What is the difference between a visa and an electronic travel authorization?

An eTA is an electronic Travel Authorization. It allows the bearer access into the issuing country, without the need for a visa at all. Travelers who are from a visa-exempt country can travel using this document, instead of a visa.



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Traditionally, a visa is a travel document issued by the embassy of another country that gives you permission to travel to that country. Not all countries require visas. An eVisa does the same thing but is applied for electronically rather than submitting physical paperwork.

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An eTA is an electronic Travel Authorization. It allows the bearer access into the issuing country, without the need for a visa at all. Travelers who are from a visa-exempt country can travel using this document, instead of a visa.

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What is an eTA? eTA: an electronic travel authorization or eTA is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to or transiting to a country, usually by air. It allows the destination or transit country to screen travelers before they arrive, increasing visibility and security.

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Do VWP travelers need to bring a paper printout of their ESTA approval to the airport? No. DHS will be able to communicate a traveler's ESTA status to the carriers. However, DHS recommends that travelers print out the ESTA application response in order to maintain a record of their ESTA application number.

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CBP recommends that you apply for ESTA at the time you book your travel, but no less than 72 hours prior to boarding. ESTA is not a visa. It does not meet the legal requirements to serve in lieu of a U.S. visa when a visa is required.

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U.S. citizens are exempt from the eTA requirement and must carry proper identification such as a valid U.S. passport. Lawful permanent residents of the United States who hold valid status in the U.S. are exempt from the eTA requirement.

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You are eligible to apply for an eTA if you meet 3 requirements:
  • you've held a Canadian visitor visa (temporary resident visa) in the past 10 years or currently hold a valid United States nonimmigrant visa.
  • you're coming to Canada for a short visit, business or tourist activity (normally for stays of up to 6 months)


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While most eTAs are approved within minutes, some eTA applications can take several days to process. eTAs can also be obtained via smartphone or tablet. This means that if a traveller has forgotten to obtain an eTA, they will be able to do so at the airport.

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Citizens of the United Kingdom, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium Brunei, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein,Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Korea, ...

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Travel Authorization/Travel Advance and Expense form is an all-in-one form that can be used to authorize and plan travel, prepay travel expenses and get reimbursed for travel expenses upon return from a trip.

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The system displays confirmation of the application approval and a payment receipt notice showing the amount charged to your credit card. A travel authorization does not guarantee admission to the United States as a Customs and Border Protection officer at a port of entry will have the final determination.

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The travel document usually arrives within 150 days (sometimes longer) after submitting your application. You can't leave the country until you have your approved travel document in hand, so you should expect to spend the 3–5 months after submitting your green card application in the United States.

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