Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and visitors to Canada: Electronic travel authorization (eTA) applications
We’ve temporarily changed how to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA). The instructions on this page are only for people who need an eTA and are eligible to travel to Canada at this time.
On this page
How to apply for a new eTA
Step 1: Apply
You need to apply online for an eTA.
Step 2: Contact us to prove how you meet the requirements to travel
After you apply, use our Web form to prove how you meet the eligibility requirements to travel at this time.
When filling out the Web form, do the following:
- From the drop-down menu, under Type of application/enquiry, select “Electronic Travel Authorization” and then “Case Specific Enquiries.”
- In the text box, tell us you’ve applied for an eTA and explain how you’re eligible to travel at this time.
- If you’re coming for compassionate reasons, and you already have your authorization letter from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), use “COVID-19 PHAC” as the subject
Upload proof that you’re eligible to travel
When filling out the Web form, answer “yes” to the question Would you like to include a document with your submission? and then upload evidence that you meet one of the travel exemption criteria.
The type of evidence you need to provide depends on what you qualify for.
If you’re outside the United States (US)
You must be able to prove one of the following:
- You qualify for an exemption and are coming for an essentialFootnote 1 (non‑discretionary) purpose.
- You’re an immediate family member or extended family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and you’re staying in Canada for 15 days or more.
- You’re an immediate family member of a temporary resident in Canada.
- You’re already authorized by PHAC to travel to Canada for compassionate reasons.
If you’re travelling directly from the US
You must be able to prove one of the following:
- You’re travelling for an essentialFootnote 1 (non‑discretionary) purpose.
- You’re an immediate family member or extended family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and you’re staying in Canada for 15 days or more.
- You’re already authorized by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) to travel to Canada for compassionate reasons.
What evidence to submit
If you qualify as an immediate family member of a Canadian citizen or Canadian permanent resident
Examples of evidence you can provide
- a marriage certificate or proof of common-law status (documents showing a shared address)
- a birth certificate
- a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) for one of the following:
- the family class (the COPR category under Application Details will be FC)
- the one-year window of opportunity provision (coded as OYW under Special Program)
- other documents that show an immediate family connection, for example
- correspondence from us showing a spousal sponsorship application in progress
- documents that show a shared home address
If you qualify as an extended family member of a Canadian citizen or Canadian permanent resident
Submit the signed and completed application for authorization and statutory declaration (IMM 0006) (PDF, 2.2 MB) Updated October 9, 2020.
If you qualify as an immediate family member of a temporary resident in Canada
Submit proof of your
- relationship with an immediate family member in Canada
- immediate family member’s status in Canada (copy of their study permit or work permit)
If you’re already authorized to come to Canada for compassionate reasons
Submit the authorization letter you got from PHAC.
Note: Having an authorization letter from PHAC does not guarantee you’ll be approved for a visitor visa.
Step 4: Wait for us to email you
If your eTA is automatically approved, you’ll get an approval email with the details of your eTA.
If your eTA is not automatically approved, you’ll get an email with next steps.
Step 5: Prepare to travel
You need to prepare properly before you travel to Canada.
Bring proof
You must bring evidence that you’re eligible to travel at this time
You must bring
- the evidence you provided in your application (see step 2)
- written authorization from IRCC (if you’re required to get one)
- written authorization from PHAC (if you’re travelling for compassionate reasons)
If you can’t provide this information, you won’t be allowed to board your flight to Canada or enter Canada.
Health requirements for travellers to Canada
To travel to Canada, you must
- follow all public health measures for travellers
- have a plan to quarantine for 14 days
- If you’re coming for compassionate reasons, see PHAC’s website for details on entry and quarantine requirements.
If you already applied for an eTA
Follow the steps below to contact us if you
- applied for an eTA, but you haven’t heard from us about next steps
- have a valid eTA, and you need written authorization to travel
If you’re an immediate family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and you already have an eTA
You don’t need a written authorization from us confirming that you’re exempt from the travel restrictions.
Step 1: Contact us
Use our Web form.
When filling out the Web form, do the following:
- From the drop-down menu, under Type of application/enquiry, select “Electronic Travel Authorization” and then “Case Specific Enquiries.”
- In the text box, tell us that you’ve already applied for an eTA and explain how you meet the eligibility requirements to travel at this time.
- If you’re coming for compassionate reasons, and you already have your authorization letter from PHAC, use “COVID-19 PHAC” as the subject.
Step 2: Upload proof that you’re eligible to travel
When you’ve filled out the form, make sure you answer “yes” to the question Would you like to include a document with your submission? and then upload evidence that you’re eligible to travel at this time.
The type of evidence you need to provide depends on what you qualify for.
If you’re outside the US
You must be able to prove one of the following:
- You qualify for an exemption and are coming for an essentialFootnote 1 (non‑discretionary) purpose.
- You’re an immediate family member or extended family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and you’re staying in Canada for 15 days or more.
- You’re an immediate family member of a temporary resident in Canada.
- You’re already authorized by PHAC to travel to Canada for compassionate reasons.
If you’re travelling directly from the US
You must be able to prove one of the following:
- You’re travelling for an essentialFootnote 1 (non‑discretionary) purpose.
- You’re an immediate family member or extended family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and you’re staying in Canada for 15 days or more.
- You’re already authorized by PHAC to travel to Canada for compassionate reasons.
What evidence to submit
If you qualify as an immediate family member of a Canadian citizen or Canadian permanent resident
Examples of evidence you can provide
- a marriage certificate or proof of common-law status (documents showing a shared address)
- a birth certificate
- a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) for one of the following:
- the family class (the COPR category under Application Details will be FC)
- the one-year window of opportunity provision (coded as OYW under Special Program)
- other documents that show an immediate family connection, for example
- correspondence from us showing a spousal sponsorship application in progress
- documents that show a shared home address
If you qualify as an extended family member of a Canadian citizen or Canadian permanent resident
Submit the signed and completed application for authorization and statutory declaration (IMM 0006) (PDF, 2.2 MB) Updated October 9, 2020.
If you qualify as an immediate family member of a temporary resident in Canada
Submit proof of your
- relationship with an immediate family member in Canada
- immediate family member’s status in Canada (copy of their study permit or work permit)
If you’re already authorized to come to Canada for compassionate reasons
Submit the authorization letter you got from PHAC.
Note: Having an authorization letter from PHAC does not guarantee you’ll be approved for a visitor visa.
If you already have an eTA, you don’t need to contact us.
Step 3: Wait for our email
An officer will assess the evidence you’ve submitted. If your application is approved, you’ll receive an email from IRCC with the next steps.
Step 4: Prepare to travel
You need to prepare properly before you travel.
Bring proof
You must bring evidence that you meet the eligibility requirements to travel at this time.
You must bring
- the evidence you provided in your application (see step 2)
- written authorization from IRCC (if you’re required to get one)
- written authorization from PHAC (if you’re travelling for compassionate reasons)
If you can’t provide this information, you won’t be allowed to board your flight or enter Canada.
Health requirements for travellers to Canada
To travel to Canada, you must
- follow all public health measures for travellers
- have a plan to quarantine for 14 days
- If you’re coming for compassionate reasons, see PHAC’s website for details on entry and quarantine requirements.
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