The Canadian government is considering a significant update to its Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system for visa-exempt travelers. According to the Forward Regulatory Plan (2025–2027), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is proposing to incorporate biometric elements into the existing eTA process.
If approved, travelers from visa-exempt countries who are accustomed to completing a $5.06 eTA application with just passport details may soon need to upload a passport scan and a facial photograph during the online process.
Table of Contents
What Might Change in the eTA Process
Currently, obtaining an eTA is one of the simplest steps in traveling to Canada. Applicants fill out a quick online form, pay the fee, and receive authorization within minutes—no photos or additional documents required.
Under the proposed update, the revised eTA process would require:
- Uploading a clear scan of the passport bio-data page
- Uploading a recent passport-style photograph
Unlike traditional biometrics, this would not involve fingerprints or an in-person appointment. Everything would still be completed online.
Should you find this piece engaging, we kindly invite you to explore the wealth of content in our other articles:
- Reasons for Italy Student Visa Denial: Italy Student Visa Denial Rates
- UK Replaces Visa Stickers With E-Visas For Skilled Employees And Students
- How to Migrate to Canada With No Money in 2024
- Germany Opportunity Card 2025: New Visa Permits Employment Hunt Without An Offer
- Overview Of Canada Permanent Residence Fees For Economic Immigration Routes In 2024
Why Canada Is Making This Move
Canada is looking to align its eTA system with similar electronic travel authorizations in countries like:
- United States (ESTA)
- United Kingdom (ETA)
- South Korea (K-ETA)
- European Union (starting 2025)
The intended goals of the biometric addition are to:
- Reduce identity fraud
- Improve border security
- Ensure consistency with global travel systems
According to IRCC, the current process leaves gaps in identity verification. Adding biometric checks would allow for more accurate traveler validation without sacrificing convenience.
Will the New Requirements Complicate the Process?
Not significantly. The plan is to keep the process entirely digital, just with two added upload steps: a passport scan and a facial photo. This is similar to what is required in the U.S. ESTA system.
However, the cost may increase. As the U.S. ESTA recently rose to $40, it’s possible Canada will raise the eTA fee from the current $5.06 if new security infrastructure is introduced.
When Will This Happen?
The update is still in the proposal stage. It is part of a long-term regulatory plan, meaning:
- No exact date is set for implementation
- A public consultation and legislative review must occur before it becomes law
- The earliest rollout is likely late 2025 or 2026
Still, inclusion in the 2025–2027 roadmap suggests that the change is more a question of when, not if.
What Visa-Exempt Travelers Should Expect
If the new rules are adopted, travelers may need to:
- Upload a passport photo page scan
- Upload a current photo meeting biometric standards
These changes will not require visits to biometric centers or fingerprint collection. They are designed to add minimal friction while enhancing border security.
Conclusion
Canada’s eTA system has long been appreciated for its speed and simplicity. While the proposed biometric update adds a small step to the process, it aims to provide stronger identity validation in line with international practices. For travelers, this means preparing a couple of extra documents—but gaining a more secure and modernized entry pathway in return.
