Do you need a Canada eTA and how much does it cost?
The short answer
The Government of Canada says an electronic travel authorization (eTA) costs CAN$7. You need one to board a flight to Canada if you are a citizen of an eTA-required country. In most cases you do not need one when arriving by land or sea.
Who needs an eTA
You need either a visitor visa or an eTA, not both. Citizens of eTA-required countries need an eTA and a valid passport to board a flight to Canada.
If you arrive by car, bus, train or boat, including a cruise ship, you do not need an eTA in most cases. You still need a valid passport.
- US citizens are exempt and must carry proper identification such as a valid US passport.
- US lawful permanent residents are exempt. They need a valid passport and green card.
- Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, need a valid Canadian passport. Canadian permanent residents need a PR card or travel document.
- As of 26 May 2026, some citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia may be eligible to apply for an eTA instead of a visitor visa when flying.
How to apply
You need a valid passport, an email address, and a card to pay the CAN$7 non-refundable fee. Accepted cards include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Visa Debit, Debit Mastercard, UnionPay and JCB.
Most applicants get approval by email within minutes. Some requests take several days, and the government says you will hear within 72 hours what to do next.
At the airport
Your eTA is linked to the passport you used to apply. You present that passport at check-in. You do not need to print anything. An eTA does not let you work or study, and does not guarantee entry. Check the official site before you pay or travel.
Sources: Canada.ca: Electronic travel authorization (eTA), Canada.ca: eTA how to apply, Canada.ca: eTA who can apply, Canada.ca: eTA about the process. Read 5 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Canada eTA?
CAN$7, according to the Government of Canada.
Do I need an eTA to drive into Canada from the US?
In most cases, no. The eTA is for air travel. You still need a valid passport.
Do US citizens need an eTA?
No. US citizens are exempt from the eTA requirement.
What if my passport number is wrong on the eTA?
The government says you must apply again with the correct passport number, and you may not be able to travel to Canada if it is wrong.