Who already have a visa in their passport. Travelers may wish to avoid buying plane tickets until they have obtained an ESTA (or a valid visa, in case the ESTA is not approved). ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel. The processing of an ESTA can take up to 72 hours.
How long it takes to get an eTA. It's best to get an eTA before you book your flight to Canada. Most applicants get their eTA approval (via email) within minutes. However, some requests can take several days to process if you're asked to submit supporting documents.
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. An eTA is electronically linked to a traveller's passport. It is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Before you arrive in Canada, you may be asked to complete a Customs Declaration Card. Complete this card before meeting with customs and immigration officials, even if you aren't a Canadian citizen. If you're traveling by air, it's a good idea to complete the card before you leave the airplane.
If you don't have one, you won't be able to board your flight.
In addition to your passport, you may need a travel authorization such as a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. Consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's website to learn which authorization you need: Find out if you need a visa to travel to Canada.
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. An eTA is electronically linked to a traveller's passport. It is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens.
U.S. citizens are exempt from the eTA requirement and must carry proper identification such as a valid U.S. passport. Lawful permanent residents of the United States who hold valid status in the U.S. are exempt from the eTA requirement.