Apply for Canada eTA: Requirements, Validity & Process

Traveling to Canada is exciting. Whether you’re planning to see Niagara Falls, explore Toronto, visit family, or enjoy food like poutine for the first time, good preparation makes the trip much smoother.

If you are a Filipino traveler flying to Canada, there is one important thing you must check before booking your flight: whether you need a Canada eTA or a Canadian visitor visa.

This guide explains everything clearly, based on official rules, so you know exactly what applies to you.

What’s the Canada ETA?

The Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an online travel authorization required for certain visa-exempt travelers flying to Canada.

It is electronically linked to your passport, so there is nothing to print. Airlines and Canadian immigration officers can see your eTA automatically when your passport is scanned.

However, the Canada eTA is NOT available to all Filipino travelers.

✅ Official Rule

Filipino passport holders still generally need a Canadian visitor visa to enter Canada.
However, some Filipino travelers may be eligible to apply for a Canada eTA instead of a visitor visa, only if they meet specific conditions set by the Government of Canada.

If you do not meet these conditions, you must apply for a regular Canadian visitor visa.

Who Is Eligible for the Canada eTA

You may apply for a Canada eTA instead of a Canadian visitor visa only if all of the following apply:

• You hold a valid Philippine passport
• You have either:
• • A valid U.S. non-immigrant visa (such as B1/B2), or
  • A Canadian visitor visa that is currently valid or expired within the last 10 years
• You are flying to Canada by air
• Your stay is short-term (up to 6 months) for tourism, family visits, or short business trips
• You are not traveling to work or study

📌 Important: Even if you meet all requirements, airlines have the final authority to confirm eTA eligibility at check-in. Travelers who cannot be verified may still be required to apply for a regular Canadian visitor visa.

Who Cannot Use a Canada eTA

You cannot travel to Canada using an eTA if any of the following apply:

• You were recently refused a Canadian visa
• You were previously denied entry to Canada
• You are traveling for work or study
• You plan to stay longer than 6 months
• You are not flying to Canada (for example, entering by land or sea)

📌 Important: Travelers who do not qualify for an eTA must apply for a regular Canadian visitor visa before booking or flying, as airlines will not allow boarding without the correct authorization.

Who Still Needs a Canadian Visitor Visa

You must apply for a regular Canadian visitor visa if any of the following apply:

• You do not have a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa
• You have never held a Canadian visitor visa, or it expired more than 10 years ago
• You are entering Canada by land or sea (for example, driving from the U.S. or arriving on a cruise)
• You plan to stay longer than 6 months
• You are traveling for work, study, or other purposes that require authorization
• You do not meet all Canada eTA eligibility requirements

📌 Important: If you are not eligible for an eTA, you must secure a visitor visa before booking or flying, as airlines will not allow boarding without the correct travel authorization.

How to Apply for the Canada ETA

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. Applying without meeting the requirements may result in refusal, and the fee is non-refundable.

Step 2: Apply on the Official Website

Only apply through the official website:
👉 https://www.canada.ca/eta

Avoid agents and third-party sites.

Step 3: Prepare What You Need

• Valid Philippine passport
• Valid U.S. visa or proof of previous Canadian visa
• Credit or debit card (international payments enabled)
• Active email address

Step 4: Fill Out the Online Form

You will enter:

• Personal details (exactly as shown on your passport)
• Passport information
• Basic travel details

Step 5: Pay the Fee

• Fee: CAD 7
• Payment is done online by card

Step 6: Receive Approval

• Most eTAs are approved within minutes
• Some applications may take up to 72 hours
• Approval is sent by email and linked to your passport

📌 Important: Without an approved eTA, airlines will not allow you to board your flight.

⏳ How Long Is a Canada eTA Valid?

A Canada eTA is usually valid for:

• Up to 5 years, or
• Until your passport expires
  (whichever comes first)

You can use the same eTA for multiple short trips to Canada, as long as:

• Each stay is up to 6 months, and
• Your passport remains valid

What You Need to Apply for the Canada ETA

Prepare these before applying:

• Valid Philippine passport
  Use the same passport you will travel with. At least 6 months validity is strongly recommended.
• Working email address
  Your eTA approval will be sent here.
• Device with internet access
  The application is fully online.
• Credit or debit card
  The fee is CAD 7 and is non-refundable.

