Canada eTA after a new passport: what to check before flying

A Canada eTA stays linked to the passport used in the application. Travellers who renew or replace that passport must apply for a new electronic travel authorisation before flying to Canada, according to IRCC’s passport guidance. This is a standing requirement in force, and the application service is open.

At a glance

• When to act: after obtaining the replacement passport, before travelling; IRCC recommends securing an eTA before booking a flight.
• Cost: CAN$7 per application, non-refundable.
• Who needs it: eligible foreign travellers flying to, or transiting through, Canada. Nationality, immigration status and travel method determine the document required.
• Official service: use the travel document checker before opening the eTA application form.
• Last checked: 27 October 2026.

Why a new passport needs a new Canada eTA

An eTA can remain valid for up to five years, but passport expiry cuts that period short. The electronic link belongs to the particular passport, rather than following its holder to a replacement document. IRCC explains this on its eTA process page.

For someone renewing a passport between trips, the practical task is therefore a fresh application using the new document. Keeping an old approval email cannot substitute for obtaining authorisation linked to the passport being presented for travel.

Check your eligibility before paying

Under IRCC’s eTA eligibility rules, visa-exempt foreign nationals generally need an eTA when flying to Canada or transiting through a Canadian airport. Travelling by land or sea can produce a different result, so use the checker for the actual journey.

Canadian permanent residents need a valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document instead. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, generally need a Canadian passport; Canadian-American dual citizens can travel with either passport. US citizens and US lawful permanent residents are exempt from the eTA requirement, with their own document requirements.

A separate conditional eligibility route covers specified visa-required nationalities. Applicants must also have held a Canadian visitor visa within the past 10 years or hold a valid US non-immigrant visa when applying, and meet the temporary-stay and air-travel conditions. Those travellers still need a visitor visa for arrival by car, bus, train or boat, including a cruise ship.

Prepare the form and check the passport details

Have the replacement passport, an email address and an accepted payment card ready. IRCC’s application instructions say the form cannot be saved and the CAN$7 fee is paid after completing it.

The passport entry instructions explain how to select the issuing country and enter the passport number. Check letters against numbers carefully, particularly O and 0, and I and 1. Follow the instructions for the passport’s issuing country.

Applications and payments are handled one person at a time. IRCC’s application reminders also tell applicants to print the payment receipt immediately because it cannot be retrieved later. An eTA alone does not authorise employment or study; most people need the relevant permit.

Temporary restrictions can override an approval

IRCC’s temporary Ebola measures currently run until 23:59:59 Eastern Time on 27 November 2026. They suspend immigration documents for affected foreign nationals whose application listed the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan or Uganda as their last country of residence. The measures depend on residence, rather than citizenship.

IRCC also says foreign nationals who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo within the previous 21 days cannot board a flight to Canada. Anyone affected should read the official measures and exemption instructions before making travel arrangements.

For the separate packing checks, see CrispNG’s Canada customs guide.

What to do next

1. Confirm the document required. Answer the travel document checker using your nationality, status and journey.
2. Apply using the replacement passport. Read the passport entry instructions, then use the government’s eTA application form. Complete a separate application for each traveller who needs one.
3. Follow the email instructions. Check the inbox and junk folder, then use the eTA status checker if you need to review the application or authorisation.
4. Compare the approval with the passport. Follow IRCC’s after-application instructions. If the passport number in the approval email differs, apply again with the correct number.

What we don’t know yet

The processing time for an individual replacement application cannot be predicted. IRCC says most applicants receive an email within minutes, while some requests need several days. Its reference to an email within 72 hours concerns instructions on the next steps for longer cases, rather than a promise of approval within that period.

Before you check in

Compare the approval email with the passport you will carry. Airline staff scan that passport to confirm the electronic authorisation; IRCC warns that a fresh approval may be impossible to obtain at the last minute.

Sources

• IRCC: new passport guidance and eTA process overview.
• IRCC: general eligibility rules and conditional nationality route.
• IRCC: application instructions, application reminders and passport entry instructions.
• IRCC: after-application guidance and temporary Ebola measures.