Canada eTA requirements for Australian citizens in 2024

The answer is yes. To enter Canada, you will need a valid Canada visa unless you are a Canadian citizen. No matter their age, all other passport holders need to apply for a visa when entering Canada. Because Australia is not on the list of Canada among its visa-free nations, Australians have to obtain a visa to travel to Canada. Nowadays, applying for a Canada visa is more straightforward than the traditional way. If you are an Australian citizen, we strongly suggest you apply for a Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). 

It is essential to know that Australia is on the Canadian eTA visa eligibility list, so Australian citizens can apply for a Canada visa through Canada Immigration Services. This eTA is granted to Australians traveling there briefly for business or leisure. With a computer, tablet, or any device with an Internet connection, travelers can make an online registration for an ETA. Furthermore, applying for a Canada eTA visa saves travelers both time and money. The normal processing time for Canada eTA applications is 03 business days. Nevertheless, we highly recommend you apply for a Canada visa at least 07 days before boarding a flight to avoid unforeseen circumstances.

Passengers transiting Canada will need an eTA or a visa, regardless of the length of time in Canada. Travelers whose planes refuel in Canada going to and from the United States, and participants in the China Transit Program and Transit Without Visa Program, do not need to have an eTA or a visa to transit Canada.

As an Australian citizen, you need an eTA to transit through Canada by air. In case you enter Canada by land or sea, for instance, driving from the U.S. or coming by bus, train, or boat, including cruise ship, you do not need to obtain an eTA.

The Canada Immigration Services has made it easier for Australian travelers to get an eTA by simplifying the visa application process. Applying for a Canada ETA online is much more convenient and time-saving than going to the Embassy to apply for a regular visa. They can obtain a visa and board a plane with only a little bit of time and effort.

Tourists in general and Australians in particular come to Canada for many different reasons. Canada is home to vibrant and culturally rich cities, along with stunning landscapes and exciting attractions to explore. Without the pressure of only a short stay, those with an approved eTA are allowed to stay for up to six months for each visit, giving them plenty of time to travel, do business, or visit friends and family. One thing travelers should note about the Canada ETA is that after 05 years from the issued date, the ETA will automatically expire. Thanks to such a long validity, Australian citizens do not need to spend time re-applying for a visa every year.

In order for a Canadian visa to be accepted, you need to comply with some specific requirements and conditions below:

• Once approved, your eTA is electronically linked to your passport for a citizenship check for eligibility. If you change to a new passport, you must apply for a new eTA.
• You have a national passport or US green card to demonstrate that you are eligible for a Canada eTA visa. Before traveling to Canada, a traveler needs to ensure that the validity of their passport is at least 06 months from the expected entry date. 
• Travelers with this multiple-entry eTA visa are permitted to stay in Canada for a total of 180 days per visit.
• The eTA is applied to the air routes. 

According to the above requirements, if your condition does not match the conditions of eTA Canada, you can contact Canada Immigration Services for assistance. Please be aware that after it has been approved, your visa will be sent to you by email.

No. The Canada eTA functions as a visitor visa; hence its holders need also to queue in lines at the airport to get their visa stamped on their passports. When you arrive at the border, the Immigration officer will ask to see your passport or travel documents and ask you a few questions. The officer will then decide whether you can enter the country or not.

In Canada, the processing time for an ETA is limited to 72 hours. However, applications can be processed and approved in as little as 05 hours. Please keep in mind that the Canadian government has complete authority over whether or not your ETA request is approved. As a result, processing time may occasionally be slightly extended.

Canada eTA fees from Australia include 02 types of fees: the Government fee and service fees.

The Government fee is paid to The Canadian Government to solve eTA and no refund. The service fee is paid to Canada Immigration Services which depends on the types of services you get. We have 03 options available:

• Normal: For those who would like to get e-Visa/eTA within 3 business days.
• Urgent: For those who would like to get e-Visa/eTA within 24 hours.
• Super Urgent: For those who would like to get e-Visa/eTA within 5 business hours.

The answer is No. Australian citizens use the Canada ETA with the aim of joining in some activities in Canada, such as:

• Taking part in a conference, trade fair, or seminar.
• Making general business or employment inquiries.
• Investigating, signing, or reviewing a business contract.
• Visiting family and friends in Canada.

However, travelers aren't allowed to engage in the following activities :

• Working for or providing services to a person, business, or organization.
• Selling goods or services to the public.

For a long-term trip, we highly recommend adding Travel Insurance to your plan. Insurance protects you against pandemic, accident or disease risks. In a foreign country, sometimes unexpected situations will happen to you, threatening the safety of you and your family. You can take into account Travel Insurance here.

Finally, we hope you get a visa successfully and enjoy your trip. If you have any questions about how to apply for a Canada eTA visa or any of our services, please contact us for help.