eTA

For German citizens, the entry to Canada through the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is quite simple. In addition to an approved eTA application, you also need a valid German passport and a valid return ticket.

The eTA application can be made at the following link. eTA application. The forms can also be displayed in German, to be sure that you understand and fill in everything correctly. The fee for the application is 7CAD. It can be payed either by credit card or Paypal. Approval can be immediate, but it can also take a few hours or days. So don't get impatient if it takes a little while.

However, an approved application does not guarantee that you will actually be allowed to enter Canada. The decision is made by the immigration officer on site at the respective airport of entry. eTA is only valid for tourists and for a maximum stay of 6 months at a time. The eTa application is valid for 5 years and you can enter Canada as often as you like during this time.

If you enter the country by land, you do not need an eTA!!! 

APIS

The abbreviation stands for Advance Passenger Information System. This allows additional relevant passenger data to be collected by the authorities prior to flight departure. APIS data can be submitted in various ways:
- When booking a flight
- When booking a flight with the airline via an online form.
- Filling out a paper form e.g. at the check-in at the airport

Immigration and customs

The fastest and easiest way to go through immigration is with the ArriveCAN app or via the website at ArriveCAN. Essentially, this allows you to complete your customs declaration digitally in advance, meaning you no longer have to wait in line. Once you've done that, you don't need the app or a cell phone at the airport, as all the information is linked to your passport and already stored in the system. You can also check for express lines, as you can now use these and don't have to wait in the normal, long queues.
 
Procedure when using ArriveCAN: Find the express lane and get in line, go to an available machine and follow the instructions, print out the receipt and show it to the officer. Usually, that's all you need to do and you can proceed to the baggage carousel. Sometimes you have to go to another immigration officer and answer a few questions.
Additional information: ArriveCAN can be completed up to 72 hours before travel. Up to 8 family members who share the same address can be registered, meaning that not everyone needs the app. Every traveler must submit a customs declaration, regardless of whether they have anything to declare or not.

If you don't use ArriveCAN, simply join the normal queues, fill out the customs declaration at a machine, then proceed to an immigration officer and on to the baggage carousel.

If you have a connecting flight, you again have to check in your luggage right after customs. Most of the time you also have to go through security again. Afterward you can head on to your new gate to continue your flight. For such a connecting flight in Canada we would recommend to plan at least 2 hours time.