Requirements for an eTA Canada
The eTA Canada requirements are rules and conditions that applicants must follow in order to apply for electronic travel authorization to Canada.
Foremost, travelers must be eligible - they have to be citizens of a country that has a Visa Waiver Agreement with Canada.
It is also mandatory to hold the required documents - a valid passport and, if a person comes from Thailand or any other country that has recently become eligible, a current US non-immigrant visa or a Canadian visa issued within the last 10 years.
Since the application for eTA Canada takes place online, an applicant must have a device with internet, an active email address, and means to cover fees online.
Review all the Canadian eTA requirements to prepare for an uncomplicated application procedure.
Apply for eTA Canada Online
Proper documentation
Travelers from all countries participating in Canada Visa Waiver Program must have an international passport that remains effective for a minimum of 6 months from travel to Canada.
Not only a valid passport but also an additional document is required for new members of the program:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Costa Rica
- Morocco
- Panama
- Phillippines
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Seychelles
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Thailand
- Uruguay
Therefore, Thai nationals and citizens of the other 12 countries must prepare one of these documents:
- a valid US non-immigrant visa
- a visa to Canada issued in the previous 10 years
Digital copies of the documents must be made either by taking photos or using a scanner. You may take photos with your smartphone or web camera, provided the final pictures are of good quality.
Additional requirements
Thai applicants for a Canadian eTA must also meet the following requirements:
- an applicant must have a device with internet access
- the internet connection should be stable so that the application can be completed without issues
- an applicant must have sufficient financial means and the ability to pay online (a debit/credit card, PayPal, etc.)
- an applicant must have an email account
Requirements on arrival
Immigration officers may request some documents when you arrive in Canada. Prepare your valid passport and an approved eTA Canada.
Keep in mind that the Canadian eTA is electronically connected to the passport used during the application process. If the passport data expires, a new electronic travel authorization to Canada will be required.
Moreover, it is better to keep a paper copy of your eTA Canada - it may be advantageous in case of technical issues.
The time necessary for an eTA Canada to be approved
While the application procedure takes only a few minutes, eTA Canada processing time may differ - depending on the situation, it may take from a few minutes to several days.
The final decision is made by Canadian authorities, so delays happen when the application is submitted during national or bank holidays or if the official website is not working properly.
Another important factor influencing the processing time is the correctness of information. Thoroughly check your application for mistakes and incompleteness to avoid delays.
Travelers must fill out an application form for a visa, attach the required documents and pay the fee.