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Canada · Travel authorisation

Canada eTA: who needs one and how to apply

By the Visa Almanac editorial teamChange logUpdated 5 Nov 2026

In brief

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an eTA to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport. They do not need one when they arrive by car, bus, train or boat, including a cruise ship.1 An eTA costs CAD 7, and you can apply and pay for only one person at a time.1 An eTA is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. A new passport needs a new eTA.1

Apply only on the official site: canada.ca. Other websites are not the government's.

Checked 5 Nov 2026Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)Report a change

Independent reference, not a government website. We don't issue visas or sell visa services.

ContentsIn brief
  1. In brief
  2. At a glance
  3. Who needs a Canada eTA
  4. Who doesn't need one
  5. Official website
  6. Fee
  7. Fee history
  8. Validity and stay
  9. How to apply
  10. Warnings about other sites
  11. Processing time
  12. Transit
  13. Visa instead
  14. Recent changes
  15. Canada eTA for UK citizens
  16. Canada eTA for US citizens
  17. Canada eTA for German citizens
  18. Canada eTA for US green card holders
  19. Canada eTA for Indian citizens
  20. FAQ
  21. Sources
  22. About this page

Canada eTA at a glance

Who needs itCitizens of the countries and territories on IRCC's eTA-required list need an eTA and a valid passport to board a flight to Canada, and no visitor visa. Some entries cover only certain passports: Israel (national Israeli passport), Romania (electronic passports only), Taiwan (ordinary passport with the personal identification number), Hong Kong (passport issued by Hong Kong SAR) and Vatican City State (passport or travel document issued by the Vatican). Its British entries are British citizens and British overseas territory citizens of 10 territories.2
FeeAn eTA costs CAD 7, and you can apply and pay for only one person at a time.1
Valid forAn eTA is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. A new passport needs a new eTA.1
Stay per visitWith a valid eTA you can travel to Canada as often as you want for short stays, normally up to six months at a time.1
Where to applyIRCC says its eTA page is the Government of Canada's official web page to apply for an eTA to travel to, or transit through, Canada, and that it costs only CAN$7.3
Official websitecanada.ca3eta.onlineservices-servicesenligne.apps.cic.gc.ca4
DecisionMost applicants get their eTA approval by email within minutes, but some requests take several days if supporting documents are requested.1

Who needs a Canada eTA

  • Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an eTA to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport. They do not need one when they arrive by car, bus, train or boat, including a cruise ship.

    Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an eTA to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport. These travellers do not need an eTA when arriving by car, bus, train or boat (including a cruise ship).Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 24 Oct 2026

  • Citizens of the countries and territories on IRCC's eTA-required list need an eTA and a valid passport to board a flight to Canada, and no visitor visa. Some entries cover only certain passports: Israel (national Israeli passport), Romania (electronic passports only), Taiwan (ordinary passport with the personal identification number), Hong Kong (passport issued by Hong Kong SAR) and Vatican City State (passport or travel document issued by the Vatican). Its British entries are British citizens and British overseas territory citizens of 10 territories.

    You need an eTA and a valid passport to board your flight to Canada if you’re a citizen of any of the countries or territories listed below. You don’t need a visitor visa.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 24 Oct 2026

    Show the list: 63 countries and territories
    • Andorra
    • Anguilla
    • Australia
    • Austria
    • Bahamas
    • Barbados
    • Belgium
    • Bermuda
    • British Virgin Islands
    • Brunei
    • Bulgaria
    • Cayman Islands
    • Chile
    • Croatia
    • Cyprus
    • Czechia
    • Denmark
    • Estonia
    • Falkland Islands
    • Finland
    • France
    • Germany
    • Gibraltar
    • Greece
    • Hong Kong
    • Hungary
    • Iceland
    • Ireland
    • Israel
    • Italy
    • Japan
    • Latvia
    • Liechtenstein
    • Lithuania
    • Luxembourg
    • Malta
    • Monaco
    • Montserrat
    • Netherlands
    • New Zealand
    • Norway
    • Papua New Guinea
    • Pitcairn Island
    • Poland
    • Portugal
    • Qatar
    • Romania
    • Saint Helena
    • Samoa
    • San Marino
    • Singapore
    • Slovakia
    • Slovenia
    • Solomon Islands
    • South Korea
    • Spain
    • Sweden
    • Switzerland
    • Taiwan
    • Turks and Caicos Islands
    • United Arab Emirates
    • United Kingdom
    • Vatican City

  • The eTA list also names British nationals (overseas), British overseas citizens who are re-admissible to the UK, and British subjects with a right of abode in the UK.

