Planning on travelling to Canada with an Irish passport?
Whether you are travelling to explore Canada’s natural wonders or to engage in business, before embarking on this journey, it’s crucial that you understand the entry requirements as an Irish citizen.
Among the essentials is the Canadian eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), a digital travel permit designed for visitors from visa-exempt nations, including Ireland.
In this article, we delve into what you need to know about the Canadian eTA, touching on what it is, the application process, and essential considerations for Irish passport holders.
So, let’s unravel what you need to know and answer the pressing question: Do I need an eTA for Canada from Ireland?
What is eTA Canada?
The Canada eTA lets you travel to Canada if you are from a visa-exempt country by air.
Note that the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) does not permit you to work or study in Canada.
The eTA is electronically linked to your passport. This means that when your passport is checked once you arrive in Canada, the staff will be able to see the valid eTA that is linked to your passport.
It’s important to note that having an eTA does not guarantee entry into Canada, instead, you must still meet the basic requirements for entry, such as:
A valid passport
Being in good health
No criminal or immigration-related issues
Having enough finances to sustain yourself
Read also:
What is eTA Canada?
When was the Canadian eTA introduced for Irish citizens?
This requirement was introduced for Irish citizens on 15 March 2016.
This meant that as an Irish Citizen from that date onwards, you could apply for Canada eTA to travel to Canada for tourism, business, medical, or transit purposes without a need to apply for the traditional visa.
Do Irish citizens need to apply for an eTA to enter Canada?
The short answer is yes, Irish citizens need an eTA to enter Canada.
Irish citizens are part of the list of visa-exempt countries, meaning if you have an Irish passport, you can travel to Canada without a visa, however, you will require an eTA.
In what cases can Irish passport holders apply for eTA for Canada?
As an Irish passport holder, you can apply for an eTA if you are planning on travelling to Canada by air for tourist, business, or medical purposes.
Alternatively, an eTA can be obtained for transit purposes if you are an Irish passport holder.
What are the Canada eTA requirements?
To apply for eTA Canada, you will need to meet some key requirements. Some of these include:
A valid passport from an eligible country
Your purpose for visiting must be for tourism, business, medical or transit
Your intended stay needs to be for a maximum of six months
You must not have a criminal record
You must be in good health
You must have sufficient funds to cover accommodation, transportation, and other expenses for the duration of your stay
You may need to demonstrate ties to your home country, such as employment, property ownership, family connections, etc, to show your intention to return home
For Irish Citizens, the eTA Canada requirements are:
Valid passport
Credit or debit card for payment
Valid email address
Completed online application form
Please note you may be required to submit additional documents depending on your circumstances.
How long is this Canadian travel permit valid for?
The Canadian eTA once issued remains valid for a maximum of five years or until the expiration date of your passport.
How much does it cost to apply for eTA Canada?
When you apply for an eTA with Visa First, the cost starts from €50.
How long does it take to process an eTA for Canada?
The process to obtain your eTA usually takes a couple of days.
It’s recommended to apply for an eTA well in advance of your travel date so that you will receive it on time.
It’s important to consider that issues can arise so you should give yourself more time for processing.
Some common issues that can arise include:
Providing incomplete or incorrect information on your eTA application can lead to delays. Hence why it’s important to double-check all the information you provide to ensure accuracy
Occasionally, background checks conducted as part of the eTA processing may take longer than usual, especially if some discrepancies or issues require further investigation
During peak travel seasons there may be a higher volume of eTA applications to process, leading to longer processing times
Hence why it’s important to give yourself extra time when applying for your Canadian eTA.
How to apply for eTA Canada with Visa First?
You can apply for your Canadian eTA yourself or you can take the stress off your shoulders and apply with a visa agent like Visa First.
To start your Canada eTA application with Visa First, the process is as follows:
Check your eligibility using our eligibility checker
Create an online account on the Visa First website
In your account, select the visa you’d like to apply for
Fill out the application form, adding details such as your personal, contact, passport, and citizenship details, alongside answering a couple of other questions
Pay the required fees
We’ll then proceed with your application and will inform you of any updates
Please note that you’ll be able to check the progress of your eTA Canada application by logging into your account and going to the ‘Applications in Progress’ section.
Ready to apply for your eTA for Canada from Ireland?
At Visa First, we can make the process hassle-free for you!
Why choose Visa First?
World’s leading provider of visa and immigration services
Maximise your chances of a successful application
More than 20 years of experience securing visas worldwide
Application prepared accurately by our highly qualified team
Start your Canadian eTA application today!
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