Electronic Travel Authorization (AVE)

Since March 15, 2016, travelers from visa-exempt countries have been required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before flying to Canada. This online procedure allows Canadian authorities to verify that you are eligible to enter the country, even if you don't need a visa.

The AVE is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

How do I apply for an ETA?

To submit an application, you need to visit the official website. Here are the main steps:

• 1. Access the online form via the link provided.
• 2. Prepare your passport and a method of payment (credit/debit card).
• 3. You'll be asked to answer a questionnaire that shouldn't take more than 5 minutes.

The form will ask you for basic information such as your name, address, occupation, criminal history (if applicable), and details of your trip to Canada (dates, destination, etc.).

It is particularly important to check that the passport number you enter corresponds exactly to that on your official document, as any error could result in denied boarding.

ETA validity period

The ETA is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires. If your passport expires before the 5 years are up, the ETA will also be considered expired.

Generally, the ETA is granted instantly after submission, but in some cases, such as for Brazilian citizens holding a US visa, processing may take several days if additional documents are requested.

It is therefore advisable to request an ETA before booking your flight to Canada.

ETA fees

The cost of the AVE is $7 CAD, payable when submitting the application online.

ETA processing times

Applications are processed quickly. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) service standards :

80% of applications are automatically approved in less than 5 minutes.

If the decision takes longer than 5 minutes, IRCC undertakes to send a response within 72 hours indicating the next steps to be taken.

How to check the validity of your ETA?

To check whether your ETA is still valid, you can submit an online request for information by selecting “Electronic Travel Authorization” and “Specific questions”. If your ETA has expired, you will need to apply for a new authorization to enter Canada.