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Europeans · Canadian Travel Authorisation

Europeans need a Canadian ETA to fly to Canada

The Canadian Electronic Travel Authorisation is required for all eligible European passport holders before boarding a flight to Canada. Fast, secure applications with expert review before every submission.

✓  Expert Review
✓  Fast Processing
✓  Individuals & Families

What is the Canadian ETA?

The Canadian Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is a mandatory entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada — including citizens of most European countries. It is electronically linked to your passport and must be obtained before you travel.

Unlike a traditional visa, the Canadian eTA is applied for entirely online and is typically approved within minutes. It is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and allows multiple entries into Canada with each stay limited to six months.

5 yrs
Validity period
6 mo
Maximum stay per visit
0–72 hrs
Typical processing time

Which Europeans need a Canadian ETA?

Citizens of most European countries are eligible for — and required to hold — a Canadian eTA when flying to or transiting through Canada. This includes nationals from across the EU and wider Europe, among them:

🇫🇷 France
🇩🇪 Germany
🇮🇹 Italy
🇪🇸 Spain
🇳🇱 Netherlands
🇧🇪 Belgium
🇵🇹 Portugal
🇸🇪 Sweden
🇳🇴 Norway
🇩🇰 Denmark
🇦🇹 Austria
🇨🇭 Switzerland

The eTA is required for air travel only. If entering Canada by land or sea, different entry requirements apply. Not sure if your nationality qualifies? Visit ETA Permits and check your eligibility instantly on the application page.

Good to know: The Canadian eTA is not the same as a Schengen visa — it is a separate authorisation required specifically for entry into Canada, regardless of your existing travel documents. Even frequent international travellers will need to apply before their first flight to Canada.

How to apply

Our simple three-step process ensures your Canadian eTA is accurate and submitted correctly.

1

Complete the form

Enter your personal details, passport information, and travel plans on our secure online form. The process takes around 10 minutes.

2

Expert review

Our team checks every application for accuracy before submission to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada — minimising errors and rejections.

3

Receive your eTA

Your approved Canadian eTA is delivered by email and linked electronically to your passport. Simply present your passport at the airport.

Travelling to Canada
as a family?

Every traveller — including children — requires their own individual Canadian eTA linked to their own passport. ETA Permits makes it simple to submit applications for your whole family in one go, regardless of which European country you are travelling from.

Our team reviews all applications together before submission, ensuring nothing is missed before your trip. The price you see is the price you pay — no surprises at checkout.

Toronto waterfront at dusk

Frequently asked questions

Do Europeans need a Canadian ETA to transit through Canada?
Yes. If you are transiting through a Canadian airport on your way to another destination, you still require a valid Canadian eTA if you are an eligible European national travelling by air.
How long is the Canadian eTA valid for European citizens?
The Canadian eTA is valid for five years from the date of issue, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. It allows multiple entries into Canada during its validity period.
How long can Europeans stay in Canada on an eTA?
Each visit to Canada under an eTA is limited to six months. Border officers retain discretion over the exact length of stay permitted on arrival.
Is the Canadian eTA different from a Schengen visa?
Yes — they are entirely separate. A Schengen visa covers travel within the Schengen Area in Europe. The Canadian eTA is a distinct authorisation required for entry into Canada and must be applied for separately, even if you hold a valid Schengen visa.
Do European children need their own Canadian eTA?
Yes. Every traveller — including infants and children — requires their own individual eTA linked to their own passport. ETA Permits makes it easy to apply for all family members at once.
Can Europeans work or study in Canada on an eTA?
No. The Canadian eTA is for short-stay visits for tourism, business, or transit only. If you intend to work or study in Canada you will require a separate permit or visa.
What if my Canadian eTA application is refused?
If your eTA is refused you may need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) instead. ETA Permits reviews all applications before submission to minimise the risk of refusal.

Ready to apply for your Canadian eTA?

Fast, simple and expert-reviewed. Submit your application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada with confidence.

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