They’re the one thing than can undo even the most experienced travellers and their well-laid plans causing chaos and disrupting itineraries like no tomorrow.
Yes, we’ve all made that mistake of not checking the visa requirements of a country well enough in advance and for a few of us unlucky ones have even had it cause some serious entry problems!
And most often this happens not in the countries we expect to have to get a visa for, but with those we don’t!
From Australia to Canada, there’s many surprising visa requirements you may not be aware of, so read on to learn everything you need to know about the ETA for Canada.
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What Is the ETA for Canada?
An Electronic Travel Authority, better known as ETA, is a requirement for entrance into Canada.
Foreign nationals who are considered visa-exempt will need to acquire an ETA when attempting to enter the country of Canada.
If they do not have this document, they’re not going to be allowed into the country.
Remember that this document will be linked to your passport electronically.
The good news is that obtaining this document will be much easier than you could ever imagine.
With this handy guide, you’re going to learn EVERYTHING you need to know about this document and obtaining it on your own.
Get the Lonely Planet Guide to Canada HERE!
Do You Need an ETA Canada?
If you intend to travel to the country of Canada at some point in the near future, there is a pretty good chance that you’re going to need an ETA.
Just remember that this will not be a requirement for everyone.
However, it will be a necessity for many.
Visa-exempt foreign nationals will still need to acquire an eTA Canada document.
Otherwise, they’re not going to be granted entry into the country of Canada.
Just remember that your transportation method can make a difference.
If you’re travelling via a car, bus, boat or train, you won’t need an ETA.
It is only a requirement for tourists arriving in the country via plane.
Who is Exempt from the ETA Canada?
You should also know that some tourists are actually exempt from this requirement, meaning they’ll be able to enter the country without the ETA.
In many cases, residents of the United States will not need an ETA.
However, they will need to obtain and carry the right identification. For instance, you’ll probably need a valid United States passport.
If you’re a resident of another country, you may need to visit www.eta-canada.com to get the document that you need. Just make sure that you actually need it in advance.
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How To Apply for ETA Canada?
The good news is that it’s quick and easy to acquire an ETA.
In fact, you’ll be able to obtain the document that you need without leaving the comfort of your own home!
You just need to fill out the appropriate form online via the official Government of Canada website.
Once you’ve done that, you should be able to acquire your ETA within a matter of minutes.
The document will be delivered via your email.
Ensuring Approval
That said, there are a number of things that can go wrong when attempting to get your ETA.
If you make a mistake on your application, there is a pretty good chance that you’re going to experience problems and delays.
This is something that you’ll want to avoid at all costs.
First and foremost, you should make sure that you’re honest on your application.
Be sure to provide the most relevant and up to date information possible.
Finally, be sure that you check the application thoroughly once you’ve finished.
This can help you avoid submitting wrong information and getting your approval delayed.
How Long Will It Take?
There is no doubt that you want to reach Canada as quickly as possible.
Nevertheless, you should never rush the process.
If you do, there is a possibility that things are going to go awry.
You need to make sure that you have everything together before you go.
The ETA is most likely going to be a necessity for you.
If this is the case, you’ll want to know how long it is going to take you to get it.
Completing the application online will normally take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes.
After that, you’ll need to wait a few minutes.
It shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes after your approval to get the ETA.
The ETA Canada Cost
Many people believe that they’re going to be required to spend excessively to acquire an ETA.
This couldn’t be further from the truth.
In fact, the price of an ETA is going to be much less expensive than you could ever imagine.
You can get this document online for basically nothing.
You will be required to pay a small fee, but it won’t break the bank.
When To Apply?
Again, you’re definitely going to be eager to get to Canada.
Therefore, you’ll want to make sure that everything is sorted out ahead of time.
One thing you need to do is acquire the right documents, including your ETA.
With this in mind, you should most definitely apply for the document as early as possible.
After all, you never know what could go wrong.
There is a chance that the application could be delayed.
In return, that could cause your trip to be delayed, so much better to be safe and sorry!
What To Do in Canada After You Arrive?
And now that you have your ETA in hand, you’re able to experience one of the world’s most alluring destinations!
Canada is a massive country and home to the famous cities of Vancouver, Ontario, Toronto and Quebec.
However it’s not all just about urban areas, for Canada’s vast landscapes are utterly sublime too.
In fact, for me, that’s the real reason to visit this country.
One of the most overlooked parts of this vast nation is Alberta, a province that includes Banff National Park and the city of Calgary.
But outside of these 2 hotspots, travellers rarely visit much of Alberta.. and they’re missing out.
Learn why you shouldn’t in this great list of the 10 most amazing things to do in Alberta.
When to Visit Canada?
Canada is also a country of timing!
With extreme weathers, across summer and winter, ensuring you travel at the best time here – meaning you can enjoy what you want to do, is essential.
Check the weather in Canada here to learn more.
In winter, freezing temperatures make travel almost impossible in large parts of this country, but stinking hot summers can also be restrictive.
As such, late spring and early autumn tend to be the best times to visit Canada – especially to see all the colours of the leaves changing – but these are also the peak tourist months with the largest numbers of crowds and highest prices.
As such, you’ll need to balance what your priorities and plan are with what the weather is like in Canada to ensure you time your visit well.
Travel Insurance for Canada
World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.
I hope this article has been helpful in planning your trip to Canada.
Now all you have to do is get on with having a great holiday!
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