What is an eTA?
An Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is a digital pre-entry permission linked directly to your passport. There is no embassy visit, no physical stamp, and nothing to print. Border officers see the authorisation automatically when they scan your document.
An eTA sits between visa-free access and a full visa. Countries that operate eTA programmes want to screen travellers before they board, but the process is fast, cheap, and entirely online.
Which countries require an eTA?
Australia: eVisitor or ETA Australia runs two electronic entry systems depending on your nationality. Most European passport holders qualify for the free eVisitor (subclass 651). Citizens of other eligible nationalities, including the US and Canada, apply for the ETA (subclass 601). Both allow stays of up to three months at a time within a 12-month period. Apply via the official Australian ETA application or a registered travel agent. Yoogo corridor data shows an ETA requirement with a maximum stay of 90 days for passports including the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, and Canada. For a full walkthrough of the Australian process, including what catches people out at the border, see our Australia entry requirements guide.
Canada: eTA Canada requires an eTA for most visa-exempt foreign nationals arriving by air (US citizens use a passport only). It is valid for five years or until your passport expires. A single eTA covers multiple trips. Apply at Canada's official immigration website. Most decisions arrive within minutes, but allow up to 72 hours before your flight.
United Kingdom: ETA The UK launched its ETA scheme in 2024, rolling it out progressively to nationalities that previously had visa-free access. It covers multiple trips for two years. Apply via the UK ETA app or the Home Office website.
How to apply
- Check eligibility. Use Yoogo's corridor checker to confirm whether an eTA or a full visa applies to your passport and destination.
- Use the official website. Third-party "assistance" sites charge inflated fees for applications you can complete yourself in minutes. Only use official government portals or authorised apps.
- Pay the fee. Each programme charges an application fee, payable by card on the official portal.
- Wait for approval. Most decisions arrive by email within minutes. Some take up to 72 hours, so do not buy non-refundable flights until you have confirmation.
- Travel. Nothing to carry. Your authorisation is linked to your passport number and accessed automatically at check-in and on arrival.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying too late. Most eTAs are instant, but some take 72 hours. Apply at least a week before travel.
- Using unofficial sites. Scores of third-party sites charge a substantial markup for a service you can complete yourself on the official government portal. Stick to official portals.
- Assuming it covers every purpose. eTAs are for short visits: tourism, family, and brief business trips. Working, studying, or staying long-term requires a different category.
- Not checking the expiry. Canadian eTAs last five years; Australian ones are linked to a specific passport. When you renew your passport, you may need a new eTA too.
Ready to check your requirements?
Use the Yoogo corridor checker to confirm whether your passport needs an eTA, a full visa, or has visa-free access to your destination.