Are you under 18 and want to visit Canada? Than you will need a visa or eTA Canada, depending (among other things) on our travel purpose. Read this article to find out what additional documents you might need and what travel authorisation you should apply for.

Travel documents for underaged travellers

Even if you are underaged, you will need a valid passport and a valid visa or eTA to travel to Canada. If you meet the eTA requirements, it is advisable to apply for this travel authorisation. In fact, the eTA Canada is cheaper and easier to apply for than a visa. This travel authorisation allows you to visit Canada for a vacation, tour or study trip.

The eTA is generally granted within 3 days, or 45 minutes if requested with urgency. The eTA is valid for 5 years and allows you to travel to Canada multiple times during this period. Each stay may last up to 6 months. If you apply for an eTA via e-Visa.ie, you can make use of the online form in English. Your application will be manually checked for frequently made errors. This will reduce the chance of your applications being rejected due to incorrect data.
eTA Canada application

Travelling to Canada to study or for an internship

Are you travelling to Canada to study? If your stay does not exceed 6 consecutive months, the eTA should be sufficient. If you intend to stay longer than 6 months in total, the eTA will not be sufficient and you will need a study permit. If your study permit application is approved, you automatically receive an eTA (if you meet the requirements) or a visa (if you don't meet the eTA requirements). The advantage of a study permit is that you can work on and off your campus during your studies. You may not work in Canada with an eTA.

Are you travelling to Canada for an internship? Then the eTA won't be sufficient, and you will need a work permit. In this case too, you will receive an eTA or visa when your work permit is granted. For further information, read the article about internships in Canada and the necessary work permit.

Additional documents if you are travelling alone

You always need a valid passport and a valid eTA or visa to travel to Canada. The passport must stay valid throughout your stay in Canada. If you are underaged, you also need a copy of your birth certificate and a letter of consent from your parents (or legal guardians). The letter must be signed by your parents (or guardians) and they must explicitly allow you to travel and stay in Canada on your own. The letter:

• must be written in English or French;
• must be signed by both your parents or guardians;
• must include the address and the telephone number(s) of your parent(s) or guardian(s);
• must include the name, address and telephone number of the adult supervising you in Canada.

If you travel to Canada at the request of someone, like a friend or family member, you might also be asked for an invitation letter in addition to an eTA or visa and the above documents. If you intend to study or do an internship in Canada, you culd be asked for an admission letter from your educational institution or an internship agreement from the internship company.

If you are traveling with an adult(s) as a minor

If you are traveling to Canada with your parents, foster parents or other adults as a minor, additional documents may be required to check at the airport. Read more about this in the news article about the documents to travel to Canada as an adult with children.

Please note: this news article about the eTA for Canada is more than one year old. It might contain outdated information and advice, and no rights can therefore be derived from this article. Are you going on a trip soon and do you wish to do know what rules currently apply? Read all about the up-to-date information about the eTA for Canada.