eTA vs Visitor Visa — Which Do You Need to Enter Canada?
The first step in any Canada visit: determine whether you need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa), or neither. Confusion is common — this page clarifies the rules by nationality + entry mode.
Quick comparison
| Factor | eTA | TRV (Visitor Visa) |
|---|---|---|
| Who needs it | Visa-EXEMPT nationals flying to Canada | Visa-REQUIRED nationals (any entry mode) |
| Cost | CAD 7 | CAD 100 + biometrics CAD 85 |
| Processing time | Minutes to days (most approved electronically + immediately) | Weeks to months |
| Validity | 5 years (or until passport expiry) | Up to 10 years (or until passport expiry) |
| Application | Online via IRCC eTA portal — short form | Online IMM 5257 + supporting docs + biometrics at VAC |
| Entry mode | Air only | Any mode (air, land, sea) |
Visa-exempt nationalities (eTA-eligible)
Citizens of these countries (selection) flying to Canada need eTA, not TRV:
- UK and most EU countries (Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, etc.)
- Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong-SAR, Taiwan, Brunei
- Most Gulf states (UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman — though specific statuses change; check current list)
- Israel
- Mexico (with conditions; status has shifted historically — check current rules)
Visa-required nationalities (TRV required)
Citizens of these countries need full TRV regardless of entry mode:
- Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal
- Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam
- China (mainland)
- Iran, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria
- Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Senegal, most African countries
- Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
Neither eTA nor TRV required
- Canadian citizens — must carry Canadian passport for air entry (since November 2016)
- US citizens — need passport for air; passport or US-issued Enhanced Driver's License for land
- Lawful US permanent residents (green card holders)
How to apply
eTA
Apply online at the IRCC eTA portal — canada.ca/eta. Fill the short form (passport details, basic background questions), pay CAD 7. Most approvals issued in minutes to hours.
Important: eTA is linked to your passport — getting a new passport means getting a new eTA.
TRV
Apply online via IRCC portal with IMM 5257 + supporting documents + IMM 5645 (Family Information). Biometrics at Canada VAC in your country. Processing time depends on visa office + complexity. See our visitor visa page + country-specific guides (e.g. Visitor visa from Pakistan).
FAQ
How do I know if I need eTA or visa?
Check your nationality + mode of entry. Visa-exempt nationals flying to Canada need an eTA. Visa-required nationals (Pakistani, Indian, Filipino, Chinese, MENA, African passport holders generally) need a TRV regardless of entry mode. US citizens need neither for entry. Use IRCC's 'Find out if you need a visa' tool at canada.ca for definitive answer.
Is eTA cheaper than visa?
Yes — eTA is CAD 7 + small processing time (minutes to days). TRV is CAD 100 + biometrics CAD 85 + processing time of weeks to months. Significant difference.
Can a visa-required national use eTA?
No — visa-required nationals (Pakistani, Indian, etc.) cannot use eTA. They need full TRV regardless of entry mode. Some visa-required nationals with valid US visas or specific status may have limited transit options, but standard entry requires TRV.
Does eTA work for land entry?
eTA is for AIR entry only. Visa-exempt nationals entering Canada by land or sea don't need an eTA — just a valid passport. Visa-required nationals need TRV regardless of entry mode (air, land, sea).
Not sure if you need eTA or TRV?
Use IRCC's official "Find out if you need a visa" tool at canada.ca. Or for complex cases (dual citizenship, prior refusals, transit considerations), Halani Immigration Services Inc. (RCIC-IRB R711322) assesses at consultation.
Free Visa Eligibility Review →Related: Visitor visa · eTA · eTA exemption · TRV · Visa-required country