Canada's electronic travel authorization (eTA) may be required for travellers flying to or transiting through the country. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said the eTA costs CAN$7, with most applications processed within minutes, although some may take several days.Travellers need either a visitor visa or an eTA to travel to Canada, depending on their nationality and how they enter the country. An eTA does not allow a person to work or study in Canada.eTA rules and application processAn eTA is an online travel authorization for eligible travellers flying to or transiting through Canada. It is linked to the passport used for the application.Also Read: Canada seeks medical doctors to strengthen healthcare: 5 immigration pathways you should knowTravellers from eTA-required countries generally need an eTA and a valid passport to board a flight to Canada. Those arriving by car, bus, train or boat generally do not need an eTA, but must carry a valid passport.The application costs CAN$7 and is non-refundable. Most applications are approved within minutes, but some can take several days if IRCC asks for supporting documents.Applicants need a valid passport, email address and an accepted payment method. After completing the online form, they must pay the fee.IRCC recommends getting an eTA before booking travel. If additional documents are required, applicants will receive an email with instructions within 72 hours.Also Read: Turkey’s cheap travel reputation is being undone by high costsOnce approved, travellers should check that the passport number in the approval email matches their passport. They do not need to print the eTA. Airline staff will scan the passport at check-in, and travellers who require an eTA but do not have one will not be allowed to board.Not for Indians: What to knowIndian passport holders generally need a visitor visa to travel to Canada and cannot use an eTA simply because they are travelling by air.Canada has limited provisions allowing citizens of certain visa-required countries to apply for an eTA instead of a visitor visa when travelling by air, provided they meet specific conditions. Travellers should check their eligibility before applying.Since May 26, 2026, eligible citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia can also apply for an eTA instead of a visitor visa when travelling to Canada by air.Who is exempt and what an eTA does not allowCanadian citizens and permanent residents do not need an eTA. US citizens are also exempt. Lawful permanent residents of the US are exempt as well, but must carry the required passport and proof of US permanent resident status.An eTA does not permit work or study in Canada. Most people need a work permit to work or a study permit to study at a designated learning institution.An approved eTA also does not guarantee entry into Canada. A border services officer makes the final decision at the port of entry, and travellers must meet Canada's entry requirements.A person may be found inadmissible for reasons including certain criminal, security, health or financial concerns.Travellers who already hold a valid Canadian visitor visa can continue using it until it expires.