Canada’s Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system might soon come with a new layer of biometrics. If you’re from a visa-exempt country and used to breezing through the CA$7 online application with just your passport number and a few clicks, that process could get a bit more involved.

Here’s what’s being proposed, and what it means for travelers.

A Simple eTA May Soon Include Photo and Passport Uploads

Right now, getting an eTA to fly into Canada is one of the simplest border procedures around. You fill out a short online form, pay a nominal fee, and you’re good to go in minutes. No documents. No photo. No fuss.

But that simplicity has also left some gaps in identity verification, and Canadian immigration authorities are looking to tighten things up. In their latest Forward Regulatory Plan (2025-2027), the IRCC revealed plans to introduce facial biometrics for visa-exempt travelers applying for an eTA.

What this likely means: applicants may soon need to upload a copy of their passport and a recent photo during the online application process.

Why the Change?

This isn’t just bureaucracy for the sake of it. Canada’s looking to align its system with those already in place in countries like the US ESTA, the UK ETA, South Korea (K-ETA), and soon, the European Union.

The goal is to:

• Reduce identity fraud
• Strengthen security
• Improve consistency across international travel platforms

IRCC notes that adding biometrics will help “verify client identities more accurately” and “close crucial gaps” in the current system.

Will This Make the eTA More Complicated?

Not really. If implemented, the eTA process would still be entirely online. You won’t need to visit a biometric center or go through in-person verification.

The idea is to keep the speed and convenience intact while simply adding a step to upload a passport scan and photo, much like what’s now required for the US ESTA.

But yes, it could cost a bit more. With the US ESTA jumping to $40, a bump in the CA$7 Canadian eTA fee wouldn’t be surprising.

What Stage Is This At?

Right now, it’s just a proposal. The plan is part of a multi-year regulatory roadmap, which means it’s still in early development. There’s no timeline yet. If Canada decides to move forward, it will have to go through public consultation and formal legislative steps before anything becomes official.

That said, including it in the 2025–2027 regulatory plan signals clear intent. It’s not a matter of if, but when.

What Should Travelers Expect?

If the reform moves ahead, here’s what travelers from visa-exempt countries might need to do when applying for an eTA:

• Upload a clear scan of the passport photo page
• Upload a recent passport-style photo (likely with specifications similar to other biometric programs)

There won’t be fingerprinting or in-person requirements. It’s a minimal ask, but one that could help Canada catch up with global security standards.

Quick Takeaway for Travelers

• No eTA changes yet: Current simple process still applies.
• A biometric step is likely coming: Be ready to upload your passport and a photo during the eTA application.
• No trips to a biometrics office required: It’s all online.
• Potential higher fee: Costs may rise, though details are pending.
• Rollout is not imminent: Watch for updates as policy moves through public review.

Final Thoughts

Canada’s eTA system has long been admired for its speed and simplicity. This update, while slightly more involved, aims to balance that ease with stronger identity checks. For most travelers, it won’t add much more than a few extra minutes and maybe a slightly higher fee.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Canada in the next couple of years, keep an eye on how this unfolds. A passport scan and selfie might soon be part of the entry ticket.

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