You’re at the airport. Suitcase packed. Passport in hand. You’ve got your U.S. ESTA all set because, hey, you’re just hopping across the border from Seattle or flying in from London with a layover in NYC. Then the gate agent looks at your screen and shakes their head.
"You need an eTA for Canada," they say.
Confused? You aren't alone. Honestly, the term ESTA travel to Canada is one of the most common misnomers in the travel world. Here is the blunt reality: Canada does not have an ESTA. That is a strictly American system.
If you are trying to use your American ESTA to get into Toronto or Vancouver, you’re going to have a very long, very expensive day at the terminal. Canada uses its own digital gatekeeper called the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Why the "ESTA" confusion happens
It’s basically branding. The U.S. version (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) became so famous that people started using it as a generic term, like "Kleenex" for tissues.
But Canada’s eTA is a different beast with different rules.
While both systems are designed to pre-screen visa-exempt travelers before they board a plane, they don’t talk to each other. Having one does not give you a "buy one, get one free" pass for North American borders.
The eTA vs. ESTA: Spotting the differences
If you’re planning ESTA travel to Canada, you’re actually looking for the Canadian eTA.
Let's look at the numbers because they matter. A U.S. ESTA costs $21 USD. A Canadian eTA? Just $7 CAD. That is roughly the price of a fancy latte in downtown Montreal.
The duration is also different. A U.S. ESTA usually lasts for two years. The Canadian eTA is linked to your passport for up to five years, or until your passport expires—whichever comes first.
- Mode of travel: This is the big one. You only need an eTA if you are flying into Canada.
- Driving across: If you’re driving across the Rainbow Bridge at Niagara Falls in a rental car, you don’t need an eTA.
- The American Exception: U.S. citizens are the ultimate "VIPs" here. They don't need an eTA or a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether they fly, drive, or swim (don't swim).
Who actually needs this thing?
Basically, if you hold a passport from a country like the UK, Australia, France, or Japan, and you are boarding a flight to a Canadian airport, you need an eTA.
Interestingly, as of late 2025 and into 2026, Canada has expanded its "eTA-eligible" list to include certain citizens from visa-required countries (like Qatar) who have held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or currently hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa.
It’s a specific loophole that saves a lot of paperwork for frequent travelers.
Common pitfalls that ruin vacations
People mess this up all the time.
The most common mistake? Typos. If you put a "0" (zero) instead of an "O" (the letter) in your passport number on the digital form, the system might still approve you. But when you get to the airport, the airline’s system won’t be able to "find" your authorization.
The eTA is electronically linked to your passport. It’s not a piece of paper you print out. If the numbers don’t match exactly, the computer says no.
Check your email. Most people get their approval in minutes. But sometimes, the Government of Canada (IRCC) needs more info. They’ll send an email asking for documents. If you don't check your spam folder, you might show up to the airport with a "pending" status.
You cannot board a flight with a pending eTA. Period.
The "Dual Citizen" Trap
This one is a headache. If you are a dual citizen—say, you have a British passport and a Canadian one—you cannot apply for an eTA.
The system will see you are a Canadian citizen and reject the application. You must travel with your Canadian passport. If you try to fly in using your British passport and think an eTA will solve it, you'll be stuck. Canada requires its citizens to enter on a Canadian travel document.
How to actually get your "Canadian ESTA" (the eTA)
Don't use third-party "agency" websites that charge $50 or $100. It’s a scam. Or, at the very least, a massive overcharge for a service you can do yourself in five minutes.
Go to the official Canada.ca website.
- Have your passport ready. You’ll need the number, expiry date, and country of issue.
- Use a valid email. This is where the confirmation goes.
- Pay the $7 CAD fee. Use a credit or debit card.
- Answer the "background" questions. They’ll ask about your job, how much money you have for the trip, and if you’ve ever been arrested or had a serious medical condition.
Honestly, be truthful. Lying on these forms is "misrepresentation," and it can get you banned from Canada for years. If you have a DUI from ten years ago, don't just "forget" to mention it. Canada and the U.S. share a massive amount of criminal database info. They likely already know.
What happens when you land?
Having an eTA is just the "permission to travel." It doesn't guarantee you entry.
When you land in Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary, you’ll still face a Border Services Officer. They are going to ask why you’re there, where you’re staying, and when you’re leaving.
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Think of the eTA like an invitation to a party. The bouncer at the door still has the final say on whether you’re coming inside.
Actionable steps for your trip
If you are planning your journey right now, do these three things immediately:
- Verify your status: If you are a U.S. Green Card holder, you no longer need an eTA as of 2022, but you must carry your Green Card and a valid passport.
- Apply early: Don't wait until the morning of your flight. Apply at least 72 hours before you head to the airport just in case your application hits a manual review.
- Double-check the passport number: Once you get the "Approval" email, look at the passport number listed in the text. Compare it to your physical passport. If there is even one wrong digit, go back and apply for a new one immediately. It’s only $7; it’s worth the peace of mind.