Netherlands and Croatia Fans: Getting an eTA to Fly to Canada for the 2026 World Cup
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws closer, soccer fans from every corner of the globe are making plans to visit Canada, Mexico, and the United States. For supporters traveling from the Netherlands and Croatia, understanding Canada's entry requirements is a necessary first step. While citizens of both countries are generally considered visa-exempt for short visits, air travel to Canada requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This guide helps Dutch and Croatian fans navigate the eTA process, aiming for a smooth journey to the Canadian host cities of Toronto and Vancouver.
Check your travel document needs for Canada
Canada maintains specific rules about who needs an eTA versus a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter the country. Generally, foreign nationals from countries that do not require a visa need an eTA if they are flying to Canada. However, this eTA requirement does not apply if they enter by land or sea. Conversely, citizens from countries that do require a visa must apply for a TRV, regardless of their method of arrival.
The Netherlands has been on Canada's list of visa-exempt countries for many years, reflecting a long-standing diplomatic relationship and low immigration risk. Croatia, on the other hand, was more recently added to this list. This change means that Croatian citizens, much like their Dutch counterparts, no longer need a full visitor visa for short stays. However, it's crucial to remember that the eTA requirement for air travel still applies to both nationalities. This distinction is important because while the visa exemption simplifies the process, it doesn't remove all pre-travel authorizations for air passengers.
It's always smart for any traveler to confirm their specific requirements. The official "Find out if you need a visa" tool on the Government of Canada website offers the most reliable and up-to-date information. By entering your nationality, the type of travel document you hold, and your method of arrival, the tool will clarify exactly what you need before you book flights or make other travel arrangements. Relying on this official resource can prevent costly misunderstandings or delays at the airport.
What an eTA is and who needs one
An eTA is an electronic travel document that most visa-exempt foreign nationals must obtain to fly to or transit through Canada. It's a digital authorization, not a physical document, and it's electronically linked to your passport. Once approved, an eTA is typically valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This means an approved eTA allows for multiple entries into Canada for short stays—usually up to six months at a time—for purposes like tourism, visiting family, or business.
For supporters from the Netherlands and Croatia flying to Canada for the 2026 World Cup, an eTA is not just recommended; it's mandatory. This also applies to individuals who might only be transiting through a Canadian airport on their way to another destination. Even if you're not planning to leave the airport, the eTA is a prerequisite for boarding your flight to Canada.
There are a few important exceptions to the eTA requirement:
- Canadian citizens cannot apply for an eTA. This includes dual citizens, who must enter Canada with a valid Canadian passport. Attempting to apply for an eTA with a non-Canadian passport if you are a Canadian citizen will result in the application being refused.
- Canadian permanent residents are also ineligible for an eTA. They must travel with a valid permanent resident card or a permanent resident travel document.
- United States citizens are exempt from the eTA requirement. They only need a valid U.S. passport to enter Canada by air, land, or sea.
- Travelers arriving by land or sea generally do not need an eTA. This rule is specific to air travel, a point we'll discuss further in a later section.
Understanding these distinctions is essential to avoid problems at the airport check-in counter or upon arrival in Canada. Many fans from other visa-exempt countries, such as those from Japan, France and Germany, and the United Kingdom, will follow this same eTA process.
How to apply for your Canada eTA online
The application for a Canada eTA is designed to be a straightforward and quick online process. Most applicants receive approval within minutes of submitting their information, which is convenient for last-minute travel plans. However, it's always recommended to apply well in advance of any planned travel, especially for a major event like the World Cup. This foresight allows for potential unexpected delays, such as requests for additional information from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), or technical issues. Applying early is a key piece of advice for any fan heading to the World Cup, as detailed in our guide on how to apply for a Canada eTA in time for the 2026 World Cup.
To complete the application, you will need a few key items readily available:
- A valid passport from a visa-exempt country, like the Netherlands or Croatia. This passport must be the one you intend to use for your travel to Canada.
- A credit or debit card to pay the small, non-refundable application fee. The fee is minimal, so be wary of sites charging significantly more.
- An email address where you can receive communications and the eTA confirmation. This email should be one you check regularly.
The online application form will ask for basic personal details (like your name, date of birth, and address), your passport information (passport number, issue date, expiry date), and some background questions related to health and security. It is absolutely crucial to accurately enter all information, particularly your passport details. Even a minor discrepancy, such as a typo in your passport number or an incorrect date, could lead to issues when checking in for your flight or upon arrival in Canada, potentially delaying or even preventing your travel.
