The Canada eTA for Irish Nationals

Updated on Mar 18, 2024 | Canada eTA

Citizens of Ireland are eligible to apply for the online Canada eTA program. Overseas travellers from Ireland applying for Canada eTA for Irish citizens must meet certain requirements to avail of the online eTA. The Canadian eTA allows qualified travellers to travel and access Canada multiple times without the traditional visitor visa.

The Canadian eTA is an online visa waiver that allows certain nationalities to enjoy the country visa-free. It is an electronic travel authorization, a digital visa waiver that grants access to the country. They have the privilege of enjoying fast and easy entry into the country using the eTA and avoiding the complex process of applying for the traditional visitor visa.

When was the Canada eTA for Irish Citizens Introduced?

The Canadian eTA became mandatory in the year 2016 by Canadian immigration, though it was initiated in the year 2012. The purpose of this new screening tool is to ensure the safety and security of the nation and the people.

Ireland was one of the launch members who could enjoy the new Canadian eTA program. The Canadian eTA is a multiple-entry online visa waiver that is electronically connected to the applicant’s passport. All Irish citizens, along with the other European Union members, must complete this eTA application before their departure. This allows them to enjoy easy and fast entry into the country.

Do Irish citizens need an eTA to Visit Canada?

Irish citizens do not require a visa if they plan to stay in Canada for less than six months. Travellers are required to apply for the online Canadian eTA to visit Canada and enjoy short trips without a visa.

The Canadian eTA for Irish citizens permits citizens into Canada for the following purposes –

  • Medical consultation
  • Tourism
  • Business trips
  • Visiting family members
  • Transiting through the Canadian airport

This Canadian eTA is meant only for those passengers arriving by air. If travellers plan to enter Canada by car, train, or cruise ship, then the eTA is optional. But these types of journeys require the travellers to produce authorized travel and identification documents like a valid Irish passport along with the approved visa.

The eTA is a requirement for Irish citizens, even if you are transiting through a Canadian airport to another destination. Irrespective of the purpose of the visit, getting an approved Canadian eTA visa waiver to enter the country is essential.

When do Irish Citizens Need a Visa to Visit Canada?

The Canada eTA for Irish citizens allows Irish travellers to stay for up to 6 consecutive months per visit for 5 years. But a Canadian visa might be more suitable than the Canadian eTA for travelers who plan to travel to Canada for the following purposes:

  • To stay longer than 180 days (6 months)
  • To move permanently to Canada
  • To work or to study

The process of visa is complex and quite long; hence, make sure to plan well in advance to avoid any delays.

Canada eTA Application for Irish Citizens

Toapply for Canada eTA for Irish citizens, you need to complete a simple online application form;follow the process:

  • Fill out the online application along with your travel details
  • Upload the necessary documents in electronic format
  • Submit the online Canada eTA for Irish citizens application form
  • Pay the Canada eTA using a credit or debit card
  • Wait for the approval of Canada eTA for Irish citizens to be sent to your registered email address

The Canada eTA for Irish citizens online application form requires the overseas traveller to enter and submit the following details. It includes the applicant’s personal information, travel details, contact details, and information regarding the passport.

  • Name of the applicant as mentioned in their Irish passport
  • Date of birth
  • Gender
  • Nationality
  • Marital status
  • Employment details
  • Travel information

The applicant must enter the correct details regarding their Irish passport in the online Canada eTA application form.

  • Irish Passport serial number
  • Date of issue
  • Date of expiry

The applicants are also asked to answer certain questions regarding medical conditions along with their criminal history. The applicants are only provided with the Canadian eTA if the information is accurate.

Tip: Double-check all your answers, as inconsistencies in the application may lead to rejection or unnecessary delays.

How to get the Canadian eTA from Ireland?

Irish travellers who wish to apply for Canadian eTA need not visit the Canadian embassy or consulate in person. The Canadian eTA is completely an online process and is extremely easy. It will take only a few minutes. Ensure that you have a proper internet connection, and you can apply through any of the following:

  • Desktop
  • Tablet
  • Mobile/ cellphone

The authorization can be obtained quickly. It will be sent to the applicant’s registered email address, as mentioned in the eTA application form.

When Should Irish Citizens Apply for Canada eTA?

All Irish citizens with passports should apply for the Canada eTA at least 72 hours (3 days) before their departure date. Remember that you need to give the authorities the necessary time to process the application and issue an eTA.

Tip: It is always advised to read the guide on the eTA application.

Canadian eTA requires applicants from Ireland to be full Irish citizens. Applicants with different passports or travel documents with different statuses are required to apply for a traditional Canadian visitor visa instead of the Canadian eTA.

What if an Irish Citizen needs to Travel to Canada Immediately?

Irish citizens who must travel on short notice are provided with a fast-track Canada eTA service option which guarantees that the applicant’s Canada eTA form be processed within 60 minutes of application.