    British citizen British national overseas British overseas citizen (re-admissible to the United Kingdom) British overseas territory citizen with citizenship through birth, descent, naturalization or registration in one of the British overseas territories of Anguilla Bermuda British Virgin Islands Cayman Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Gibraltar Montserrat Pitcairn Island Saint Helena Turks and Caicos Islands British subject with a right of abode in the United KingdomImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 24 Oct 2026

  • Citizens of the listed visa-required countries can apply for an eTA instead of a visa if they meet all three requirements: they have held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years or hold a valid US non-immigrant visa (valid on the day they apply for the eTA), they are coming for a temporary stay (normally up to 6 months), and they fly to or transit through a Canadian airport on a passport of one of these countries. Otherwise they need a visitor visa.

    You’re eligible to apply for an eTA if you meet all 3 requirements: You’ve held a Canadian visitor visa (temporary resident visa) in the past 10 years or currently hold a valid United States (US) non-immigrant visa. Your US nonimmigrant visa must be valid on the day you apply for your eTA, but doesn’t need to be valid when you travel to Canada. You’re coming to Canada for a temporary stay (normally for up to 6 months). You’re flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport using a valid passport from one of the eligible visa-required countries. If you do not meet all of the requirements, you need a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) to travel to Canada.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 19 Oct 2026

    Show the list: 17 countries and territories
    • Antigua and Barbuda
    • Argentina
    • Brazil
    • Costa Rica
    • Indonesia
    • Malaysia
    • Mexico
    • Morocco
    • Panama
    • Philippines
    • Saint Kitts and Nevis
    • Saint Lucia
    • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
    • Seychelles
    • Thailand
    • Trinidad and Tobago
    • Uruguay

  • IRCC announced the Indonesia and Malaysia change on 25 May 2026: citizens who have held a Canadian visitor visa (TRV) in the last 10 years or hold a valid US non-immigrant visa may apply for an eTA instead of a visa when flying to or transiting through Canada.

    Indonesian and Malaysian citizens who have held a Canadian temporary resident visa (TRV) in the last 10 years or who currently hold a valid US non-immigrant visa—and have therefore previously been screened by Canada or the US—may be eligible to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) instead of a visa when travelling to or transiting through Canada by air. People who already have a valid TRV can continue to use it to travel to Canada.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 23 Sep 2026

Who doesn't need an eTA

  • Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, cannot use an eTA and need a valid Canadian passport; American-Canadians can travel on a valid Canadian or US passport. Canadian permanent residents need a valid PR card or PR travel document.

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 24 Oct 2026

  • IRCC lists other travellers who need neither a visa nor an eTA, including US nationals and permanent residents, people with valid status in Canada returning after visiting only the US or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, passengers on refuelling or unscheduled stops, and travellers under the Transit Without Visa or China Transit programs.

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 24 Oct 2026

Official website

How much a Canada eTA costs

Canada eTA fee history

Each amount with the act or notice that set it, newest first.

  1. The CAD 7 eTA fee was set by section 294.1 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, in force from 1 August 2015 (12:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Set by: Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, SOR/2015-77 (registered 1 April 2015; Canada Gazette, Part II, 22 April 2015), section 8, adding section 294.1 to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (SOR/2002-227). Government of Canada · checked

How long an eTA lasts and how long you can stay

  • An eTA is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. A new passport needs a new eTA.

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 24 Oct 2026

  • The eTA is linked electronically to the passport used to apply; with a new passport you need a new eTA.

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked

  • With a valid eTA you can travel to Canada as often as you want for short stays, normally up to six months at a time.

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 24 Oct 2026

  • Visitors are normally allowed to stay up to 6 months; the border services officer may limit or extend the stay to cover the purpose of the visit.

