eTA & Entry
German citizens do not need a visa for Canada, but an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) — an electronic entry permit that must be applied for online in advance.
eTA — Step by Step
- Application: Exclusively via the official website canada.ca/eta — beware of expensive third-party sites!
- Cost: 7 CAD (about 5 €), payable by credit card.
- Duration: Approval usually within minutes. Still, apply at least a week before departure!
- Validity: 5 years or until passport expiration (whichever comes first). Multiple entries possible.
- Required: Valid passport, email address, credit card.
Entry at the Airport
Upon arrival in Canada, you will go through the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA):
- Automated Kiosks: At major airports (Toronto, Vancouver, Montréal) there are automated entry kiosks. Scan passport, photo, customs declaration — done in 2 minutes.
- ArriveCAN: The app/website for digital entry declaration. No longer mandatory, but significantly speeds up entry.
- Questions: The officer asks about purpose, duration of stay, and accommodation. Answer friendly and honestly — Canadian border officers are much more relaxed than American ones.
- Duration of Stay: Tourists can stay up to 6 months (twice as long as in the USA!).
Customs Regulations
| Allowed | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Alcohol (from 19 years, in Alberta/Manitoba/Québec from 18) | 1.5 l wine OR 1.14 l spirits OR 8.5 l beer |
| Cigarettes | 200 pieces |
| Gifts | up to 60 CAD value per gift |
| Cash (reporting requirement from) | 10,000 CAD |
💡 Tipp
The eTA costs only 7 CAD (~5 €) and is absurdly cheap compared to the US ESTA (21 $) or an Australian visa. Apply immediately after booking your flight — it only takes 5 minutes.
Achtung
Food (fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products) may NOT be brought into Canada. Even packaged sausages or cheese can cause problems. When in doubt: declare honestly — the penalty for undeclared goods is significantly higher than for declared prohibited goods.