Make sure to use the express option in the online Canadian eTA application form while paying the eTA fee. This ‘Urgent guaranteed processing in less than 1 hour’ is considered the best option for those who need to travel to Canada in less than 24 hours.

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How Long Does It Take to Receive the Canadian eTA?

The eTA application of Irish citizens is normally processed and approved within 15-30 minutes of applying, and the approved eTA is sent to the registered email address of the applicant in the form of a PDF document. In rare cases, it may take 1 to 3 business days if there is an inconsistency in the traveller’s application form.

Tip: Ensure that there are no mistakes to avoid delays.

Is a hard copy of the Canadian eTA required?

The Canadian eTA is electronically linked to the traveller’s Irish passport. Hence, it is unnecessary to print or produce a hard copy of the approved Canadian eTA at the airport or the border to the immigration officers.

eTA Requirements for Irish Citizens Traveling to Canada

Irish citizens are required to meet several criteria to receive the Canadian eTA without any hassle.

To apply for Canadian eTA, all Irish nationalities are required to present the following

  • A valid passport from Ireland
  • A credit or debit card to pay the Canadian eTA fee
  • A registered email address to receive the eTA

The Canadian eTA is digitally connected to the traveller’s Irish passport. Hence, it would be best to produce the passport you used to apply for the Canada eTA at every checking point, especially at the Canadian border. It cannot be changed or transferred at any point.

You can cross the border only if you have valid travel authorization.

What are the Benefits of the Canada eTA for Irish Citizens?

The Canada eTA provides many benefits for the Irish people. Some of them are

  • A simple, easy, and quick online application process
  • Five years of validity or until the associated Irish passport expires
  • Multiple visits allowed without a visa
  • Stay up to 6 consecutive months (180 days) per visit
  • No necessity to visit the embassy or the consulate

Advice for Irish Citizens Traveling to Canada with the eTA

  • It is important that you submit your online Canadian eTA for Irish citizens application form 72 hours prior to your departure date.
  • It is always recommended to have at least 6 months of validity in the passport while you apply for the Canada eTA.
  • The Canadian eTA for Irish citizens is electronically connected to your Irish e-passport, which is machine-readable.
  • The approved Canadian eTA is valid for five years or until the Irish passport expires, whichever happens first.
  • On approval, Irish citizens with valid Canadian eTA are allowed to enter Canada and can stay up to 6 months for every visit.
  • It is recommended to have your authorized travel documents like your approved eTA, your Irish passport, or your authorized travel visa with you all the time.

Places in Canada for Tourists: Vacation Bucket List 2024

Banff

The Banff National Park, located in this little mountain town in Alberta, is famous for its hiking paths.

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park, the largest park located in the Canadian Rockies, is famous for whitewater rafting in the Athabasca River

Vancouver

Vancouver, a cosmopolitan city in Canada, is famous for the Cyprus Mountain Ski Area, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, the Stanley Wall, and the Seawall.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the world's majestic waterfalls. It is referred as the Eighth Wonder of the World by many.

Whitehorse

Whitehorse is a fascinating town in the Yukon to visit. Yukon is famous for its Yukon Wildlife Preserve, where several unique animals are housed.

Quebec City

Quebec is universally called one of the most stunning cities in Canada which has historic buidings representing the history of Quebec. It is also identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Whistler

This well-known ski resort in British Columbia provides bungee jumping, snowboarding, and skiing.

Prince Edward Island

If you're searching for an adventure in Canada, Prince Edward Island is the place to be! It is famous as Canada's adventurous tourist attraction, with soft-sand seashores and red sandstone cliffs.

FAQs about Canadian eTA for Irish Citizens

What if I need to correct the eTA form?

If the applicant commits a mistake in the online Canadian eTA application form, or if the wrong information is submitted, then the application form will be considered invalid, and you will be denied to travel with the Canada eTA. You must apply for a new Canadian eTA.

You will obtain Canadian eTA only if your details are correct and consistent. You can also not change or update any details once your eTA has been processed or approved.

How long can an Irish citizen stay in Canada with an eTA?

Though the length of time varies according to the situation, the majority of Irish passport holders with an approved eTA can stay in Canada for a maximum of 6 months or 180 days at a time for business or leisure purposes.

Irish people with valid eTA are allowed to visit Canada multiple times. But if you want to stay longer, you must obtain a visa depending upon the purpose of your trip.

When is Canada eTA not required for an Irish traveller?

The Canada eTA for Irish citizens is not required if an Irish traveller plans to move to or work in Canada. Also, all Irish nationals who already have a Canadian visitor visa, Canadian citizenship, or permanent resident status in Canada need not apply for an eTA.

If you wish to stay more than 6 months, then you need not apply for the Canada eTA but for the Canadian visa.

How old must one be to apply for the Canada eTA for Irish citizens?

One must be older than 18 at the time of application. If the eTA is for children, a parent or a legal guardian must fill out and submit the forms on behalf of the minors.

The representative of the child must also provide some basic information.

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Canada eTA from Ireland