Canada eTA / (eVisa) requirements 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 love Canada to apply easily and enjoy this beautiful destination.

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 for the residents of exempted Canada visa countries only. In addition, in order to submit a valid application in 2025, you must comprehend 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 06 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. To enter Canada, all visitors must have a valid passport for the duration of their stay.
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:

• In 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 or before departure.
• Make sure the name on your ticket matches the name that will appear 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 th applicant.
• The current email address.
• Transaction cards (debit or credit card).

• 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 approach 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 passing to the second 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. A stamp will be placed on your passport.

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

It’s best to apply for your Canada eTA at least a few 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 (Electronic Travel Authorization), you can leave Canada and then visit again. However, eTA and passport must be 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 entire 04 processing 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 the benefit is up to 50,000 dollars, you will get protective feelings and perfect experiences when traveling overseas. The insurance protects you from unexpected situations such as accidents, sickness, pandemics, trip delays, and loss of 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.

Canada Visa Requirements for Ireland Citizens FAQs

Do Irish citizens need a visa for Canada?

No. Until March 15th, 2016, Irish nationals could easily travel to Canada without a visa. However, most nations now require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before arrival. Fortunately, the Canada eTA allows for multiple entries into Canada, is valid for five years after it is granted or until the passport expires, and can be paid online.

Irish people must have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the commencement of their journey. You'll also need a credit card to get your eTA from the Canadian Immigration Services website, and in some cases, extra documents may be necessary.

If Irish citizens fill out their form correctly, they should obtain their eTA within 72 hours. However, it might be quicker if you use the Rush visa service. We can also review and process your application in as short as 5 hours. Why not streamline one component of your vacation?

 

How long can an Irish citizen visit Canada?

Irish citizens need an approved eTA to stay in Canada without a visa. Travelers from Ireland can stay in Canada for business or vacation for up to 180 days on each trip.

The exact length of time allowed by Canada's eTA may vary, but most Irish applicants are permitted to remain in Canada for up to six months. Visitors from Ireland can make multiple short trips to Canada using the same eTA. This is because the permit allows multiple entries for five years or until the passport expires.

Irish passport holders wishing to stay for more than six months must apply for the relevant Canadian visa. We recommend that Irish citizens apply for the eTA at least 72 hours (3 days) before their trip so that it may be processed and ready. However, Irish passport holders who require an emergency eTA to fly to Canada should choose the urgent processing option, which enables them to get an eTA in 05 hours.

 

Can I get an eTA at the Toronto airport?

No, you cannot get an eTA at the Toronto airport. The Canada eTA is an electronic authorization that allows you to travel to Canada by air. You can apply for an eTA online, and the processing time is usually within 72 hours.

If you do not have an eTA when you arrive at the Toronto airport, you will not be allowed to board your flight. You will need to apply for an eTA online before you travel.

Here are the steps on how to apply for an eTA:

• Step 1: Fill out the online application form with your information and travel details. After you've double-checked your information, pay the visa costs with a credit/debit card or PayPal. Following payment confirmation, we will send you an email to assist you with the remainder of the application process.

• Step 2: Complete the rest of the visa application following the instructions we'll email you. Make sure all of the data is correct to avoid problems later on. The information you enter must correspond to the information in your supporting documents.

• Step 3: Submit all necessary supporting papers by sending them to our email. Check that the scans are readable. We will thoroughly analyze your application to ensure that it conforms with Canadian authorities' regulations and minimize the likelihood of rejection. When you receive your Canada eTA, remember to print it out before your departure.

 

Can I fly to Canada without an eTA?

No, if you are a citizen of a visa-exempt nation, you cannot fly to Canada without an eTA. Canada's Electronic travel authorization (eTA) permits citizens of visa-exempt nations to fly to Canada. You may apply for an eTA online, and it is normally processed within 72 hours.

You will not be allowed to board your aircraft to Canada if you are a citizen of a visa-exempt nation and do not have an eTA. Before you go, you must apply for an eTA online.

The eTA requirement has a few exceptions. Citizens of the United States, Mexico, and several Caribbean nations are exempt from requiring an eTA to visit Canada. If you are unsure if you require an eTA, you can consult the Canadian government's website.

If you are not sure if you need an eTA, you can check the Canada ETA requirements.

 

Do Irish citizens need an eTA for Canada?

Yes, if you have an Irish passport and are going to Canada, you must register for the eTA. You'll need the Canada eTA to cross border check whether you're sightseeing, visiting relatives (there are more than 4.6 million Canadians of Irish heritage), or traveling on a work trip to the hubs of Toronto, Calgary, or Vancouver.

Once you have obtained the Canada eTA for Irish nationals, you will be able to go to Canada as many times as you like for the following five years (or until the registered passport expires if this is shorter than five years).

How to get the eTA for Canada from Ireland

The process of applying for a Canadian eTA ETA from Ireland is quick and simple. You can complete and submit the simple Canada eTA application online from the comfort of your home. This eliminates the need to prepare complicated documentation, visit a Canadian diplomatic office, and submit your visa application in person.

Make sure you have all the documents required for the Canada eTA, and be prepared to register your passport details if you are issued by the Republic of Ireland or another visa-exempt country. Be sure to use the same passport when flying to Canada, as eTA will only be registered on this document.

 

How much money can I make coming into Canada?

There are no limitations or penalties on the amount of money you can bring into or take out of Canada.

However, whenever you enter the border, you must disclose any money or monetary instruments worth CAN$ 10,000 or more in your possession. The CAN$ 10,000 can be made up of any mix of Canadian or international money and monetary instruments, including stocks, bonds, bank drafts, checks, and traveler's cheques. This duty applies to you whether you are traveling for work or pleasure or whether you are transporting money on someone else's behalf.

When you arrive in Canada with CAN$10,000 or more in currency or monetary instruments, you must report it on Form E311, the CBSA Declaration Card (if one was provided to you), an Automated Border Clearance kiosk or a Primary Inspection Kiosk, or verbally to a border services officer.

When departing Canada by flight with CAN$ 10,000 or more in money or monetary instruments, you must report to the CBSA office within the airport before passing security. You must also report to the CBSA office closest to your location before departing Canada by land, sea, or rail.

If you are a NEXUS member and are crossing the border with CAN$ 10,000 or more in money or monetary instruments, you cannot use NEXUS in land, air, or sea modes of transportation.