What is the electronic travel authorisation system?
The eTA is an automatic system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to Canadian territory under the new regulations. It requires the same information as that provided on the paper version of the entry form to Canada.
Why is an eTA Travel Authorisation required for travellers to Canada?
Canadian law has required the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to put in place an electronic travel authorisation system and other measures to improve safety and security in Canadian borders. An eTA enhances security to the extent that the government may determine, prior to travel, whether a person is authorised to travel to Canada and whether the trip possesses a risk to law enforcement or internal security.
Who must apply for an electronic travel authorisation?
All nationals of countries with Electronic Travel Authorities who wish to travel to Canada for a business or tourist trip for a maximum of 90 days will require an eTA authorisation before travelling to Canada. If a traveller is planning to transit through the United States to another country, authorisation through the ESTA is also required.
What information does the traveller need to complete the travel authorisation form?
The traveler must indicate, in English, his personal data, including his name, his date of birth and the information on his passport. He must also answer questions about his eligibility to travel, among other things, on communicable diseases, arrests and convictions for certain offenses, the history of visa revocation or deportation. The traveller will also need to provide credit card data to pay the fees involved in order to apply for an eTA application.
What are the deadlines for submitting an application for a travel authorisation?
Requests can be submitted at any time before the trip. We recommend submitting applications for authorisation as soon as a trip is planned. The government is aware that not all trips can be scheduled in advance and requests for last-minute or emergency travel will be covered. Travellers are not required to have a specific travel plan in Canada to apply for an eTA application, but if this information is available, it is strongly recommended that they provide the destination address (es) and their destination address (es) route
What are the time limits for obtaining travel authorisation?
Once a traveler's request is correctly submitted online, an almost immediate response is provided in most cases.
What are the possible answers that I am likely to receive?
· Authorisation granted: Travel allowed.
· Unauthorised travel: The traveller must apply for a temporary stay visa from the consulate services of a US Embassy before traveling to Canada.
· Authorisation pending: The traveller will be notified by our site within 72 hours in order to receive a definitive answer.
Should approved travellers bring a printed version of their eTA authorisation to the airport?
No. DHS informs airlines about the eTA status of travellers. The travel authorisation is validated with the passport number directly. No need to print a document, everything is electronically archived.
What is the validity period of my travel authorisation?
Generally, travel authorisations for Canada are valid for five years or until the expiry date of your passport if it expires before five years of authorisation. A visitor may visit Canada repeatedly during the validity period without having to request a new authorisation.
Will it be necessary to re-apply for a travel authorisation through the eTA?
Yes, a new travel authorisation via the eTA is required when:
· (1) the traveler has a new passport,
· (2) the traveler has changed name,
· (3) the traveler has changed sex,
· (4) the traveler has changed nationality or
· (5) the circumstances underlying the traveler's previous responses to the eTA request questions involving a "yes" or "no" response have changed.
ETA approvals are generally granted for a period of five years or until the candidate's passport expires, if it expires before the five years of authorisation. The eTA provides validity dates once the request is approved. Therefore, the traveler must apply for a new travel authorisation when his previous approval or passport expires. The fees involved are billed for each new request submitted.
If my trip to Canada is approved through the eTA, does that mean that I will definitely be allowed to enter Canada?
Not necessarily. Travel authorisation only allows a traveler to board an airplane or cruise ship without a visa to Canada. In all cases, the decision of your eligibility is the responsibility of the immigration agents of the border posts or clearance centres.
I forgot my eTA application number. How can I log in to the system again to update my information or check the status of my request?
If a traveller loses, forgets, or does not have access to his or her travel claim number or travel status, he or she can retrieve his or her claim number by simply asking our site by entering his name, date of birth, passport number and the country issuing the passport. And this provided that the request is made on our site and within 2 years.
What should I do if my travel authorisation is refused?
If an application for a travel authorisation is refused and the traveller wishes to proceed with his travel plan, he will have to apply for a visa from the Canadian Embassy or a Canadian Consulate. To find out more about how to apply for a visa, please visit this website.
I have a current and valid visa. Do I also need to apply for an eTA Travel Authorisation for Canada?
No, people with a valid visa can travel to Canada and are not required to apply for travel authorisation through the eTA.
