Compare
U.S. ESTA vs Canada eTA
Two electronic travel authorisations for eligible visitors — similar idea, different governments, rules, and eligibility lists.
What it is
Electronic System for Travel Authorization under the Visa Waiver Program
Electronic Travel Authorization for eligible air travellers
Who it is for
Eligible VWP nationalities flying/cruising under VWP rules
Eligible visa-exempt nationalities (air); other cases may differ
Not a visa
Authorisation to request entry — CBP still decides at the border
Authorisation linked to your passport — CBSA still decides at entry
If you are not eligible
You may need a B-1/B-2 or other visa
You may need a visitor visa (TRV) or another status
Purpose limits
Visit themes under VWP — not a work or study permit
Visitor themes for eligible travellers — not a work or study permit
Best first check here
Official ESTA site + Entryora visa checker for a curated first pass
Official IRCC eTA page + Entryora visa checker for a curated first pass
Same family of product, different eligibility lists
Electronic travel authorisations sit between “visa-free paperwork” and a full visitor visa. The United States runs ESTA for eligible Visa Waiver Program nationalities under CBP rules. Canada runs eTA for many visa-exempt air travellers under IRCC rules. Sharing a similar acronym pattern does not mean the same passport list, fee, validity, or ground-of-inadmissibility themes. Always check the destination you will enter first.
Research order Entryora recommends
- Confirm which passport you will present (dual nationals: one document at a time)
- Check official ESTA or eTA eligibility for that nationality and travel mode
- Run the visa checker for a curated label on published pairs
- If you are not eligible, open visitor-visa starters — do not force an ETA product
What approval does not buy you
An approved ESTA or eTA does not authorise employment, full-time study, or permanent residence. Border officers can still refuse entry. Airlines can still deny boarding if documents look incomplete. Transit through a third country can add separate rules that never appear on the ESTA or eTA form.
Related reading on Entryora
The passport, visa, and ETA guide explains vocabulary across U.S., Canadian, UK, and Schengen-style products. Program pages for U.S. ESTA and Canada visitor themes link outward to official apply flows. When esta.cbp.dhs.gov or canada.ca disagrees with this comparison, keep the official page.