To apply for an eTA for Canada, you simply need to fill out a digital application form. You do not need to submit a photo or any other type of document. However, this procedure may change in the future. The Canadian government is considering that biometric data will need to be submitted in order to apply for an eTA.
Other countries require the submission of documents
Most countries offering an e-visa or other type of electronic travel authorisation, such as the ETA or ESTA, require passengers to submit a passport photo or scan in order to apply. This is the case of the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and India, for example. Since 2022, the USA requires travellers to submit a passport scan when applying for an ESTA. Since recently, the American authorities also asks applicants to submit a selfie or a passport scan.
The eTA for Canada is one of the few digital travel authorisations which does not require the uploading of documents. The eTA application form can be filled-in in minutes. Once payment has been made, the eTA is usually approved within an average of 3 days. Canadian immigration services are considering adding an additional step to the application process. In the future, travellers might be required to submit biometric data, such as a passport photo or a copy of their passport.
Part of the Forward Regulatory Plan
The proposal to request biometric data for eTA applications lies within the framework of the Canadian immigration services's Forward Regulatory Plan. This plan includes initiatives and bills for the next two years. With this new requirement, Canadian authorities would be able to better screen who enters the country and thus combat identity fraud more effectively. This would also mean that the eTA application process would be aligned with similar procedures in other countries.
Debate on the new measure
The requirement to submit documents for the ETA application is not firm. Although the Canadian government's project includes other ways to screen travellers, opponents believe that this measure has its drawbacks. Collecting biometric data from travellers would entail higher costs for immigration services, which travellers would probably have to pay. This could increase the price of the ETA.
Opponents to this measure claim that its introduction could have serious consequences for tourism in Canada. If the eTA application becomes more expensive and complicated, travellers could choose other destinations instead. Thus, the proposal would not only have repercussions for international travellers wishing to visit Canada, but also for stakeholders in Canada, such as the tourism sector. Supporters of the proposal argue that it would have little impact on the eTA application process.
Biometric data for Canadian visas
In many cases, those who wish to apply for a visa for Canada already need to submit biometric data. Travellers who are not eligible for the Canada eTA and need a work or study permit can make an appointment at a Visa Application Centre, where they have their ID photos taken and their fingerprints recorded.
It is unlikely that in the future it will be necessary to make an appointment at a Visa Application Centre in order to apply for an eTA Canada. Most probably, eTA applications will continue to be submitted online. The only change to the application process that can be expected is the probable submission of identity photos and passport scans.