, these travelers do not need an eTA if they arrive by car, bus, train or boat (including a cruise). Legal permanent residents of the United States need an eTA to fly to or through a Canadian airport. They must present a valid Green Card and a valid passport at the time of submission for entry procedures.

 

Travelers who may be eligible to request an ETA:

Those are the citizens of some countries that require a visa; they may be eligible to apply for an eTA, instead of a visa, to travel to Canada by air. However, these travelers need a visitor’s visa when they arrive in the country by car, bus, train, or boat, including a cruise.

• Travelers who cannot request an eTA and need to carry some identification: This group includes 3 kinds of citizens
• Canadian citizens, including those with dual citizenship, need a valid Canadian passport. American-Canadians can travel with the valid US or Canadian passport.
• Canadian permanent residents need a valid permanent resident card or a permanent resident travel document – Important information- former residents of Canada: The Permanent Resident (RP) statute does not expire. If you have ever lived in Canada many years ago, you may still have a Permanent Resident (RP) status.
• Foreign passport holders and stateless persons require a mandatory Visa.

 

Travelers who are exempt from the eTA requirement. For example:

Citizens of the United States are exempt from the eTA requirement and must carry with them proper identification such as a valid United States passport.

So, now that you know the eTA meaning, it would be easier for you to obtain what you need in order to fly to Canada. Getting an eTA is not that difficult, you just have to remember, following the procedures in the right way is the key to success.