Electronic travel authorisation for certain countries

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The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an electronic document for travellers visiting or transiting through certain countries that have introduced the ETA.

An electronic travel authorisation is required in the following cases:

  • For persons who are not citizens of the countries concerned,
  • For persons coming from a country that is exempt from visa requirements for the countries concerned.

This electronic document is a security that allows the authorities of the countries concerned to verify travellers' information before entry.

Hereafter, a non-exhaustive list of countries having introduced the ETA:

Visa-free travel to the United States (ESTA system)

Since 12 January 2009, all travellers qualifying for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are required to obtain travel authorisation before travelling to the United States by air or sea.

Important notice: Changes to the Visa Waiver Program since 21 January 2016

Applying for a travel authorization to enter the United States

Travellers must log register on the ESTA website (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) and complete the application form online in English. The application for a travel authorisation should be submitted in good time. The online system requires applicants to identify themselves and answer questions about entry requirements into the United States, similar to Form I-94W..

The application can be submitted at any time prior to travel. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), however, recommends completing this formality a minimum of 72 hours prior to departure.

In most cases the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) provides an almost immediate response.

ESTA – Decision options

  • Authorisation granted: travel is authorised.
  • Travel not authorised: the traveller must apply for a temporary visa at the consular services of a US ambassy before travelling to the USA.
  • Authorisation pending: the traveller can check the status of his application on the ESTA website. A final response will be available within 72 hours.

This authorisation is valid for two years from the date of issue, unless cancelled earlier, or until the expiry date of the passport, if this is earlier.

The travel authorisation is valid for multiple entries. The applicant can easily update the authorisation previously granted on the "ESTA” website for subsequent trips, or in the event that the itinerary or destination address changes.

CAUTION: The ESTA travel authorisation does not guarantee entry to the USA at border control. It only authorises travel to the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme with an airline or shipping company.

The ESTA system is designed to increase the security of travellers entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. It aims to maintain the program and expand participation.

Travellers with a valid visa may continue to travel to the United States under this visa, if consistent with the purpose of their intended stay. They do not need to apply for an ESTA authorisation.

Tax

All ESTA applications and renewals are subject to a tax (payable by debit or credit card).

Visa-free travel to Canada (ETA required)

As of 15 March 2016, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) became a mandatory entry requirement for visa-exempt travellers travelling to Canada by air. Canada has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for travellers with a visa waiver entering or transiting through Canada by air. Travellers entering by land or sea do not require an ETA.

With effect from 15 March 2016, citizens of visa waiver countries, apart from the United States, will have to obtain an ETA before travelling to Canada by air, or transiting through it.

Travellers can apply for an ETA at www.canada.ca/ave. Travellers should not book their flight to Canada until they have received the ETA. Requesting an ETA is an online process subject to payment of a tax. To apply, you only need a passport, a credit card, an email address and internet access.

In most cases, the eTA is granted within minutes of submitting the application. The ETA is electronically linked to the passport and is valid for 5 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. For more information, including how to apply, visit www.canada.ca/ave. There you will find a short video and a list of questions and answers.

Visa-free travel to Australia (ETA required)

Travellers wishing to visit Australia can apply for an eTA at https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/visa/appl/electronic-travel-authority. Travellers should wait for their ETA before booking their flight to Australia.

The ETA application is an online process subject to payment of a tax. To apply, you only need a passport, a credit card, an email address and internet access.