The official application portal is found on the Canada.ca eTA page. It's important to use this official government website. Be wary of unofficial websites that often charge excessive fees or claim to offer faster processing. These are frequently scams or third-party agencies that simply submit your application through the official channel at a much higher cost, without providing any real advantage.
Once your eTA is approved, it is electronically linked to the passport you used in the application. There is no physical document to print or carry, though keeping a copy of the approval email for your records is a good idea. This email serves as proof of your eTA status and contains your eTA number.
Passport validity and its connection to your eTA
Your eTA is directly tied to the passport you used when you applied for it. This has two significant implications for Dutch and Croatian fans planning their World Cup trip to Canada.
First, your passport must remain valid for the entire duration of your planned stay in Canada. While an eTA itself can be valid for up to five years, its validity is always capped by the expiry date of the passport to which it is linked. If your passport expires before the five-year mark, your eTA also effectively expires on the same date. For instance, if you get an eTA today with a passport expiring in three years, your eTA will only be valid for three years, not five. If you plan a longer trip, ensure your passport has ample validity.
Second, if you obtain a new passport for any reason—whether it's a renewal because of expiry, or due to loss, theft, or damage—the previously issued eTA becomes invalid. This is a common oversight for applicants who renew their passports between getting an eTA and their travel date. In such cases, a new eTA application must be submitted with the details of your new passport. Always ensure the passport you present at check-in for your flight to Canada is the exact same one you used for your eTA application. Border officials and airline staff will verify this link, and any mismatch will cause significant issues.
It's a good habit to check your passport's expiry date well in advance of your World Cup travel plans. If it's due to expire within a year or so, you might consider renewing it before applying for your eTA. This way, you maximize the eTA's validity period, potentially covering multiple future trips to Canada, and avoid any last-minute complications that could arise from a passport renewal close to your travel date.
eTA for air travel only: What about land or sea entry?
A frequent source of confusion for international travelers is whether an eTA is required for all methods of entry into Canada. The rule is quite specific: an eTA is only required if a visa-exempt foreign national is flying to Canada. The reason for this distinction is that air travel allows for pre-screening of passengers before they even board their flight, enhancing border security.
This means that if a Dutch or Croatian fan were to enter Canada by land—for example, by driving across the border from the United States—or by sea, such as on a cruise ship, an eTA would not be required. In these scenarios, a valid passport is typically sufficient for entry, along with any other standard travel documents. This distinction is particularly relevant for fans who might be attending World Cup matches in both the U.S. and Canada and plan to travel between the two countries by car, bus, or train. Our guide on whether you need an eTA to drive into Canada for World Cup 2026 offers more details on this specific scenario, highlighting that while the eTA isn't needed, other considerations for land entry still apply.
However, it's crucial to understand that even if you arrive by land or sea and don't need an eTA, border officers still have the authority to assess your admissibility. This assessment includes factors like the purpose of your visit (is it genuinely for tourism or to attend the World Cup?), your financial means to support your stay (do you have enough money to cover your expenses?), and your intent to leave Canada at the end of your authorized period (do you have a return ticket or onward travel plans?). Be prepared to answer these questions truthfully and provide any requested documentation.
Planning your World Cup journey to Toronto and Vancouver
Canada is enthusiastic about hosting portions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with matches scheduled for two distinct and dynamic cities: Toronto and Vancouver. Both cities offer a unique Canadian experience. Toronto, as Canada's largest city, is a bustling metropolis known for its incredible cultural diversity, world-class dining, and iconic landmarks like the CN Tower and the historic Distillery District. Vancouver, on the other hand, captivates visitors with its breathtaking natural setting, nestled between mountains and the Pacific Ocean, offering outdoor adventures alongside a sophisticated urban core, perhaps a stroll through Stanley Park or a visit to Granville Island.
Fans should definitely plan their accommodation and transportation well in advance. Demand will be exceptionally high across both cities, making early bookings not just a recommendation but a necessity to secure good options and avoid inflated prices. Beyond the matches themselves, Canada offers a wide array of activities and sights to explore. Remember that an eTA allows for stays of up to six months, providing ample time to immerse yourself in the local culture and explore beyond the stadiums. For those considering a longer stay, options exist to extend your stay in Canada by applying for a visitor record before your initial authorized period expires. From my perspective, a visit to Canada for the World Cup is a fantastic opportunity, but it absolutely requires careful planning to make the most of it.
Making sure all your travel documents, especially your eTA, are in order is a fundamental step toward enjoying your World Cup experience in Canada. Always refer to official government sources for the most current information and requirements.
Official current rules are at canada.ca/immigration; this guide is independent reference content.