Why We Need ETA for Canada Visit

by Neha Sah Digital Marketing Manager

It´s called ETA- stands for electronic travel authorization and it is a new entry requirement. In most cases, the ETA will be granted within minutes of applying. Once approved, your ETA is valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. To make sure your visit to Canada goes as smoothly as possible, here is a change you should know about if you are traveling by air.

This means you can fly to Canada without reapplying so long as your ETA and passport remain valid. To make sure that you can board your flight to Canada, you will need to travel with the passport you used to apply for your ETA as the ETA is electronically linked to it. You should also consider checking with your transport provider or Travel Company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

The electronic travel authorization is an online pre-screening of people from more than 50 countries who can travel to Canada by air without a visa, including Britain, Australia, European nations, Japan and others. The ETA application form asks for the traveler’s address, passport information, employment status, how much money they have available for their visit to Canada and whether they have ever applied to enter Canada before. Other questions that appear on the form include.

ETA is not a visa. ETA is merely an authorization prior to travel. The electronic travel authorization is an "automated screening system at the so people usually get their approval back via email right away. But if there's an answer that triggers concern, such as a previous criminal offence, the application would be escalated to a "human officer" to make a judgment call and could take longer.

It's supposed to help catch people who might pose a security risk or who might stay in Canada longer than is legal, since these travelers don't go through the formal vetting process required by those who need to get a visa. You must be 18 years old in order to use the Service. You warrant that you have the right, authority and capacity to enter into and be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

British Citizens don’t usually need a visa to visit Canada for short periods, but you’ll need to get an Electronic Travel Authorization before you travel. If you have a different type of British nationality or intend to travel for a longer period, check entry requirements with the Canadian High Commission. When you arrive you will need to be able to show that you have enough funds available to support yourself during your stay, even if you’re staying with family and friends.

If you’re visiting Canada you’ll need an Canadian ETA to board your flight unless you’re otherwise exempted. If you have British-Canadian dual nationality you won’t be able to apply for electronic visa of Canada and you’ll need to present a valid Canadian passport to board your flight to Canada.