eTA to Canada from Italy: Application Procedure, Requirements and Processing Times

Travel to the “country of the maple leaf” for citizens of most European countries has become significantly easier after the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system. The electronic authorization is issued online and in 95% of cases is approved within a few minutes.

Visa Agency specialists assist with obtaining an eTA to Canada through Italy at all stages, carefully verifying the entered information and reducing the risk of refusal related to technical or application errors.

What Is eTA to Canada Intended For?

eTA to Canada is intended for short-term travel to the country for the purpose of:

• tourism;

• business visits (negotiations, conferences, meetings);

• transit through Canadian territory;

• short-term study (up to 6 months);

• visiting relatives.

It is important to understand that electronic authorization does not grant the right to employment in Canada. For work or long-term study, an appropriate permit or visa is required.

Who Can Apply for eTA to Canada in Italy?

Citizens of countries included in the visa-exempt list may apply for an eTA to Canada through Italy, provided that entry into the “country of the maple leaf” is carried out by air.

Main categories of nationalities eligible for eTA:

European countries:

• most EU countries (including Andorra, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland);

• United Kingdom;

• Switzerland.

American countries:

• Anguilla;

• Antigua and Barbuda;

• Bahamas;

• Barbados;

• Bermuda;

• British Virgin Islands;

• Cayman Islands;

• Chile;

• Mexico.

Asia-Pacific region:

• Australia;

• Brunei;

• Japan;

• New Zealand;

• Singapore;

• South Korea.

Special expanded list (2023–2026):

• Argentina;

• Brazil;

• Costa Rica;

• Morocco;

• Panama;

• Philippines;

• Saint Kitts and Nevis;

• Saint Lucia;

• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines;

• Seychelles;

• Thailand;

• Trinidad and Tobago;

• Uruguay.

It should also be noted that U.S. citizens do not require an eTA; however, holders of U.S. permanent resident status (Green Card) must obtain electronic authorization to enter Canada.

Also note that eTA applies exclusively to air travel: when entering by land or sea, this authorization is not required.

Stages of Applying for eTA to Canada through Italy

The eTA application procedure is fully electronic and includes the following stages:

1. Completion of the application form (personal data, passport, purpose of travel).

2. Answering security and immigration history questions.

3. Payment of the consular fee.

4. Receiving the decision by email.

When applying for an eTA to Canada from Italy, special attention is paid to the correct transliteration of the name, passport number, and answers regarding previous refusals and deportations. Even a single digit error may lead to cancellation of the authorization.

In complex cases (criminal record, previous visa refusals, change of surname), additional review may be required, which takes from 24 hours to several weeks.

What Documents Are Required to Apply for eTA to Canada in Italy?

To obtain an eTA to Canada from Italy, a minimal set of data is required, namely:

• a valid biometric passport;

• email address for notification;

• bank card for payment.

Scanned copies are usually not uploaded; however, all information must be entered strictly in accordance with the passport.

Cost, Validity, and Processing of eTA to Canada

The issuance of an eTA to Canada is subject to the following conditions:

1. Official government fee: 7 CAD.

2. Average processing time: from a few minutes up to 72 hours.

3. Validity period: up to 5 years or until passport expiration.

Embassy and Visa Center Addresses of Canada in Italy

In Italy, all matters related to visas and immigration to Canada are supervised by:

1. Embassy of Canada in Rome:
   
   

• Address: Via Zara 30, 00198 Rome, Italy;

• Phone: +39 06 85444 1;

• Email: [email protected].

2. Consulate of Canada in Milan:

• Address: Via Verziere, 11, 20122 Milano, Italy;

• Email: [email protected].

Important: for obtaining an eTA personal attendance is not required. Consular institutions deal exclusively with visa matters and complex immigration cases.

Main Reasons for Refusal

Although the refusal rate for eTA to Canada is low, refusals do occur. The most common reasons include:

1. errors in passport data;

2. non-compliance with visa-exempt criteria;

3. previous immigration violations;

4. criminal record;

5. suspicion of intent to seek illegal employment.

In case of refusal, reapplication is possible only after eliminating the cause or by applying for a tourist visa.

Why Should You Contact Us?

Visa Agency assists with obtaining an eTA to Canada from Italy in accordance with current Canadian immigration legislation. In particular, we:

• verify data accuracy before submission;

• analyze refusal risks;

• consult on complex cases;

• support the process until confirmation is received.

Practice shows that most refusals are related specifically to technical inaccuracies in the application form, and professional verification reduces such risks almost to zero.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to print the eTA before traveling?

No. The authorization is stored electronically and linked to the passport number. However, it is recommended to keep the confirmation letter.

What should be done if the passport is changed?

A new eTA must be obtained, as the authorization is linked to a specific document.

Can the stay in Canada under eTA be extended?

Extension is processed within Canada by submitting a separate request for change of status.

Is eTA required for children?

Yes, a separate authorization must be obtained for each traveler, regardless of age.