The eTA Canada costs CAD $7 per application, making it one of the most affordable travel authorizations in the world. This flat government fee applies to all nationalities and is the only official charge for the eTA Canada program. Understanding the full fee structure helps you avoid overpaying through unofficial channels.
Official eTA Canada Government Fee
The Canadian government charges a single flat fee for all eTA applications:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| eTA application fee | CAD $7 | Per application, non-refundable |
| In USD (approximate) | ~USD $5.20 | Varies with exchange rate |
| In GBP (approximate) | ~GBP £4.10 | Varies with exchange rate |
| In EUR (approximate) | ~EUR €4.80 | Varies with exchange rate |
This fee is paid directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) during the online application process. There are no additional government fees, processing fees, or surcharges.
Third-Party Service Fees
Many unofficial websites offer eTA application services at inflated prices. These sites are not affiliated with the Canadian government and typically charge:
- USD $40-90 for basic application assistance
- USD $100-200 for “premium” or “rush” services
- USD $200+ for “guaranteed approval” packages
These third-party services add no value beyond what you can do yourself for CAD $7 on the official IRCC website. The eTA application is simple enough for anyone to complete in 10-15 minutes. Always use the official Government of Canada website to avoid unnecessary costs.
Payment Methods Accepted
The IRCC accepts the following payment methods for the CAD $7 eTA fee:
- Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express
- Debit cards: Visa Debit, Debit MasterCard (must have online payment capability)
- Prepaid cards: Visa or MasterCard branded prepaid cards
The payment is processed securely through the Government of Canada’s payment system. Your card will be charged in Canadian dollars (CAD), and your bank may apply a small foreign transaction fee depending on your card’s terms.
eTA Canada Fee for Different Nationalities
One of the advantages of the eTA program is that the fee is the same for all eligible nationalities. Whether you are applying from the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Germany, or any other visa-exempt country, the cost remains CAD $7. This differs from visitor visa fees, which can vary based on the type of visa and your nationality.
Refund Policy
The eTA application fee is non-refundable in most circumstances:
- Application approved: No refund (service delivered)
- Application refused: No refund (processing was completed)
- Application withdrawn: No refund (processing began upon submission)
- Duplicate application: No refund for accidental double submissions
- Technical error (government side): May be eligible for refund – contact IRCC
To avoid paying twice, ensure your application is complete and accurate before submitting. Check your internet connection and do not click the submit button multiple times.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
While the eTA itself costs only CAD $7, be aware of these potential additional expenses:
- Bank foreign transaction fees: Your bank may charge 1-3% for transactions in CAD. Use a no-foreign-transaction-fee card if possible.
- Third-party websites: Unofficial sites charge USD $40-200 for the same service you can get for CAD $7
- Travel insurance: Not required for eTA but recommended for Canada travel
- Biometrics (TRV only): If you need a visa instead of eTA, biometrics cost CAD $85
The eTA Canada program is intentionally affordable to encourage tourism and business travel. The CAD $7 fee has remained unchanged since the program’s introduction.
Comparing eTA Cost with Other Travel Authorizations
To put the eTA fee in perspective, here is how it compares to similar travel authorizations around the world:
| Country | Authorization | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | eTA | CAD $7 (~USD $5.20) |
| Australia | ETA | AUD $20 (~USD $13) |
| United States | ESTA | USD $21 |
| New Zealand | NZeTA | NZD $17-23 (~USD $10-14) |
| Sri Lanka | ETA | USD $35-50 |
| South Korea | K-ETA | KRW 10,000 (~USD $7.50) |
As this comparison shows, the eTA Canada is one of the most affordable electronic travel authorizations globally. The low cost makes it accessible to travelers from all backgrounds and budgets.
Cost for Families and Groups
Each traveler needs their own eTA, including children and infants. The total cost for a family depends on the number of travelers:
- Solo traveler: CAD $7
- Couple (2 adults): CAD $14
- Family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children): CAD $28
- Group of 10: CAD $70
There is no family discount or group rate for eTA applications. Each application is processed individually. Parents or legal guardians can submit applications on behalf of their children using the child’s passport information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does eTA Canada cost?
The official eTA Canada fee is CAD $7 (approximately USD $5.20 or GBP £4.10). This is the only fee charged by the Canadian government. No additional government charges apply.
Is the eTA fee the same for all nationalities?
Yes, the CAD $7 fee is a flat rate that applies to all eligible nationalities. There are no nationality-specific surcharges or discounts.
Can I pay the eTA fee in my local currency?
The fee is charged in Canadian dollars (CAD). Your bank will convert the amount to your local currency at the prevailing exchange rate. A small foreign transaction fee may apply depending on your card.
What if I am charged more than CAD $7?
If you were charged significantly more than CAD $7, you likely used an unofficial third-party website. The official Government of Canada eTA application costs exactly CAD $7. Contact your bank to dispute unauthorized charges and report the website to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Is the eTA fee refundable if my application is refused?
No, the CAD $7 fee is non-refundable even if your application is refused. The fee covers the cost of processing your application, which is completed regardless of the outcome.
Do children pay the same eTA fee?
Yes, the CAD $7 fee applies to all applicants, including children and infants. There are no reduced fees for minors or family applications. Each traveler needs their own eTA and their own fee payment.
