Canada Visa from Australia

Canada Visa for Australian Citizens

Apply for Canada Visa from Australia
Updated on May 17, 2024 | Online Canada Visa

Canada Visa from Australia

Canada eTA Eligibility

  • Australian passport holders are eligible to apply for Canada eTA
  • Australia was one of the original member of the Canada eTA program
  • Australian passport holders enjoy a quick and hassle free entry into Canada using the Canada eTA initiative

Other Canada eTA Features

  • A Biometric Passport or an e-Passport is required.
  • Canada eTA is only required for travel by air
  • Canada eTA is required for short business, tourist and transit visits
  • All passport holders should apply for Canada eTA including infants and minors
 

What is Canada eTA for Australian citizens?

Australia is one of the fifty (50) plus countries that are visa-exempt, which means that Australians do not need a visa to visit Canada. Instead, Australians must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.

The Canada eTA was launched in 2015 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to pre-screen international travelers to Canada, including Australian people, and determine their eligibility.

The system's use has reduced visa applications and allowed authorities to process foreign visitors more efficiently, resulting in shorter wait times and shorter lines at Customs and Immigration.

Canada eTA is required to visit Canada from Australia

Australian citizens are required to apply for a Canada eTA if they want to enter Canada for visits lasting upto 6 months.

For land or sea arrivals, no eTA is necessary, but identity and travel documents are still required. Ensure that your Passport is valid and has not expired.

The Canadian eTA for Australians is intended for visitors to Canada with the following goals:

  • Tourism, particularly short-term guest stays.
  • Excursions for business.
  • Traveling through Canada on my way to another country.
  • Consultation or medical attention.

Most foreigners transiting through Canada require a visa. Australians with the eTA, on the other hand, can travel without a visa if they use a Canadian airport for both entry and departure.

The ability to reside or work in Canada is not included in the Canada eTA for Australians.

Because the Canadian eTA is completely electronic, every passenger must have a machine-readable passport. Although all contemporary Australian passports are machine-readable, travellers should check with the Australian passport office if they have any concerns about the authenticity of their documents.

How to Fill the Canada eTA Application for Australians Entering Canada?

Online application

Fill up the Canada eTA application form.

Pay for the eTA

Use a credit or debit card to pay the Canada eTA cost.

Receive Canada eTA

Get Approved Canada eTA by email.

To be eligible for the eTA, Australian individuals must complete a simple online application form and include some basic personal information, such as:

  • Name and nationality.
  • Occupation
  • Information from a passport, such as the passport number, Passport issue and expiration dates
  • Health related questions
  • Questions around any prior convictions

Australians Going to Canada: What are the eTA Requirements?

Several conditions must be satisfied in order to be eligible for the Canada eTA.

Each applicant must have:

  • An Australian passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the proposed travel date.
  • A valid credit or debit card to cover the eTA charge.
  • A current email address.

Because the eTA for Australian citizens is digitally linked to the traveler's passport, dual nationals must apply using the same passport they intend to use for travel.

To apply for a Canada eTA, you must be an Australian citizen. Refugees and temporary residents, as well as travelers with temporary passports or other travel documents with a different status, must apply for a Canada Visitor Visa.

Every eTA candidate must be over the age of 18 at the time of application. Minors must have a parent or legal guardian fill out the application on their behalf. Anyone requesting an eTA for Australian nationals must also provide some basic personal information as the minor's guardian or agent.

Applicants are allowed to enter Canada several times within the five (5)year period and can stay for up to six (6) months on each trip. Border officials will determine the duration of the eTA holder's permission to stay in Canada upon arrival, and this information will be noted on the passport. The traveler is required to leave the country on or before the date specified on their passport. Australian passport holders may request a stay extension in Canada if they do it at least 30 days before the conclusion of their vacation.

What are requirements of eTA Canada Visa for Australian citizens?

To enter Canada, Australian citizens will require a valid Travel Document or Passport in order to apply for Canada eTA. Australian citizens who have a Passport of an additional nationality need to make sure they apply with the same passport that they will travel with, as the Canada eTA will be associated with the passport that was mentioned at the time of application. Printing or presenting documents at the airport is unnecessary since the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is electronically linked to the passport in the Canada Immigration system.

Dual Canadian citizens and Canadian Permanent Residents are not eligible for Canada eTA. If you have dual citizenship from Australia as well as Canada, then you must use your Canadian passport to enter Canada. You are not eligible to apply for Canada eTA on your Australia Passport.

Applicants will also require a valid credit or debit card to pay for the Canada eTA. Australian citizens are also required to provide a valid email address, to receive the Canada eTA in their email inbox. It will be your responsibility to carefully double-check all the data entered so there are no issues with the Canada Electronic Travel Authority (eTA), otherwise you may have to apply for another Canada eTA.

What Are the Ports Of Entry To Canada For People Visiting with Canada?

Canada eTA for Australian citizens is only required if you are entering Canada by an airport. Otherwise, a valid Passport is required to enter by seaport or land border crossing.

