Canada eTA Application Tips for Irish citizens

Recognized as the “Maple Leaf Country,” Canada boasts breathtaking landscapes that are worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime. Nowadays, traveling to Canada has become increasingly popular, and thanks to technological advancements, travelers have more convenient visa options than ever before.

In 2012, the Canadian government introduced a new travel authorization program known as the Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). This innovation marked a major step forward in simplifying travel procedures, allowing those who wish to apply easily and visit this beautiful country

If you are an Irish citizen interested in obtaining a Canada eTA, this article is for you. It provides key information about the Canada eTA requirements for Irish citizens and explains how to apply successfully

Canada eTA for Irish citizens

1. Check Canada eTA (eVisa) Requirements for Irish Citizens

What is a Canada eTA visa?

Canada eTA(Electronic Travel Authorization) allows citizens of eligible countries, including Ireland, to travel to Canada by air without obtaining a traditional visa. The entire application process is completed online, allowing you to apply conveniently from home without submitting any physical documents. The introduction of this system helps the Canadian government efficiently manage the growing number of travel applications and reduce congestion at customs and immigration checkpoints. Additionally, the eTA system enhances border security by pre-screening travelers before they arrive in Canada

However, not all nationalities are eligible for a Canada eTA, so travelers should always check the latest visa requirements before applying

Check Canada ETA rules in 2025

It is important to remember that a Canada eTA is suitable only for citizens of visa-exempt countries. In addition, in order to submit a valid application in 2025, you must understand the regulations for the Canada tourist visa:

• Once approved, your eTA is electronically linked to your passport. If you renew or replace your passport, you must apply for a new eTA
• A valid eTA allows multiple entries to Canada during its validity period. That means you can revisit Canada without applying for other visas.
• Each eTA is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first
• The permitted staying time is a maximum of six months per visit. You can stay for travel, relative visit, leisure activities, transit, or medical treatment.
• The eTA is valid for air travel only
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply independently

Besides, if you are a citizen of the US with a US green card, you are eligible to apply. On the other hand, if your case does not match the eTA visa rules, you can apply for a regular visa at the Canadian Embassy. If you are not eligible for an eTA, you can apply for a regular visa at the nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate

Does an Irish citizen need a visa for Canada?

No, Irish citizens do not require a visa for Canada. However, foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries—including Irish citizens—must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before flying to or transiting through Canada.
Applying for an eTA is a straightforward and affordable online process. To apply, passengers must have a valid passport, a credit card, and an e-mail account. An eTA is electronically connected to a passenger's passport and, if granted, is valid for five years, or until the passport expires.

Can I book a flight to Canada while my Irish passport is being renewed?

Yes, you can book a flight to Canada while your Irish passport is being renewed, but it’s generally safer to wait until your new passport arrives.

Here’s what you should keep in mind:

Airline booking:

• With most airlines, you can book your ticket without having to enter your passport number right away.
• However, you must present a valid passport at check-in, and the name on your ticket must match the name on your new passport.

Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization):

• You cannot apply for a Canadian eTA until you receive your new passport, as the eTA is electronically linked to your passport number.
• If you applied with an existing passport, the eTA will be invalid when the existing passport expires.

Timing and risk:

• Passport renewal for Irish citizens can take a few weeks, depending on processing times.
• Delays in issuing new passports may require you to change or cancel your flight, which may result in additional costs.

Requirements of Canada eTA for Irish citizens

2. How to get a Canada eTA online for Irish citizens

Check Canada eTA application requirements from Ireland

• You need to have an Irish passport valid for at least six months from the intended date of your travel plan.
• A color photograph of the applicant.
• The current email address.
• A valid debit or credit card for payment

• You should keep the necessary such as a passport or US green card with you when checking in at the international airport. Your entry can be denied if you forget to bring them to the airline staff to check your eligibility.

How to apply for a Canada eTA visa online from Ireland

Kindly provide step-by-step instructions on applying for a Canada eTA online from Ireland. You have to complete the online form first. Click on the “Apply Visa” button to access the form: 

Step 1: Complete the form online. You have to fill in information such as personal data, passport information, and your travel itinerary. Confirm all information is accurate and full before proceeding to the next step

Step 2: Kindly make a payment for your services. Then, we will request additional information to finish the process.

Step 3: You will receive a confirmation email, as well as information about the processing time for your visa. Please note that this processing time depends on your choice.

After processing is complete, you will receive a Canada eTA via the email you provided. Check your email inbox carefully.

Step 4: Keep a hard copy of your Canada visitor visa and bring it with you to the international airport. Immigration officers may add an entry stamp to your passport upon arrival.

How long before travelling to Canada should I apply for eTA?

It’s best to apply for your Canada eTA at least several days before your trip — ideally one week or more in advance of your departure date.

In most cases, eTA approvals are issued within minutes, but sometimes your application may require additional documents or manual review by Canadian immigration officers. This process can take several days or even a few weeks depending on your case.

Can I leave Canada and come back as a visitor?

Yes. If you have a valid eTA, you may leave Canada and return as a visitor, provided your eTA and passport remain valid.
The Canadian eTA is usually valid for up to five years or up to the date on which your passport expires first. You can enter Canada multiple times during this period. This means you can leave the country and re-enter as many times as you wish without re-applying. However, the following conditions must be met.

• The eTA applies only to air travel, so you can enter by air.
• Each stay cannot exceed the maximum period allowed (typically a maximum of 6 months).
• You must continue to meet visit eligibility requirements, such as having sufficient funds and planning to leave Canada at the end of your visit

If you travel to another country (like the U.S.) and then fly back to Canada, you can use the same eTA as long as it’s still active.

Apply for a Canada eTA from Ireland

3. Canada eTA visa fees for Irish citizens

There are 2 kind of Canada visa fees you have to pay: the Canada Government fee and the visa service fee.

The service fee covers the four steps, from when you complete the application form until you receive an eTA visa via email, and finally receive a stamp inside your passport. The visa service fee depends on the type of visa you choose. Get an option you prefer below:

• Normal: Your eTA visa is processed within 03 business days.
• Urgent: Your eTA is processed within 48 business hours.
• Super urgent: Your eTA is processed within 24 business hours.

For greater security when paying, you can transfer money or use digital payments. Select a payment option from the list, which includes bank transfers, Paypal, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

We highly recommend you add Travel Insurance to your trip plan. With coverage up to 50,000 USD, travel insurance protects you from unexpected events such as accidents, illness, trip delays, pandemics, or lost baggage. Take benefits and treatment into account at Canada travel insurance

We hope you have an advantageous application and enjoy a holiday in Canada. Contact us if you have any questions about the Canada eTA (eVisa) for Irish citizens.