ESTA for Canada and USA: What You Need to Know Before You Travel

ESTA for Canada and USA: What You Need to Know Before You Travel


If you are planning to visit both Canada and the USA, you may be wondering whether the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) applies to your travel plans. While the ESTA is an essential travel authorization for the USA, Canada has its own requirements for visitors. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about applying for ESTA for Canada and the USA, including the differences between the two countries’ entry requirements, how to apply, and other key information you should keep in mind.

What Is ESTA?

Before we dive into the specifics of ESTA for Canada and the USA, let’s first understand what ESTA is.

The ESTA is an online travel authorization that is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for travelers who are citizens of countries eligible under this program. It allows travelers to visit the USA for tourism, business, or transit purposes for up to 90 days without needing a visa. The ESTA is valid for two years, provided that the traveler’s passport remains valid.

Is ESTA Valid for Both Canada and the USA?

While ESTA is required for travel to the USA, Canada has a different entry requirement system, so ESTA is not valid for Canada. Travelers to Canada may need to apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) or another visa depending on their nationality and travel circumstances. Let’s break it down further.

ESTA for USA: What You Need to Know

If you're traveling to the USA from a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country, including the UK, Germany, or other VWP countries, you'll need to apply for an ESTA.

How to Apply for ESTA for USA?

Here’s how you can apply for an ESTA to the USA:

  1. Visit the Official ESTA Website: To apply for ESTA USA, visit the official website at apply.esta.us.gov.
  2. Complete the Application: Fill out the application form with your personal details, passport information, and travel plans.
  3. Pay the ESTA Fee: The official fee for an ESTA is $14 USD. Additional service fees may apply if you use third-party services.
  4. Submit and Wait for Approval: After you submit your application, you’ll receive your ESTA approval within minutes (in most cases). Ensure you apply at least 72 hours before departure.
  5. Validity: Once approved, your ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

What Happens if You Don’t Apply for ESTA?

If you don’t apply for ESTA and you’re traveling to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program, you may be denied boarding at the airport. Airlines are required to check your ESTA approval before you can board the flight.

eTA for Canada: What You Need to Know

While ESTA is required for entry into the USA, Canada has its own electronic travel authorization system known as the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). This authorization is required for visa-exempt foreign nationals who are traveling to Canada by air.

How to Apply for eTA for Canada?

If you plan to travel to Canada by air, you will need to apply for an eTA online. The process is relatively simple:

  1. Visit the Official eTA Website: Go to the official Canada eTA website (www.cic.gc.ca) to begin your application.
  2. Complete the Application: You will need to provide personal details, passport information, and travel plans.
  3. Pay the eTA Fee: The fee for applying for an eTA is $7 CAD.
  4. Submit and Wait for Approval: The eTA is usually approved within minutes, although it’s advised to apply at least a few days before your flight.
  5. Validity: An approved eTA is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Do You Need eTA for Canada and ESTA for the USA?

If you’re traveling to both Canada and the USA, you will need to apply for both eTA for Canada and ESTA for the USA. Since both countries have separate systems for entry, you will be required to complete two separate applications.

It’s important to note that the eTA for Canada applies only to air travel, so if you're driving, taking a bus, or traveling by other means to Canada, you won’t need an eTA. On the other hand, ESTA is required if you are traveling to the USA by air, sea, or land.

Applying for ESTA and eTA: Tips and Important Considerations

Here are some tips and things to keep in mind when applying for ESTA and eTA:

  • Plan Ahead: Always apply for your ESTA and eTA well in advance of your travel. While the approval processes are usually quick, it’s important to account for any unforeseen delays.
  • Valid Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of arrival in either the USA or Canada.
  • Separate Applications: Remember, ESTA and eTA are separate applications for different countries. You cannot use one authorization for both destinations.
  • Check Your Travel Dates: If you plan on traveling to both Canada and the USA, be sure to have both authorizations before booking your flights.

Can You Extend Your Stay with ESTA and eTA?

  • ESTA: An ESTA for the USA allows you to stay for up to 90 days in total during your visit. You cannot extend your ESTA stay beyond 90 days. If you want to stay longer, you will need to apply for a visa.
  • eTA: An eTA for Canada is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires. However, the length of your stay in Canada is determined by the border officer at the port of entry. Generally, you can stay up to six months, but the final decision is up to the officer.

Conclusion: ESTA for Canada and the USA

If you’re traveling to both Canada and the USA, you’ll need to apply for separate authorizations—ESTA for the USA and eTA for Canada. The ESTA is required for entry to the USA, while the eTA is needed for air travel to Canada.

Both applications are simple to complete online, but it’s important to apply well ahead of your travel dates to ensure everything is in order. Always check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your planned arrival.

Ready to Apply for Your ESTA and eTA?

Don’t leave your travel plans to the last minute. Make sure you have your ESTA for the USA and eTA for Canada sorted before your trip!

CLICK HERE to apply for ESTA and eTA online today!


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