Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) — Not standard for Indian citizensVerified 2026-04-13Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) — For Visa-Exempt Nationals
A Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is NOT typically required by Indian citizens. eTAs are for nationals of visa-exempt countries travelling to Canada by air. Most Indian passport holders need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), not an eTA. However, Indian citizens with a valid Canadian visa (current or previously held within 10 years) or a valid US non-immigrant visa may qualify for the eTA Expansion program.
⚠️ For most Indian citizens — you need a Tourist Visa (TRV), NOT an eTA. Only apply for eTA if you've held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years, OR currently hold a valid US non-immigrant visa. If unsure, apply for a TRV.
Processing
Usually minutes to hours for approval
Stay Duration
Up to 6 months per visit (determined by border officer)
Starting Fee
CAD $7
Apply At
0 VFS centres
Special Instructions — Read Before Applying
These requirements apply to ALL Canada visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.
- 1Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Canada.
- 2Biometrics (fingerprints + digital photo) are required for most applicants — valid for 10 years.
- 3Do NOT submit your passport to VAC until you receive the Passport Request Letter from IRCC.
- 4Effective Feb 24, 2026: Biometric appointments require you to upload the BIL via the new AMS system.
- 5Effective Oct 9, 2023: Only the applicant, parents (for minors), or 1 appointed family member can submit passports at VAC — not unauthorized third parties.
- 6Not accepted as identity documents: passports from Somalia, non-machine-readable Czech passports, temporary South African passports, provisional Venezuelan passports.
- 7VFS online tracking shows passport LOCATION only. For application processing status, check your IRCC online account directly.
Who Can Apply
- Nationals of visa-exempt countries travelling to Canada by air
- Indian citizens who have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years (eTA Expansion Program)
- Indian citizens with a valid US non-immigrant visa (eTA Expansion Program)
Not eligible under this visa:
- Most Indian citizens without a recent Canadian visa or US visa — apply for a Tourist Visa (TRV) instead
- Travel by land or sea (eTA is only for air travel)
Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| eTA application fee | CAD $7 |
eTA is paid once via credit/debit card directly on the IRCC eTA portal. Not processed through VFS. If you're not eligible for eTA, you'll need a Tourist Visa (TRV) — see fees for that separately.
Documents Required
Requirements — eTA Expansion Program (for eligible Indians)
- !Valid Indian passport
- !Valid email address
- !Credit or debit card (for CAD $7 fee)
- ○Valid Canadian visa from last 10 years
Current or previously held — qualifies you for eTA
- ○Valid US non-immigrant visa
Qualifies you for eTA
Important — Most Indians need TRV instead
- ○If you don't have a recent Canadian visa or US visa — apply for a Tourist Visa (TRV)
Standard application through VFS Global centres. See our Tourist Visa guide.
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Confirm your eligibility
Check IRCC's eligibility tool. If you have a valid Canadian visa or US non-immigrant visa, you may qualify. Otherwise, apply for TRV.
Apply online via the official eTA portal
Visit canada.ca/eta. Complete the online form, pay CAD $7 fee with credit/debit card.
Receive instant approval (usually)
Most eTAs are approved within minutes. Some applications may take longer for review.
Travel to Canada by air
Present your Indian passport at check-in. Your eTA is linked to your passport electronically — no physical document required.
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
VFS Application Centres
💡 Pro Tips
- Double-check eligibility before applying for eTA — most Indians need TRV instead.
- eTA is ONLY for air travel — if travelling by land or sea, you need a different entry document.
- The eTA is linked to your passport electronically — don't need to print anything.
- If your passport changes (renewal, etc.), your old eTA becomes invalid — you'll need a new one.
Common Rejection Reasons
- 1.Applicant not eligible for eTA Expansion Program (no recent Canadian or US visa)
- 2.Inconsistent or incomplete information in the eTA application
- 3.Previous immigration violations flagged in IRCC systems
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an eTA as an Indian citizen?+
What's the difference between eTA and TRV?+
If I'm not sure whether I qualify for eTA — what should I do?+
Does SureshotVisa help with eTA?+
This page is for information only
SureshotVisa does not process this visa category. For other Canada visa types we can help with — Tourist, Visitor, Business, Student, or Family Reunification — see the related visa types below.
Other Canada Visa Types
Canada Tourist Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
Apply for a Canada Tourist Visa (TRV) from India. Complete guide on IRCC fees, documents, biometrics, application process through VFS Global, and 10 VAC centres across India.
Canada Business Visitor Visa (TRV)
Canada Business Visitor Visa for Indian professionals attending meetings, conferences, and business events in Canada. Stay less than 6 months. Not entering the Canadian labor market.
Canada Study Permit
Canada Study Permit for Indian students enrolling at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Complete guide on IRCC fees, documents, PAL requirements, and 2026 updates.
Canada Work Permit — Informational
Canada Work Permit — informational guide for Indian applicants. SureshotVisa does NOT handle work permit procurement; this page is for information purposes only.
Canada Family Visit Visa (TRV)
Canada Family Visit Visa for Indian citizens visiting family who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, temporary residents, or persons registered under the Indian Act. Up to 6 months.
Canada Spousal Visit Visa (TRV — Spouse of PR Sponsor)
Canada Spousal Visit Visa for Indian spouses whose Canadian partner has sponsored them for Permanent Residence. Faster processing available while PR application is in progress.
Canada Compassionate Visit Visa (TRV — Urgent Family)
Canada Compassionate Visit Visa for urgent visits due to critical illness, death, or other humanitarian reasons. Priority processing available with strong supporting evidence.
Canada Seafarer / Marine Crew Visa (TRV)
Canada Seafarer / Marine Crew Visa for Indian seafarers joining a vessel as crew in Canadian ports. Temporary Resident Visa for duration of contract.
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global Canada website and Embassy of Canada. Last verified 2026-04-13. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.