  • Airports: Visitors can enter Canada through any of the major airports in the country, including Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, and Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport. Visitors will be required to present their eVisa and other travel documents, such as a passport, at the immigration counter upon arrival.
  • Seaports: Visitors can also enter Canada through seaports, such as the Port of Halifax, Port of Montreal, and Port of Vancouver. Visitors arriving by sea will also be required to present their eVisa and travel documents at the immigration counter upon arrival.
  • Land border crossings: Visitors can enter Canada by land through several border crossings, including the Peace Arch Border Crossing in British Columbia and the Rainbow Bridge Border Crossing in Ontario. Visitors will be required to present their eVisa and travel documents at the immigration counter upon arrival.

How Long Can Australian citizens stay on Canada Visa Online?

Australian citizen's departure date must be within 90 days of arrival. Australian passport holders are required to obtain a Canada Electronic Travel Authority (Canada eTA) even for a short duration of 1 day up to 90 days. If the Australian citizens intend to stay for a longer duration, then they should apply for a relevant Visa depending on their circumstances. Canada eTA is only valid for 5 years. Australian citizens can enter multiple times during the 5 year validity of the Canada eTA.

Frequently Asked Questions about eTA Canada Visa

How early can Australian citizens apply for eTA Canada Visa?

While most Canada eTAs are issued within 24 hours, it is advisable to apply at least 72 hours (or 3 days) prior to your flight. Since Canada eTA is valid for upto 5 years, you can apply Canada eTA even before you have booked your flights as in rare circumstances, Canada eTA can take up to a month to be issued and you may be requested to provide additional documents. Additional documents could be:

  • A Medical Examination - Sometimes a medical examination is required to be carried out to visit Canada.
  • Criminal record check - If you have a previous conviction, the Canadian Visa office will intimate you if a police certificate is required or not.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Canada eTA Application Form?

While Canada eTA Application process is extremely straightforward, it is worthwhile to understand the essential requirements and avoid common mistakes listed below.

  • Passport numbers are almost always 8 to 11 characters. If you are entering a number that is too short or too long or outside of this range, it is quite likely that you are entering a wrong number.
  • Another common error is swapping letter O and number 0 or letter I and the number 1.
  • Name related issue like
    • Full name: Name put in Canada eTA application must match the name exactly as given in the Passport. You can look at MRZ strip in your Passport information page to make sure you have entered the full name, including any middle-names.
    • Do not include previous names: Do not include any part of that name in brackets or previous names. Again, consult the MRZ strip.
    • Non-english name: Your name must be in English characters. Do not use non-English characters like Chinese/Hebrew/Greek alphabets to spell your name.
Passport with MRZ strip

Canada eTA checklist

  • Travelers should apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to Canada for Australian nationals at least 72 hours before departure to allow for the processing of their papers and the issue of the authorization.
  • Australian nationals can apply for the eTA using a desktop, tablet, or mobile device. The authorization can be obtained quickly and easily, and it will be securely and electronically delivered to the applicant's email address.
  • It is recommended that all information on the application form be reviewed for accuracy before submission. Any inaccuracies or omissions may cause the Canada eTA for Australian citizens to be delayed or rejected. The most important fields that must match the Passport exactly are: First Name, Family Name, Passport Date of Issue and Expiry.
  • The Canadian eTA is electronically linked to the applicant's Australian passport after acceptance and is valid for 5 years. There is no need to print anything, and no documents are required to be shown at the airport.

What Are The Australian Embassies In Canada?

The Australian government maintains one embassy and four consulates in Canada:

Australian High Commission in Ottawa

Address: 50 O'Connor Street, Suite 710, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 6L2

Phone: +1 613-236-0841

Australian Consulate-General in Toronto

Address: 175 Bloor Street East, South Tower, Suite 1100, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3R8

Phone: +1 416-323-4280

Australian Consulate in Vancouver

Address: Suite 2050, 1075 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 3C9

Phone: +1 604-684-1177

Australian Consulate in Calgary

Address: Suite 240, 708 11 Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2R 0E4

Phone: +1 403-508-1122

Australian Consulate in Montreal

Address: 2000 Mansfield Street, Suite 700, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2Z6

Phone: +1 514-499-0550

What Is the Top Place To Visit In Canada For Australian Visitors?

Canada has a diverse range of attractions to offer visitors from Australia. The top place to visit in Canada for Australian visitors depends on their interests, but here are some popular options:

  1. Niagara Falls: Niagara Falls is a world-famous attraction, drawing millions of visitors every year. It is located on the border between Canada and the United States and is easily accessible from Toronto, which is just a short drive away.
  2. Banff National Park: Banff National Park is a stunning natural attraction in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta. Visitors can enjoy hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities, as well as taking in the breathtaking scenery.
  3. Vancouver: Vancouver is a vibrant city on the west coast of Canada, known for its stunning natural surroundings and diverse cultural scene. Visitors can explore Stanley Park, Granville Island, and the city's many museums and galleries.
  4. Montreal: Montreal is a lively and historic city in the province of Quebec, known for its European charm and vibrant arts scene. Visitors can explore the old town, take in a show at the Montreal Jazz Festival, or enjoy the city's famous culinary scene.The Canada eTA for Australian Nationals
  5. Toronto: Toronto is Canada's largest city and a cultural hub, with a vibrant arts scene and many museums and galleries. Visitors can also explore the iconic CN Tower, take in a game at the Rogers Centre, or explore the city's many neighborhoods and parks.

These are just a few of the top places to visit in Canada for Australian visitors, but there are many more attractions and destinations to explore throughout the country.


Apply for a Canada eTA application 3 days before your flight.