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 25 Sep 2026

  • An eTA is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air, electronically linked to the traveller's passport. It does not guarantee entry: the border services officer decides on arrival.

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 24 Oct 2026

How to apply for a Canada eTA

Apply only on the official site: canada.ca. Other websites are not the government's.

  • IRCC says its eTA page is the Government of Canada's official web page to apply for an eTA to travel to, or transit through, Canada, and that it costs only CAN$7.

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 29 Oct 2026

  • Apply only on the official Government of Canada website. The online application takes a few minutes; it is best to get the eTA before you book your flight.

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 24 Oct 2026

  • To apply you need a valid passport, a credit or debit card and an email address, and you answer a few questions in the online application.

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 29 Oct 2026

  • The online form cannot be saved, so have your information ready; you pay the CAD 7 fee right after completing it.

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 19 Oct 2026

  • The eTA application form is only in English and French.

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 19 Oct 2026

Official warnings about other sites

Only what governments, regulators and courts have published, quoted word for word. We don't label any website ourselves.

  • Third-party websites that charge more than CAN$7 do not operate on behalf of the Government of Canada; they charge extra fees to give information and submit the application on the government website. The Government of Canada does not refund those extra fees.

    You may have used a legitimate third party service that charges more to get an eTA. These companies do not operate on behalf of the Government of Canada, but have websites that charge extra fees to give information and submit an eTA application to the Government of Canada website. The Government of Canada does not issue refunds for extra fees charged by third party websites.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked

  • The Government of Canada website is the official place to apply for an eTA; even authorized third parties applying for someone must use it. Use the eTA Check Status tool to confirm an eTA is real.

    To confirm that you have a valid eTA, use the eTA Check Status tool. ... The Government of Canada website is the official place to apply for an eTA. Even authorized third parties that apply on behalf of someone have to use this website to apply for an eTA.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked

  • IRCC says there is only one official website to apply for an eTA, and that companies whose websites charge a fee to give information and submit eTA applications are NOT operating on behalf of the Government of Canada.

    I see other websites advertising that I can apply for an eTA with them. Is there more than one website to apply for an eTA? No. The Government of Canada website is the official place to apply for an eTA. Even authorized third parties that apply on behalf of someone else have to use this website to apply for an eTA. ... Travellers who apply for an eTA are advised to be cautious in all dealings with companies that claim to offer help in getting an eTA. Although many of these companies have created websites that charge a fee to provide information and submit eTA applications through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), these companies are NOT operating on behalf of the Government of Canada.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked

  • IRCC says third-party eTA services that charge more than CAN$7 do not operate on behalf of the Government of Canada, and the Government of Canada does not refund extra fees charged by third-party websites.

    I have been charged more than CAN$7 my eTA on another website. I think I have been scammed. How can I find out and can I get a refund? You may have used a legitimate third party service that charges more to get an eTA. These companies do not operate on behalf of the Government of Canada, but have websites that charge extra fees to give information and submit an eTA application to the Government of Canada website. The Government of Canada does not issue refunds for extra fees charged by third party websites.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked

  • IRCC tells people who applied on a different website to confirm their eTA with the eTA Check Status tool, and says even authorized third parties must apply on the Government of Canada website.

    I applied for an eTA on a different website. How do I verify if I have a real eTA? To confirm that you have a valid eTA, use the eTA Check Status tool. ... The Government of Canada website is the official place to apply for an eTA. Even authorized third parties that apply on behalf of someone have to use this website to apply for an eTA.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked

  • IRCC warns that companies claiming they can help get an eTA are not working with the Government of Canada and that many have websites charging a fee for information and for submitting eTA applications.

    If you need to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA), be careful when you deal with companies that claim they can help to get one. These companies are not working with the Government of Canada. Many have websites that charge a fee for information and submitting eTA applications. This Government of Canada website is the official place to apply for an eTA.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 31 Jul 2026

  • The Canada Border Services Agency tells travellers to ignore fraudulent webpages and apps posing as the eTA and asking for money, and says an eTA costs CAD 7.

    Ignore fraudulent webpages and apps posing as ArriveCAN, Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) and asking for money. ... An eTA costs $7 CAD.Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), “Protect yourself against fraud” · checked

How long a Canada eTA takes

  • Most applicants get their eTA approval by email within minutes, but some requests take several days if supporting documents are requested.

