eTA Canada: How long is it valid and how long to get it?

The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is required to travel to Canada by air. Easy to obtain online, it often raises two questions: how long is the Canadian eTA valid for and how long does it take to obtain it? This guide explains how long before your departure you should apply, the official validity period and the processing times to expect so that you can prepare for your trip with peace of mind.

📌 Canada eTA: validity and processing time at a glance

• ✈️ Required application: Since 2016, all visa-exempt travellers must obtain an eTA before flying to Canada.
• ⏳ Processing time: Most applications are approved within a few minutes, but some may take up to 72 hours.
• 📅 How long in advance? Apply a few days to a few weeks before departure to avoid any unexpected delays.
• 🛂 Validity period: The eTA is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires.
• 🔁 Multiple trips: A valid eTA allows multiple stays in Canada throughout its duration.
• ♻️ Renewal: If your eTA expires or you get a new passport, you must apply for a new one.

⏳ How long does it take to obtain a Canada eTA?

A Canada eTA is usually approved within a few minutes, but the official processing time can be up to 72 hours. In some cases, additional checks may extend the processing time to several days.

In most cases, the Canada eTA is approved very quickly. However, it is always advisable to plan ahead, as some applications may require additional processing time.

👉 To avoid any delays, it is recommended that you apply at least several days to a few weeks before departure.

Key steps in the online application process

• Go to the official website or a private provider offering assistance.
• Fill in the Canadian eTA form with your personal details and passport information.
• Valid passport: it must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.
• Address in Canada: indicate the address of your accommodation (hotel, family, etc.).

Once your application has been submitted, you will usually receive a quick response by email confirming that your eTA has been approved.

⚠️ Why can the processing time for a Canadian eTA vary?

Several factors can have a direct impact on the processing time for a Canadian eTA. Knowing these factors in advance will help you plan ahead and avoid unpleasant surprises when preparing for your trip.

• Seasonal demand: During periods of high demand, particularly in summer and during school holidays, the number of eTA applications increases significantly. The authorities may then take longer to process each application. To limit this risk, it is advisable to apply at least two to three weeks before departure, even though most authorizations are approved within a few minutes.
• Accuracy of the information provided: a simple error in the form (passport number, date of birth, email address) can block the process and delay approval. It is essential to carefully review all information before submitting your Canada eTA application to avoid rejection or a request for correction.
• Additional checks: In some cases, Canadian authorities may conduct additional checks to confirm the applicant's identity or travel history. These checks, although quick, may extend the maximum processing time for an eTA by a few days.

👉 In summary, even though the majority of travellers receive their authorization almost instantly, it is always best to allow for a safety margin by submitting your application as soon as your travel dates are confirmed. This will ensure that you receive your Canada eTA in time to travel with peace of mind.

📅 Validity period of the Canada eTA: How long is it valid for?

An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for Canada is generally valid for ⏳ 5 years from the date of issue, unless your passport expires before that date. In this case, the validity of the eTA automatically expires with that of the passport.

During this period, the eTA authorizes you to make 🔁 multiple trips to Canada, with the possibility of entering and leaving the country without a new application. However, each stay cannot exceed 6 consecutive months, and you must comply with the conditions set by the Canadian authorities.

Your eTA remains valid as long as the information on your 🛂 passport has not changed. If you renew your passport, you will also need to reapply for an eTA.

Before each departure, it is important to 📌 check the expiry date of your authorization. If it expires during your trip, this may cause difficulties upon arrival or when leaving the country. To travel without any worries, it is best to apply for ✅ an online renewal before the expiry date if you are planning a future trip.

🛂 Does my eTA remain valid if I change my passport?

Many travellers wonder if their Canada eTA remains valid if they change their passport. The answer is simple: an eTA is always linked to the passport number used when applying. This means that even if your eTA is still valid administratively, it becomes unusable if you travel with a new passport.

Let's take a concrete example: you obtain an eTA in 2024 with a passport valid until 2028. In theory, your eTA could be used until 2029, as it has a maximum validity period of five years. However, if you need to renew your passport in 2026 (due to expiry, loss, theft, change of name, etc.), the eTA linked to the old document will no longer be recognised. You must submit a new application online with your new passport, even if the old eTA has not yet expired.

👉 In practice, whenever you change your passport, plan to reapply for a Canada eTA. The procedure remains the same: online form, payment and approval, which is usually quick.

📌 Tip: Before booking your plane tickets, check the validity of your passport. If it is about to expire, it is often better to renew it before applying for a new eTA to avoid having to go through the process twice.

How to check the validity of your Canadian eTA

There are two ways to check the validity of your Canada eTA:

How do I check if my Canada eTA is still valid?

The easiest way to check the validity of your eTA is to use the eTA status check tool on the Government of Canada website. To do this, you will need:

• Your passport number
• The country where your passport was issued
• The date your passport was issued
• The expiry date of your passport

Once you have entered this information, click on the ‘Check status’ button. The website will tell you whether your eTA is valid, has expired or is being processed.

Check your Canada eTA using the confirmation email

When you submit a Canada eTA application, you will always receive a confirmation email at the email address you provided on the form. This message contains essential information about your authorization: assigned eTA number and, most importantly, expiration date.

To quickly check the validity of your eTA, simply look for this email in your inbox (and in your junk mail folder if necessary). By checking this information, you will immediately know if your eTA is still valid for your next trip.

👉 If you cannot find this message or if you applied via a service provider, you will need to contact them directly for confirmation. Always keep a copy of your confirmation email: it is official proof that your eTA has been issued and allows you to check its validity at any time.

How do I renew my eTA to extend its validity?

Renewing your Canada eTA is essential to ensure uninterrupted travel. It is advisable ⏳ to start the application process before your authorization expires, even if it is valid for 5 years. By not waiting until the last minute, you can obtain your new eTA in time and avoid any problems when travelling.

The process is similar to the first application: you must complete an online form with your personal information and updated passport details. If you change your passport during the validity period, you must renew your eTA so that it matches the information on your new document.

Remember to keep 📌 the number and expiry date of your eTA, as this information may be useful for tracking and renewal purposes. If you get a new passport, be sure to update your eTA immediately so that your travel documents remain consistent.