Tourist / visitor for US citizens travelling to Canada
US citizens need an eTA before flying to Canada, including air transit. Stays are normally up to 6 months for tourism or family visits.
For a US citizen passport. Lawful permanent residents and other statuses can follow different rules.
Key facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who it's for | US citizen passport holders on short tourism or business visits. · Government of Canada eTA application (opens in a new tab) |
| Maximum stay | Normally up to 6 months per entry, decided at the border. · Government of Canada eTA application (opens in a new tab) |
| Cost | CAD 7 on the Government of Canada website. · Government of Canada eTA application (opens in a new tab) |
| Processing time | IRCC says most approvals arrive within minutes; some take several days. · Government of Canada eTA application (opens in a new tab) |
| How to apply | On canada.ca before you board your flight. · Government of Canada eTA application (opens in a new tab) |
Each fact above is linked to the authority that sets the rule. Entry Visa Guide does not take applications.
Apply only on the government website linked above. This site does not issue visas or travel authorisations and does not take applications. Other websites charge their own service fee on top of any government charge.
How to apply
- Apply on the Government of Canada eTA page and pay CAD 7.
- Check the approval email matches your passport number.
- Fly with the passport linked to the eTA.
FAQ
Do I need an eTA to drive to Canada?
IRCC says eTA is not required for land or sea entry, but you still need a valid passport.
Can I work on an eTA?
No. IRCC says an eTA does not allow work or study.
Sources
Independent guide, not legal advice. Entry Visa Guide is an independent information site. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or run by any government or public authority. Always check official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Report an error.