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 24 Oct 2026

  • If documents are needed before approval, IRCC sends an email with instructions within 72 hours.

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 19 Oct 2026

  • IRCC's processing-time data file, which feeds the official 'Check processing times' tool, gave 5 minutes for an eTA (last updated October 29, 2026).

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 1 Nov 2026

Transit through Canada

When you need a visitor visa instead

  • Citizens of the conditional-eTA countries still need a visitor visa to come by car, bus, train or boat, including a cruise ship, even if they do not leave the ship.

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 24 Oct 2026

  • If you already have a valid Canadian visitor visa, you do not need an eTA, even if you are eligible for one; travel on the visa until it expires.

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked

Recent changes

  1. Change on 26 May 2026: citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia who meet the requirements may apply for an eTA instead of a visitor visa for air travel. A valid visitor visa can still be used until it expires. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 19 Oct 2026

Canada eTA for UK citizens

ETA, 6 months ETA only when flying in; by land or sea a passport is enough.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked

  • The UK is on IRCC's list of countries whose citizens need an eTA. Citizens of the countries and territories on IRCC's eTA-required list need an eTA and a valid passport to board a flight to Canada, and no visitor visa. Some entries cover only certain passports: Israel (national Israeli passport), Romania (electronic passports only), Taiwan (ordinary passport with the personal identification number), Hong Kong (passport issued by Hong Kong SAR) and Vatican City State (passport or travel document issued by the Vatican). Its British entries are British citizens and British overseas territory citizens of 10 territories.

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 24 Oct 2026

Everything for this trip: Canada visa for British citizens.

Canada eTA for US citizens

Visa-free, 6 months

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked

Everything for this trip: Canada visa for US citizens.

Canada eTA for German citizens

ETA, 6 months ETA only when flying in; by land or sea a passport is enough.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked

  • Germany is on IRCC's list of countries whose citizens need an eTA. Citizens of the countries and territories on IRCC's eTA-required list need an eTA and a valid passport to board a flight to Canada, and no visitor visa. Some entries cover only certain passports: Israel (national Israeli passport), Romania (electronic passports only), Taiwan (ordinary passport with the personal identification number), Hong Kong (passport issued by Hong Kong SAR) and Vatican City State (passport or travel document issued by the Vatican). Its British entries are British citizens and British overseas territory citizens of 10 territories.

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 24 Oct 2026

Every destination for this passport: Germany passport.

Canada eTA for US green card holders

  • Lawful permanent residents of the United States with valid status are exempt from the eTA. They must carry official proof of status and a valid passport from their country of nationality.

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 24 Oct 2026

  • US lawful permanent residents have been exempt from the eTA since 26 April 2022.

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 19 Oct 2026

Canada for US green card holders: documents by way of travel

Canada eTA for Indian citizens

Visa required

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked

  • India is not on IRCC's list of countries whose citizens need an eTA. Citizens of the countries and territories on IRCC's eTA-required list need an eTA and a valid passport to board a flight to Canada, and no visitor visa. Some entries cover only certain passports: Israel (national Israeli passport), Romania (electronic passports only), Taiwan (ordinary passport with the personal identification number), Hong Kong (passport issued by Hong Kong SAR) and Vatican City State (passport or travel document issued by the Vatican). Its British entries are British citizens and British overseas territory citizens of 10 territories.

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 24 Oct 2026

  • India is not on IRCC's list of visa-required countries that can use an eTA with a US visa or a recent Canadian visa. Citizens of the listed visa-required countries can apply for an eTA instead of a visa if they meet all three requirements: they have held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years or hold a valid US non-immigrant visa (valid on the day they apply for the eTA), they are coming for a temporary stay (normally up to 6 months), and they fly to or transit through a Canadian airport on a passport of one of these countries. Otherwise they need a visitor visa.

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked · read from an archived copy of 19 Oct 2026

Everything for this trip: Canada visa for Indian citizens.

FAQ

Do UK citizens need an eTA for Canada?

