The time limit and duration of validity for the eTA Canada visa

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) Canada is a key factor for travellers wishing to visit this North American country. Designed to simplify entry procedures, the eTA has become an essential tool for travellers from many countries exempt from traditional visa requirements. As a gateway to Canada's natural wonders and vibrant cities, understanding the details of how to obtain and validate an eTA is of crucial importance to modern travellers. Obtaining an eTA for Canada requires an online process, offering a quick and convenient solution. However, managing the time it takes to obtain an eTA and understanding how long it will be valid are of strategic importance if you want to plan your trip with peace of mind. This page explores in detail the essential factors relating to the time it takes to obtain and the period of validity of the Canada eTA, providing travellers with the information they need for a smooth travel experience.

Validity and processing time of the eTA Canda: in brief

• Required eTA application: Since 10 November 2016, all nationals of visa-exempt countries travelling to Canada by air have been required to obtain an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before departure.
• How long does it take to obtain an eTA Canada? In most cases, eTA applications are approved within a few minutes.
• Validity of the eTA Canada: The eTA is valid for a maximum of 5 years from the date of approval.
• Multiple trips allowed : With a valid eTA, you can make several trips to Canada during its validity period.
• Renewal of eTA: If your eTA expires before your next trip to Canada, you will need to apply for a new one.

Apply for an eTA for Canada!

How long does it take to obtain an eTA Canada?

The Canada eTA is obtained via an online application process, offering travellers a convenient and accessible way to secure their travel authorisation. Here are the key steps to follow when applying for an eTA:

• Accessing the site: Travellers should visit the official site or a service provider site dedicated to applying for an eTA.
• eTA application form: The online application form requires personal information such as name, date of birth, contact details and passport details. It is imperative that you provide accurate and precise information to avoid delays in the process.
• Valid passport: A valid passport is a basic requirement for obtaining an eTA. Make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay in Canada.
• Address in Canada: Travellers must provide an address in Canada where they will be staying during their stay. This could be the address of a hotel, a friend or a family member.

Once the eTA application has been successfully submitted, the Canadian authorities usually process the application within 72 hours. The usual processing time varies, but it is generally advisable to submit the application at least a few weeks before the planned date of departure to allow sufficient time for processing.

Factors that can influence the time taken to obtain an eTA

There are a number of factors that can influence how long it takes to obtain your Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for Canada. Understanding these factors will help you anticipate and plan your trip more effectively.

• Seasonal influx: Peak tourist periods in Canada can have an impact on the processing time of your eTA application. During popular tourist seasons, such as summer and holiday periods, the number of applications increases considerably, which can lengthen processing times. It is therefore advisable to submit your eTA application well in advance of your planned travel date to avoid any unexpected delays.
• Accuracy of information provided in the application: The accuracy of the information you provide in your eTA application is essential. Any inconsistencies or errors could lead to delays in processing or even rejection of your application. It is therefore essential to check all the information you enter carefully before submitting your application.
• Possible additional checks by authorities: In some cases, Canadian authorities may undertake additional checks to ensure the security and authenticity of eTA applications. This may involve specific information provided in the application or the applicant's travel history. Although these checks are usually carried out quickly, they may result in a slight delay in obtaining the eTA.

To minimise the effect of these factors on the time it takes to obtain your eTA, it is advisable to submit your application as soon as you have confirmed your travel dates. You should also ensure that you provide accurate and up-to-date information in your application, and regularly check the status of your application on the official website to ensure that no further action is required on your part. By taking these factors into account, you can maximise your chances of obtaining your eTA in time for your trip to Canada.

The period of validity of the eTA Canada

When you obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for Canada, it is essential to understand its period of validity and its implications for your future travel.

The standard validity period of an eTA for Canada is generally 5 years from the date of issue, unless your passport expires earlier. This means that you can travel to Canada several times during this period without needing to renew your eTA, as long as your passport details remain unchanged.

An essential feature of the eTA is that it generally allows multiple entries into Canada. This means that during the period of validity of the eTA, you can enter and leave Canada several times without needing to apply for a new eTA for each trip. However, it is important to note that each stay in Canada must respect the authorised conditions of stay (generally up to 6 months) and that you must leave the country before the expiry date of your eTA.

Before planning a trip to Canada, it is vital to check the expiry date of your eTA. If it expires during your stay, you may encounter problems when you leave or arrive in Canada. It is advisable to renew your eTA before the expiry date if you plan to travel to Canada after that date.

How do I check the validity of my Canada eTA?

There are two ways to check the validity of your Canada eTA:

1. Check the status of your eTA Canada online

The easiest way to check the validity of your eTA is to use the eTA status checker on the Government of Canada website. To do this, you will need

• Your passport number
• The country of issue of your passport
• The date your passport was issued
• The expiry date of your passport

Once you have entered this information, click on the "Check status" button. The website will tell you whether your eTA is valid, has expired or is being processed.

2. Check your inbox

When you applied for your eTA, you received a confirmation e-mail at the e-mail address you provided. This e-mail contains your eTA number and the expiry date of your eTA. You can consult this e-mail to check the validity of your eTA.

If you submitted your eTA application on another website

If you submitted your eTA application on a website other than the Government of Canada website, you will need to contact that website to check the validity of your eTA.

How do I renew my eTA to extend its validity?

Renewing your Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) Canada is an important step in ensuring uninterrupted, hassle-free travel. Here's what you need to know about renewing your eTA.

It is advisable to start the process of renewing your eTA before its expiry date. Even if your eTA is valid for 5 years, it is advisable not to wait until the last moment to renew. The renewal process is similar to that for the initial application, requiring the submission of an online form with updated information. This ensures that you get your new eTA before the old one expires, avoiding any problems when travelling.

If you change passport during the period of validity of your eTA, you will also need to renew your eTA. The identification details associated with the eTA must match those in your current passport. To do this, follow the renewal process by providing your new passport details.

Make sure you keep your eTA details, such as the number and expiry date, to make the renewal process easier. Also bear in mind that if you get a new passport, you will need to update your eTA to match the information in your new passport.

Is the validity of the Canada eTA affected if I change my flight date?

The validity of the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for Canada is generally not affected if you change the date of your flight, provided certain conditions are met. The eTA is an electronic travel authorization that is granted for a period of 5 years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Once approved, it allows citizens of certain countries to enter Canada for temporary stays, such as tourism or business, without requiring a visa.

However, there are several points to bear in mind if you need to change your flight date. The eTA is linked to your passport and personal details, but not specifically to a specific flight date. As long as your passport and eTA are valid, you can travel on any date, even if it is later than originally planned. Changing the flight date does not invalidate your travel authorisation as long as you remain within the validity period of the eTA and the information you provided at the time of application (such as passport and country of origin) has not changed.

However, it is important to check that your flight still complies with eTA requirements, particularly if you change airline or itinerary. For example, if you change your itinerary to include a stopover in another country, or if you change airports in Canada, it is advisable to check that your authorization is still valid and that there are no new restrictions or obligations.

In some cases, it may be useful to consult the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or to contact the relevant authorities to confirm that your eTA remains valid after a change of flight, especially if you have specific concerns about your trip.