How long does an eTA last?

Updated: Dec 09, 2023 | Tags: Canada eTA Duration, Canada eTA Status

Are you traveling to Canada? Make sure you understand Canada’s entry requirements before you apply for an eTA to visit. Do you know how long you can stay, and how many times you may enter the country? If you are planning a trip to Canada, you are probably going to apply for a visa or an eTA. An eTA, or Electronic Travel Authorization, is required for citizens of visa-exempt countries and legal residents of the United States. Understanding the ETA validity period and how it affects you as a traveler is crucial for planning your trips to Canada. Here’s what you need to know:

How long does an eTA last?

What is the duration of an approved eTA?

A Canada eTA is valid for five years from the date of issue or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. An eTA is a multi-use travel authorization. Rather than allowing you to enter the country just once, it allows you to visit Canada over and over again. In this way, it functions similar to a visa. However, a visa is good for ten years, while an eTA is only good for five years. Although this sounds like a major drawback, the good news is that an eTA is fairly quick and easy to apply for, so doing applying once every five years isn’t a daunting experience.

Although the eTA is valid for up to five years, it allows you to stay in Canada for up to six months at a time. The exact length of each stay is determined by the border officer upon your arrival in Canada.

It’s worth noting that an eTA does not guarantee entry into Canada. You will have to present your documents to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) during each visit, and they must determine whether or not you can enter the country.

How long can you stay in Canada with an eTA?

When you have an eTA, you must follow Canada’s time limitations for visits to the country. The travel authorization allows you to stay in Canada for up to six months at a time. Once this time is up, you must leave the country. However, you can re-enter the country as many times as you like during the rest of the period that your eTA is valid.

Knowing the duration of your eTA can help you plan your trips without the need for reapplication. However, if your passport expires, you will need to reapply for a new eTA with your new passport.

What can an eTA be used for?

An eTA is simply an electronic tourist travel document. It gives you the freedom to explore Canada and travel through the entirety of the country. However, an eTA is not a work document. You will not be allowed to obtain employment in Canada if you hold an eTA and not a work visa.

What affects my eTA status?

Although an eTA is valid for five years, you may find that yours is valid for a shorter amount of time. Your eTA will be connected to your passport, so it expires when your passport expires. If your passport expiry date occurs during the five-year period that your eTA is valid, you will no longer be able to use your eTA and you will have to apply for a new one. If this is an inconvenience for you, it may be a good idea to renew your passport before you apply for a Canadian eTA. However, there is no renewal process for an eTA. Once it expires, you must apply for a new one.

Lastly, it’s important to comply with the terms of your eTA. Overstaying or violating the conditions of your stay could affect your ability to return to Canada in the future.

What are the key benefits of using an eTA?

1. Multiple entries: With a valid eTA, you can travel to Canada as many times as you want for short stays (up to six months at a time) within the five-year validity period or until your passport expires.
2. Ease of travel: The eTA facilitates easier and quicker entry into Canada for eligible travelers, eliminating the need for a traditional visa for each visit.
3. Cost-effective: An eTA is generally less expensive than a visa and requires a simpler and quicker application process, making it more economical for frequent travelers to Canada.
4. Flexible travel purposes: The eTA is intended for those traveling to Canada for tourism, business visits, or transiting through a Canadian airport. It is not suitable for long-term stays such as work or study.

Conclusion

A Canada eTA is a convenient travel authorization that simplifies and expedites the process of entering Canada for eligible travelers. It’s ideal for short, frequent visits and is valid for up to five years, allowing multiple entries. As a traveler, understanding the eTA’s validity and its implications is crucial for hassle-free travel planning and maintaining compliance with Canadian immigration policies.