UK citizens: ETA, 6 months (eTA only when flying in; by land or sea a passport is enough), according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, checked 4 Nov 2026. The UK is on IRCC's list of countries whose citizens need an eTA. See Canada eTA for UK citizens.

How much does a Canada eTA cost?

An eTA costs CAD 7, and you can apply and pay for only one person at a time. The CAD 7 fee is non-refundable and is paid online by card: Visa, Mastercard, American Express (also prepaid), Visa Debit, Debit Mastercard, UnionPay or JCB.

How long does a Canada eTA take?

Most applicants get their eTA approval by email within minutes, but some requests take several days if supporting documents are requested. If documents are needed before approval, IRCC sends an email with instructions within 72 hours.

Can I enter Canada without an eTA?

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an eTA to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport. They do not need one when they arrive by car, bus, train or boat, including a cruise ship. If you already have a valid Canadian visitor visa, you do not need an eTA, even if you are eligible for one; travel on the visa until it expires.

Who is eligible for a Canada eTA in 2026?

Citizens of the countries and territories on IRCC's eTA-required list need an eTA and a valid passport to board a flight to Canada, and no visitor visa. Some entries cover only certain passports: Israel (national Israeli passport), Romania (electronic passports only), Taiwan (ordinary passport with the personal identification number), Hong Kong (passport issued by Hong Kong SAR) and Vatican City State (passport or travel document issued by the Vatican). Its British entries are British citizens and British overseas territory citizens of 10 territories. Change on 26 May 2026: citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia who meet the requirements may apply for an eTA instead of a visitor visa for air travel. A valid visitor visa can still be used until it expires.

Do US green card holders need a Canada eTA?

Lawful permanent residents of the United States with valid status are exempt from the eTA. They must carry official proof of status and a valid passport from their country of nationality. US lawful permanent residents have been exempt from the eTA since 26 April 2022.

Sources

Official sources only. Each was checked on the date shown.

  1. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): who needs a Canada eTA, who doesn't need one, fee, validity and stay, how to apply, processing time and by nationalitycanada.ca · checked · read from an archived copy of 24 Oct 2026
  2. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): who needs a Canada eTA, who doesn't need one, visa instead, entry rules and by nationalitycanada.ca · checked · read from an archived copy of 24 Oct 2026
  3. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): official website and how to applycanada.ca · checked · read from an archived copy of 29 Oct 2026
  4. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (canada.ca): official websitecanada.ca · checked · read from an archived copy of 11 Oct 2026
  5. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): who needs a Canada eTA and by nationalitycanada.ca · checked · read from an archived copy of 19 Oct 2026
  6. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): who needs a Canada eTAcanada.ca · checked · read from an archived copy of 23 Sep 2026
  7. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): feeircc.canada.ca · checked
  8. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): fee, how to apply, processing time, recent changes and by nationalitycanada.ca · checked · read from an archived copy of 19 Oct 2026
  9. Government of Canada (Canada Gazette, Part II): fee historygazette.gc.ca · checked
  10. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): validity and stayircc.canada.ca · checked
  11. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): validity and staycanada.ca · checked · read from an archived copy of 25 Sep 2026
  12. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): warnings about other sitesircc.canada.ca · checked
  13. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): warnings about other sitesircc.canada.ca · checked
  14. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC Help Centre, modified 2026-11-03): warnings about other sitesircc.canada.ca · checked
  15. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (canada.ca, “Online and telephone immigration scams”): warnings about other sitescanada.ca · checked · read from an archived copy of 31 Jul 2026
  16. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), “Protect yourself against fraud” (modified 2026-03-24): warnings about other sitescbsa-asfc.gc.ca · checked
  17. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): processing timecanada.ca · checked · read from an archived copy of 1 Nov 2026
  18. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): transitircc.canada.ca · checked
  19. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): visa insteadircc.canada.ca · checked

More: Canada entry rules by nationality · Canada for US green card holders · all visa guides.

About this page

By the Visa Almanac editorial team. Every rule, fee and date on this page comes from the official sources listed above, each read on the day shown; where they are silent, we say so. Editorial policy · Change log

Updated
5 Nov 2026
Last checked
Official sources
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Rules change without notice. Always confirm with the official source linked on each page before you travel.