There are four types of travellers:
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Travellers who need an eTA:
- Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an eTA to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport.
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Travellers who may be eligible to apply for an eTA:
- Citizens from select visa-required countries may be eligible to apply for an eTA, instead of a visa, to travel to Canada by air. However, these travellers need a visitor visa when arriving by car, bus, train, or boat, including a cruise ship.
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Travellers who cannot apply for an eTA and need to carry other identification:
- Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, need a valid Canadian passport. American-Canadians can travel with a valid Canadian or U.S. passport.
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Canadian permanent residents need a valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document.
- Important – former residents of Canada: Permanent resident (PR) status does not expire. If you once lived in Canada many years ago, you could still have PR status. Learn more to avoid travel delays.
- Visa-required including alien’s passport holders and stateless individuals.
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Travellers who are exempt from the eTA requirement. For example:
- U.S. citizens are exempt from the eTA requirement and must carry proper identification such as a valid U.S. passport.
- Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. are exempt from eTA requirement. They must present a valid Green Card and a valid passport at check-in.
- A visa-exempt foreign national, when arriving by car, bus, train or boat (including a cruise ship).
- See the complete list of eTA exceptions.