The passport requirements for the Canada eTA offer flexibility to applicants. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires applicants to hold one of the following types of passports when submitting an eTA application form.

Ordinary / Regular Passport – This refers to a passport that was issued to a citizen of a foreign country for occasional trips, e.g. business trips and vacations.

Diplomatic Passport – This is a passport that was issued to someone who is a diplomat, or a high-ranking government official, delegate or representative of a foreign government.

Official Passport – This type of passport is typically issued to citizens of a foreign country who are visiting Canada on official government business. A good example is a non-diplomatic government official. The front cover of such an person’s passport should clearly state ‘official’.

Service Passport – This type of passport is typically issued to citizens of a foreign country who are visiting Canada on official government business. An example includes non-diplomatic government officials. The front cover of such an individual’s passport should clearly state ‘service’.

Emergency/temporary travel document – A passport or travel document that is issued to individuals in an urgent situation where issuing a temporary passport is not feasible. This type of document is typically only valid for a relatively short time.

Refugee travel document – A government normally issues this type of travel document to non-citizens who enjoy protected-person status. Examples include individuals in need of protection and Convention refugees. Note: You cannot apply for an eTA with this document. You will most likely require a visa or another kind of travel document if you want to travel to Canada.

Alien passport/travel document issued to non-citizens – A travel document countries often issue to non-citizens who either live temporarily or permanently in that country, yet they don’t enjoy citizen status. Note: This document cannot be used to apply for an eTA. You will most likely require a visa or another kind of travel document if you want to travel to Canada.

Permit to re-enter the United States (I-327) – The US Citizenship and Immigration Services typically issues this type of travel document to lawful permanent residents so they can return to the US after a journey abroad without having to apply for a returned resident visa.

United States refugee travel document (I-571) – The US Citizenship and Immigration Services typically issues this type of travel document to non-citizens who have been given asylum or who have been recognized as refugees. Individuals who hold an I-571 are able to apply for a Canadian eTA only if they have lawful permanent residency status in the United States.

Where can I find which country issued my passport?

On the form, you will need to enter the country where your passport was issued. Choose the country code that corresponds with the one printed in your passport. You will find this 3-letter code on the information page of your passport. Look for a field with one of the following names: “Issuing country”, “Code”, or “Authority”.

What is the nationality noted on my passport?

You will find the right option to select on your passport information page, under the “Nationality field.

Are there any special passport requirements?

The following section contains a few notes for Israeli, Taiwanese and Romanian passport holders.

• For nationals of Israel only. Individuals who carry an Israeli passport is allowed to apply for an eTA. Before continuing with the eTA application, however, they should first answer a number of additional questions to determine whether they are eligible or not.
• For Taiwanese travellers only. Individuals who have a passport that was issued by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs are allowed to apply for a Canadian eTA. Before proceeding with the rest of the eTA application, however, they will have to answer a number of additional questions to determine whether they are eligible or not. Individuals who are traveling on a passport issued by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have to enter their personal identification number exactly as it is shown on their passport.
• For Romanian Travellers only. Individuals who are traveling with a Romanian electronic passport are allowed to apply for a Canadian eTA. Those who have been issued a non-electronic passport, e.g. a temporary passport, will have to get a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa) if they want to transit through or travel to Canada. Before proceeding with the rest of the eTA application, they have to answer a few additional questions to determine whether they are eligible or not.

What if I am travelling to Canada as a Permanent Resident of the United States?

You will be required to complete a section on the eTA form regarding your LPR (Lawful permanent resident of the United States). If you are not a US Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), ignore these questions and go on to the next page to proceed with your eTA application.

If you are an LPR, you will be prompted to provide your Green Card Number or Alien Documentation Identification and Telecommunications System (ADIT) Stamp Number. Enter the number exactly as it appears on your ADIT stamp or Green Card (permanent residents card). This number often starts with an “A”. Leave out the A and just enter the relevant numbers.

You will not be able to apply with an expired ADIT stamp or Green Card. If your stamp or card has expired, you will most likely require a visa to enter Canada. Even if you are in possession of valid eTA, but your ADIT stamp or Green Card has expired, you also not be permitted to enter Canada.