eTA for Australian and New Zealand World Cup fans: your 2026 Canada entry guide
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will bring fans from Australia and New Zealand to Canadian host cities like Toronto and Vancouver. If you're flying in, you'll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Even though Australia and New Zealand are generally visa-exempt, the eTA is a required pre-travel check for most air arrivals. This guide explains what an eTA is and how to get one, helping you prepare for the tournament. Canada's immigration authorities continue to require this system for air travellers, a policy that extends to 2026.
Understanding the eTA: What it is and who needs it
An eTA is an electronic travel document for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to Canada. It's not a visa, but a digital authorization linked to your passport. Canadian authorities use the eTA to screen air travellers before they board their flight, which helps improve border security.
Citizens from visa-exempt countries, including Australia and New Zealand, generally need an eTA to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport. If you arrive by land or sea, an eTA isn't required, but you'll still need proof of legal entry. This difference matters if you're exploring various travel methods, though most international World Cup fans will arrive by air.
Citizens of countries that need a visitor visa (also called a Temporary Resident Visa, or TRV) for Canada must apply for that