Do you need an ESTA when entering the USA from Canada?
What are the formalities to complete when traveling to the United States after a stay in Canada? Here's what you need to know to travel legally.
Planning to spend a few days in Canada before heading to the United States? No problem! But make sure you follow the requirements carefully. If you have a European passport, here’s how it works depending on how you travel:
1/ If you arrive by plane or ship
- If you’re flying between Montreal and New York, or taking any other flight or ship between Canada and the United States, you must apply for an ESTA from the US authorities. ESTA is an electronic travel authorization that you need to complete at least 72 hours before your flight on the official ESTA website. ESTA costs $40 as of September 30, 2025. Watch out for fake ESTA sites that charge you more. Always use the official site.
- On my blog, you’ll find an article explaining how to fill out an ESTA and a video showing you step-by-step how to complete your ESTA.
- Pay attention to this question: “Is your trip to the United States a transit to another country?” It’s straightforward: answer “no” if you plan to spend at least one night in the United States, and “yes” if you’re taking an immediate connecting flight to another country.
- One more thing: your ESTA is valid for 2 years. If you return to the United States within that time, regardless of how you travel, you won’t need to apply for a new ESTA.
2/ If you arrive by road, train, or on foot
- Since October 1, 2022, you must have an ESTA to enter the US by road, train, or on foot. The entry requirements are exactly the same as for air arrivals.
- If you cross the border on foot, for example at Niagara Falls, the immigration interview process is the same as at an airport. The immigration officer will take your fingerprints, photograph you, and ask you a few questions. Here are the 5 most common questions asked at US immigration.
- You no longer need to fill out the old I-94W form. ESTA simplifies entry by road or on foot.
3/ Apply for an AVE, “Canada’s ESTA”
- If you’re European and traveling to Canada, you must apply for an AVE, the Canadian equivalent of ESTA. An Electronic Travel Authorization (AVE) is valid for 5 years as long as you use the same passport and it doesn’t expire during that time.
- The Canadian AVE costs 7 Canadian dollars, nothing more. Watch out for fake sites charging inflated prices. To avoid surprises, use our link and go through the official Canadian government AVE website.