Updated: Jan 09, 2024
Travelling to Canada as a family can be an exciting experience, but it comes with its own set of logistics, especially regarding entry requirements. One such requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals is the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Understanding whether there is a specific eTA for families and how it works is crucial for a smooth travel experience. This article will delve into the details of the eTA system, focusing on its application for families traveling to Canada.
The eTA is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. It's an electronic system that screens travellers before they arrive in Canada. The process is relatively straightforward and is done entirely online. The eTA is linked electronically to the traveller's passport and is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Unfortunately, there is not an eTA that is designated for families. Unlike some travel authorizations and visas, the Canadian eTA is issued on an individual basis. Each family member, regardless of age, must have their own eTA if they are from a visa-exempt country. This includes infants and children who have their own passport. The process for applying for an eTA is the same for every individual, though the application form is straightforward enough to fill out multiple times for each family member.
The eTA application is completed online through the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The application requires basic personal information, passport details, and answers to some background questions. The process can be completed relatively quickly, often within a few minutes, and the approval is usually granted within a few hours to a few days.
For each family member, you will need to answer the application form questions such as their full name, date of birth, place of birth, gender, marital status, address, employment information, and passport details. It's important to have all the passports and relevant information on hand before starting the application process.
There is a small fee for each eTA application, which must be paid online. After submission, you can check the status of the application through the IRCC website. In most cases, the eTA approval is sent via email.
Timing is perhaps the most important aspect of filling out eTA applications for your family. You should submit all eTA applications of your family members on the same day so they will be processed at the same time. It may be a good idea to enlist the help of your spouse or older children to split up the workload and complete applications on a separate computer or mobile device at the same time.
Before you leave for your trip, double-check that all applications have been authorized. In the midst of a family trip, it can be easy to forget details such as travel authorizations, but finding out at the border that some applications were accepted while others were not is a sure way to ruin travel plans. It is a good idea to make a list of family member’s names and check them off as you receive notification that each eTA was authorized. Make sure you apply in advance so you will have time to deal with issues, should they arise.
Before applying for the eTA, ensure that each family member’s passport is valid for at least six months beyond the planned date of arrival in Canada. This is a standard requirement for international travel.
When applying for multiple family members, it's important to keep track of each application. Record the unique application number provided for each eTA application, as this is needed to check the status or update information.
The eTA is valid for five years or until the passport expires. If your children’s passports have a shorter validity period (which is often the case), their eTA will expire along with their passport. Plan accordingly, especially if you travel frequently.
Although the eTA is usually processed quickly, it's recommended to apply at least a few weeks before your travel date. This allows time to resolve any issues that might arise during the application process.
Once each family member has their eTA, ensure that the details on the eTA match the information in their passports. The eTA is electronically linked to the passport, so it's not necessary to print anything to show at the airport. However, having a record of the eTA approval can be helpful in case there are any questions during your travel.
If there are any issues with obtaining an eTA for a family member, contact the IRCC immediately. Provide them with the application number and any relevant details to resolve the issue. In rare cases, additional documentation may be required.
While there is no specific eTA for families, the process of applying for an individual eTA for each family member is straightforward and efficient. By understanding the requirements, preparing the necessary information, and applying in a timely manner, families can ensure a smooth start to their Canadian adventure. Traveling to Canada with the proper authorizations in place, including an eTA for each family member, paves the way for a hassle-free and enjoyable experience exploring the vast and diverse landscape of Canada.
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