When you apply, triple-check that every detail matches your passport exactly, name order, accents/diacritics, hyphens, date of birth, and especially the passport number (common errors: O vs 0, I vs 1). The eTA links to one specific passport, so if you renew or change passports you’ll need a new eTA. Use a regular national passport (not a refugee/travel document unless specifically allowed), and remember each traveler, including children, needs their own eTA. Save the approval email/number and keep a screenshot or PDF on your phone, handy if an airline agent needs to verify. Also check whether your trip involves a transit through Canada by air, which still requires an eTA even if Canada isn’t your final stop.

Before flying, make sure your flight booking name matches your passport and bring the same passport used for the eTA, mismatches cause most denied-boarding surprises. Don’t rely on an eTA attached to an expired or temporary passport. If an airline can’t find your eTA, it’s usually due to a typo in the passport number or a different document type, fix it before you head to the airport. Pack smart: certain foods, plants, and animal products must be declared, and cannabis is illegal to bring across the border even if it’s legal at home.

On arrival, remember an eTA is not a guarantee of entry, the border officer makes the final call. Have your story straight and documents ready: return/onward ticket, accommodation details, and proof of funds if asked. Note the authorized length of stay (often up to six months but it can vary), set a reminder to leave or extend before that date to avoid status problems later. If you’re connecting within Canada, budget extra time to clear immigration, collect your bag, pass customs, and re-check it, tight layovers are another common pitfall.