An obligation for foreign travellers
The AVE (Autorisation de Voyage Électronique), also known as the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), is an official document required by the Canadian government for nationals of certain visa-exempt countries. Mandatory since 2016, this authorisation is linked electronically to your passport and is essential for boarding a flight to Canada.
It allows a short-term stay, generally up to six months, for reasons such as:
- Tourism: discovering Canada's natural and urban wonders;
- Business: attending meetings, conferences or professional events;
- Family or friendly visits.
In short, the EVA (eTA) is a quick and practical solution for travelling to Canada without the complex formalities of a visa.
AVE (eTA) Canada vs Visa Canada: what's the difference?
It is important not to confuse the AVE (eTA) and the Canada visa, as these documents meet different needs.
The AVE (eTA): designed for temporary stays (less than six months), it is intended for visa-exempt travellers from specific countries. The process is entirely online and fast.
The Canada visa: compulsory for long-term stays or for specific reasons such as working, studying or immigrating to Canada. It involves a longer application process and often requires an interview.
To find out if you are eligible for the AVE (eTA) or if you need to apply for a visa, use our practical guide at canada.e-visa.org.