📌 Important: If you renew or change your passport after approval, your eTA becomes invalid and you must apply again using your new passport.

Other Documents You Might Need When Entering Canada

Along with your approved Canada eTA, immigration officers may ask to see additional documents when you arrive. It’s best to have everything ready to avoid delays.

Here’s what Filipino travelers flying to Canada should prepare:

🛂 1. Valid Philippine Passport

Your passport should be:

• Valid for the entire duration of your stay
• In good condition (no tears, missing pages, or damage)

🎟️ 2. Return or Onward Ticket

This shows you plan to leave Canada within the allowed stay.

• Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
• Digital copy is usually enough, but a printed copy is useful, especially at NAIA

📌 Tip: One-way tickets may raise questions at both Philippine and Canadian immigration.

🏨 3. Proof of Accommodation

You may be asked where you will stay.

• Hotel or Airbnb booking confirmation, or
• Full address if staying with family or friends
• Invitation letter is helpful if staying with someone for an extended period

📅 4. Travel Itinerary (Optional but Helpful)

Not required, but useful for first-time travelers.

• Simple plan showing cities and activities
• Can be saved on your phone or printed

💳 5. Proof of Funds

Officers may ask how you will support yourself during the trip.

• Recent bank statement or screenshots
• If sponsored, bring a support letter and sponsor’s financial proof

📌 Tip: You only need to show you can cover basic expenses. No need to carry large amounts of cash.

✅ 6. Approved Canada eTA

This is your digital travel authorization.

• Must be approved before your flight
• Keep a copy of the confirmation email or screenshot

📌 Important: Without a valid eTA, airlines will not allow you to board your flight.

Tips for a Smooth Arrival in Canada

No matter what your Canada trip looks like, a little preparation goes a long way. These tips will help make your arrival smooth, especially if it’s your first time traveling as a Filipino using the Canada eTA.

✅ 1. Apply for the Canada eTA Before Your Flight

No eTA means no boarding. Even with a valid passport and ticket, airlines will not allow you to fly without it.

When to apply:

• After booking your flight and first-night stay
• With your passport and basic details ready
• Ideally 3–5 days before departure (earlier is always better)

📲 2. Save a Copy of Your eTA Approval

Once approved, your eTA is sent by email and linked to your passport.

You usually won’t need to show it, but it’s best to:

• Take a screenshot
• Save the email on your phone or cloud storage
• Print a backup copy, especially in case of weak Wi-Fi at NAIA

Airline staff or immigration officers may ask if you already have your eTA.

🏨 3. Prepare Your Accommodation Info and Travel Plan

Canadian immigration officers often ask:

• Where will you stay?
• How long is your trip?
• What is the purpose of your visit?

Have ready:

• Hotel or Airbnb booking confirmation, or
• Full name and address if staying with family or friends

📌 Clear and simple answers help show genuine travel intent.

📁 4. Keep All Travel Documents in One Place

Whether digital or printed, keep copies of:

• Passport
• eTA confirmation
• Flight tickets (including return flight)
• Accommodation details
• Proof of funds
• Invitation letter (if applicable)
• Emergency contact numbers

Store them on your phone, cloud storage, or in a small folder in your bag.

🧘 5. Be Early, Be Honest, Be Calm

Canadian border officers are professional and polite. Just answer truthfully and confidently.

• Arrive at NAIA at least 3 hours before departure
• Answer questions clearly and naturally
• Keep your documents easy to access

There’s no need to memorize answers. Just be honest.

✍️ Bonus: Customs Declaration

When you arrive, some airports may still require a customs declaration.
You may need to declare:

• Food items
• Gifts
• Cash above allowed limits

This is usually quick and straightforward. Forms are provided on the plane or after landing. Bringing a pen can be helpful.

Start Your Canada Trip Right

Apply early, organize your documents, and book your flights and accommodation ahead of time. A few simple steps can save you a lot of stress.

Safe travels, kabayan. Canada is waiting ❄️