Canada eTA for Tourism — 2026 Requirements, Cost & Travel Rules
Canada eTA tourism guide for 2026: air-travel requirement, passport rules, CAN$7 official fee, validity, processing time and optional private application assistance.
EstaEta is a private, non-government service operated by Arc Techno Pty Ltd. EstaEta service fee: US$49.95 per applicant. Official Government of Canada eTA fee: CAN$7, separate.
Quick answer
What you need to know first
Many visa-exempt foreign nationals need a Canada eTA to fly to Canada for a short tourist visit or transit through a Canadian airport. The eTA is linked to the passport and does not guarantee admission at the border.
Official eTA facts
Fee, processing and validity at a glance
Official fee: CAN$7
The Government of Canada currently charges CAN$7 per eTA application. EstaEta's private service fee is separate.
Usually minutes, sometimes days
Canada says most applications are approved within minutes, while some can take several days or require additional documents.
Up to five years
An eTA can be valid for up to five years or until the linked passport expires, whichever comes first.
Practical checks
Before you rely on the eTA route
Confirm that your passport and citizenship qualify for the eTA route
Check whether you are arriving by air, land or sea because the document rule can differ
Travel with the same passport used for the eTA application
Remember that Canadian border authorities make the final admission decision
Related high-intent guides
Continue with the part of the Canada eTA process you need
Passport requirements
Why the passport used for the application matters.
Countries and passports
Find nationality-specific Canada eTA guidance.
Canada eTA requirements
Passport, email, eligibility and application information to prepare.
Canada eTA cost
Official CAN$7 fee and EstaEta's separate US$49.95 private service fee.
Frequently asked questions
Canada eTA for Tourism — 2026 Requirements, Cost & Travel Rules FAQ
Do tourists need a Canada eTA?
Many visa-exempt foreign nationals need an eTA when flying to Canada for tourism or transiting through a Canadian airport. The correct document depends on citizenship, passport and travel method.
Do I need an eTA if I enter Canada by land or sea?
Travellers who are eTA-required for air travel generally do not need an eTA when entering by car, bus, train or boat, but they still need the correct passport and entry documents for their circumstances.
How long is a Canada eTA valid?
Canada says an eTA can remain valid for up to five years or until the linked passport expires, whichever comes first, and can support multiple trips while valid.
How much is a Canada eTA?
The official Government of Canada eTA fee is currently CAN$7. EstaEta's optional private assistance costs US$49.95 per applicant, separate from the government fee.
Does an eTA guarantee entry to Canada?
No. An eTA allows an eligible traveller to travel by air to Canada, but Canadian authorities retain control over admission and the permitted stay.