Electronic Travel Authorization
Definition
An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a digital pre-screening approval that visa-exempt travellers must obtain online before boarding transport to certain countries — including Canada (eTA), the United Kingdom and Australia. It is linked to the passport, not a visa, and does not guarantee entry; border officers make the final admission decision.
How an ETA works
Travellers apply online, supply passport and biographical details, answer eligibility questions and pay a fee. The approval is electronically linked to the passport, so there is no sticker or stamp. Many applications are approved quickly, but some are referred for extra checks, so travellers are advised to apply well before departure.
An ETA is a pre-screening authorisation, not a visa. It lets a person board a plane, but a border officer still decides on admission at arrival. Validity and permitted stay vary by country — verify the current terms with the issuing government.
Country schemes differ
Canada's eTA applies to visa-exempt air travellers and is typically valid up to five years or until the passport expires. Australia operates its own electronic authorities for eligible passport holders. The UK ETA became a requirement for non-visa nationals during 2025 and is typically valid two years — verify current fees and validity.
Each scheme has its own eligibility list, fee and rules, so a traveller may need different authorisations for different destinations. Agencies handling multi-destination clients often manage these alongside eVisas through one system — see ETA management.
Because ETAs are quick but easy to overlook, agencies commonly file or check them on a client's behalf and track expiry across multiple destinations. VisaCRM can store each authorisation, link it to the passport record and flag renewals so no traveller is turned away at boarding.
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Frequently asked questions
Is an ETA the same as a visa?
No. An ETA is a lighter digital pre-screening approval for travellers who are already visa-exempt, whereas a visa is a formal authorisation usually requiring more documentation. An ETA lets you board transport and be considered for entry, but the final admission decision still rests with a border officer at arrival.
Which countries use an ETA system?
Several countries run electronic travel authorisation schemes, including Canada (its eTA for air travellers), the United Kingdom (its ETA for non-visa nationals) and Australia (its electronic authorities). The European Union's ETIAS is a similar upcoming system. Each scheme has its own name, eligibility list and fee, so check the destination's official site.
How long does an ETA take to get?
Many ETA applications are approved within minutes, but some are referred for additional checks that can take several days. Because approval is not guaranteed to be instant, authorities typically advise applying well before your travel date rather than at the airport. Always confirm the recommended lead time on the issuing government's website.
How long is an ETA valid?
Validity varies by country. Canada's eTA is typically valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, while the UK ETA is generally valid for around two years, both allowing multiple trips. These terms can change, so verify the current validity period with the issuing government before relying on it.
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