Do I need a Visa for Canada?

Do I need a Visa for Canada? I have answered your question and simplified the process on how to do it in this quick and easy to follow post.

As an Australian, New Zealand or UK resident, you are able to visit Canada with an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). Other nationalities can check their requirements here. If you’re arriving by car, bus, train or boat (including a cruise) you do not need an ETA.

If you hold a valid ETA you can generally visit for up to six months at a time.

HOW DO I APPLY?

The process is simple and will take you less than five minutes to apply online here.

The link I included above is to the official site. If you are googling an ETA yourself and do not use the link, make sure you end up at the official site.

There are a lot of questionable sites out there that charge additional processing fees on top. If a site is charging you more than $7CAD it is not the official site.

HOW MUCH IS A VISA FOR CANADA?

The current cost of the ETA visa for Canada is $7CAD.

HOW LONG DOES APPROVAL TAKE?

Once you have completed the ETA and made payment you should receive a confirmation email within minutes.

On occasion, it can take a few days and they may ask you to provide supporting documents.

Keep an eye on your emails and if you haven’t heard anything after five business days, check the ETA status here. If it has not yet been approved, contact them here.

WHEN SHOULD I APPLY?

I always recommend applying one to two months prior to travel to allow yourself time.

The ETA site does recommend applying before you book your flights. If you are booking pretty far out, a reminder that the visa is valid for five years from the date of issue or when your passport expires, whichever comes first.

WHERE CAN I CHECK MY STATUS?

Check your ETA status here.

If you’re checking on a previous ETA you have done to check the validity you will need your ETA number which begins with the letter J. Check your emails if you can’t find your reference. Try searching this email in your inbox Client-update-mise-a-jour@cic.gc.ca

HOW LONG IS MY ETA VALID?

An ETA for Canada is valid for 5 years or your passports expiry date, whichever comes first.

You can visit multiple times within that time frame as long as each stay is under six months. If you’re not from Australia, New Zealand or the UK you should check how long you can stay each time.

WHAT IF I DON’T MEET THE REQUIREMENTS?

If you fail to meet the requirements you may need to make an appointment with the Canadian embassy in your state or country.

CAN I STAY FOR LONGER THAN 6 MONTHS?

Planning on working, studying or wanting to stay longer? You can check your eligibility here. The form takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

Written from my personal experience with the ETA. I’m a travel agent who has been sending clients to Canada for the past eleven years. Along with my own travel in and around North America.

I do not guarantee, and accept no legal liability, for the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any material on wildheartedworld.com or any linked sites.