Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
A quick online pre-approval for visa-free travellers — not a visa, but required to board.
What it is
An eTA (electronic travel authorization — also called ESTA, K-ETA, NZeTA and similar) is a pre-travel screening for people who do not need a visa. It is linked to your passport electronically and checked by the airline before you board.
How to get one
You complete a short online form on the official government site, pay a small fee, and usually receive approval by email within minutes to a few days. There is no embassy visit and no full visa application.
How long it takes
Approval is often near-instant, but it can occasionally take longer, so apply a few days ahead. An eTA typically lets you make multiple trips over a validity period of one or more years.
How it differs from other visa types
An eTA is NOT a visa — it is a condition on otherwise visa-free entry. It is quicker, cheaper and lighter than an e-visa, with no document upload. But skipping it because “I don't need a visa” gets you turned away at the gate: the airline checks it.
Destinations that use this route
A few examples — open any pair for the exact fee, documents and entry conditions:
Frequently asked questions
Is an eTA a visa?
How long is an eTA valid?
Other visa types
Check the visa requirements for your passport and destination ↗