eTA or Visitor Visa: How to Know What You Need to Travel to Canada

Travel smart. Plan ahead. Understand Canada’s entry rules before you book your flight...

Every year, millions of travelers set their sights on Canada — a country known for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and welcoming people. Whether you’re visiting family, exploring as a tourist, or attending business meetings, there’s one crucial step that many overlook: making sure you have the right authorization to enter the country. 

For many travelers, this means choosing between an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) and a Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa or Temporary Resident Visa – TRV). Both allow short-term entry, but they apply to different nationalities and have very different processes. 

With Canada introducing new digital controls and stricter travel screening measures, understanding which one you need in 2026 is essential. Submitting the wrong application or assuming you’re exempt can lead to cancelled trips or even being denied boarding at the airport. 

This guide explains, in simple terms, who needs an eTA, who needs a visa, how to apply, and the key differences between the two. 

What Is an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)? 

An eTA is a digital entry authorization linked to your passport. It’s required for citizens of visa-exempt countries who are flying to Canada. 

It’s not a visa, but rather a pre-screening system that allows IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) to verify basic eligibility before travelers arrive. 

Main facts: 

• Application: online, directly on the official IRCC website. 

• Cost: 7 CAD (non-refundable). 

• Approval time: usually within minutes or hours. 

• Validity: up to 5 years or until your passport expires. 

• Linked electronically: no need for stamps or documents. 

It’s ideal for: 

• Tourists visiting family or friends. 

• Short business trips or conferences. 

• Transit through Canadian airports on international flights. 

However: 
An eTA does not allow you to work or study in Canada. It also does not guarantee entry — the final decision is made by a border officer upon arrival. 

What Is a Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa or TRV)? 

A Visitor Visa (TRV) is a physical visa sticker placed in your passport. It’s required for travelers from countries that are not visa-exempt, meaning they must undergo additional background and eligibility checks before being allowed to enter. 

Main facts: 

• Application: online or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). 

• Cost: 100 CAD per person. 

• Processing time: typically 3 to 10 weeks, depending on country and volume. 

• Entry type: single or multiple (most are multiple-entry). 

• Duration of stay: up to 6 months per visit. 

Unlike an eTA, a TRV requires you to submit supporting documents — including proof of employment, bank statements, travel history, and sometimes an invitation letter. 

The TRV is necessary for all modes of travel — whether you arrive by air, land, or sea. 

eTA vs. Visitor Visa: The Main Differences 

In short: 

• If your passport is from a visa-exempt country, you’ll likely need an eTA. 

• If your passport requires a visa for Canada, you must apply for a TRV — even if you only plan a short visit. 

How to Know Which One You Need 

The easiest way to check is by using IRCC’s official tool: 
“Find out if you need a visa to travel to Canada.” 

Simply enter your country of citizenship, travel purpose, and mode of entry (air, land, or sea). 

But there are special situations worth understanding: 

• If you have a valid U.S. visa 
  Citizens from certain countries (like Mexico) may be eligible for an eTA instead of a visa if they hold a valid U.S. visa or have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years. 
  This rule, updated in 2023, simplifies travel for frequent North American visitors. 

• If you have dual nationality 
  You must use the passport you intend to travel with. 
  Example: If you’re a dual citizen of Spain and Venezuela, and you buy your ticket with your Spanish passport, you’ll need an eTA — not a TRV. 

• If you’re a U.S. Permanent Resident 
  You can travel with an eTA, as long as you present both your passport and your valid Green Card at check-in and upon arrival. 

• If entering by land or sea 
  The eTA applies only to air travel. If you enter through the U.S. border or on a cruise, you’ll need a Visitor Visa instead. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

Even experienced travelers make mistakes that can result in refusals, delays, or unnecessary complications. 
Here are some of the most frequent — and important — ones to watch for: 

• Booking flights before applying for the eTA or visa. 
  → Always wait until your authorization is approved before confirming travel plans. 

• Using unofficial websites. 
  → Only the IRCC website (ending in .gc.ca) is legitimate. Other sites often overcharge or collect sensitive personal data. 

• Assuming that an eTA or visa allows you to work or study. 
  → Both are strictly for temporary visits; different permits are required for work or studies. 

• Omitting previous visa refusals or overstays. 
  → IRCC cross-checks international data — omissions are seen as misrepresentation. 

• Providing incomplete or inconsistent financial documents. 
  → The officer must see proof that you can pay for your trip without external dependency. 

• Believing that an invitation letter or family support guarantees approval. 
  → This is one of the most common misconceptions. 
  Having a family member in Canada or someone offering to pay for your trip does not automatically increase your chances — in fact, it can sometimes hurt your application, depending on who that person is and their immigration background. 
  Officers assess whether the applicant has strong ties to their home country and will return after the visit. 
  If the sponsor has unstable status, limited income, or previous immigration issues, their letter can raise red flags instead of helping. 
  That’s why every case must be evaluated carefully before including a letter of invitation or financial support. 

• Submitting inconsistent travel plans or unclear purposes. 
  → Be concise and realistic about your visit length and purpose. 

• Entering with a soon-to-expire passport. 
  → Your eTA or visa will automatically expire with it. Always renew first. 

Travel Scenarios: Which Applies to You? 

Scenario 1 – Spain (Visa-exempt) 
Laura, a Spanish citizen, plans to visit her sister in Toronto for two weeks. 

→ She applies for an eTA online, is approved in 10 minutes, and can use it for future trips for five years. 

Scenario 2 – Mexico (Visa-required) 
Carlos, a Mexican national, wants to visit Vancouver for a family event. 

→ He applies for a Visitor Visa (TRV), submits proof of employment and financial stability, and is granted a multiple-entry visa valid for 10 years. 

Scenario 3 – Colombia (Eligible for eTA under U.S. Visa Rule) 
María, a Colombian with a valid U.S. visa, flies to Montreal. 

→ She qualifies for an eTA under the 2023 update and receives approval within hours — a faster and simpler process than applying for a TRV. 

How Long Can You Stay in Canada? 

With both the eTA and Visitor Visa, most travelers are allowed to stay for up to six months per entry. 
The border officer may grant a shorter or longer stay based on your purpose and documentation. 

If you wish to stay longer, apply for a visitor record (visa extension) from within Canada before your current status expires. 

Before You Travel: Final Recommendations 

• Apply early. Don’t leave it to the last minute — some countries face longer processing times. 

• Check your passport’s validity. Your eTA or TRV is tied directly to that passport. 

• Keep digital and printed copies of your approval. Especially for eTAs, since airlines must verify your authorization before boarding. 

• Be transparent about your travel plans. 
  Officers can deny entry if they sense unclear intentions or missing details. 

• Seek professional advice if you have complex family ties or previous refusals. Sometimes small details — like who invites you — make a major difference. 

Travel Smart, Not Fast…

Traveling to Canada doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require awareness and preparation. 
The right document — whether an eTA or a Visitor Visa — is your first step toward a smooth and enjoyable visit. 

At Global Opportunities, we help you: 

• Verify your eligibility. 

• Prepare strong, accurate applications. 

• Avoid the common errors that cause unnecessary stress or refusals. 

Because in Canadian immigration, a well-prepared traveler is a successful traveler. 

Book your consultation before your trip and make sure your journey starts with the right authorization. 

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