Canada Visa & Travel Authorization

Overview

Japanese passport holders need an eTA when entering Canada by air (not required for land/sea entry).

Canada's eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) was introduced in 2016 for visa-exempt foreign nationals arriving by air. Japan is included in the visa-exempt list. eTA is not required for entry by land or sea — only when flying into a Canadian airport.

Basics

Authorization	Canadian eTA
System	Canadian eTA
Maximum stay	Up to 6 months
Validity	5 years (or until passport expiry)
Official site	https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html

Who Should Submit a Canadian eTA

• Japanese passport holders flying into Canada (including transits at major Canadian airports).
• Travelers whose stay is up to 6 months for tourism, business, or visiting relatives.
• Long-term study, work, or settlement require a different visa class.
• Entry by land or sea from the US is exempt from eTA but a valid passport is still required.

How the System Works

• Submissions via canada.ca official website (no app yet for general submissions).
• Fee is CAD 7.
• Required: passport scan, biographical data, criminal/immigration history.
• Approval typically within minutes, occasionally up to 72 hours.
• Valid for 5 years or until passport expiry, multiple entries.

Recent Updates (2024–2026)

• 2025 — Mobile app rollout (eTA-only) in test phase.
• 2024 — Adjusted eligible nationality list.
• Ongoing — Stronger biometric integration at major airports (Toronto, Vancouver).

Frequently Asked Points

Why is land entry exempt?

Border services use different verification at land crossings; eTA only applies to air arrivals where pre-clearance is required.

Can I work with eTA?

No, work activities require a work permit (LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt depending on category).

Stays beyond 6 months?

Extension requests can be submitted via canada.ca before the 6-month mark; otherwise you would need to leave and re-enter.

Multiple Canadian trips?

Yes, multiple entries permitted during eTA validity.

Notes & Updates

• Official fee is CAD 7.
• Usually approved within minutes; can take up to 72 hours.
• Work or long-term study requires a separate visa.
• Not required when entering by land or sea (e.g. from the US).
• Watch for fraudulent eTA sites that overcharge — use canada.ca directly.
• Children of all ages need their own eTA.
• If you have a Canadian visitor visa (TRV), you do not need a separate eTA.
• eTA must be linked to the passport used at entry; passport renewal requires a new eTA.

* Information current as of May 2026. Always verify with official government sources before travel.