Citizens of 13 more countries can now travel to Canada with eTA and without a Visa
New visa-free countries and the eligibility requirements
On June 6, 2023, Canada announced that it extends the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) Program by adding 13 new countries. In short, this means that some citizens of these 13 countries no longer require a Visa to travel to Canada. Please note, not all citizens are automatically eligible for the eTA, and only those who meet certain requirements may travel to Canada without a Visa.
To be eligible for visa-free travel to Canada you must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:
You must be a citizen of one of the following countries:
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Costa Rica
Morocco
Panama
Philippines
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Seychelles
Thailand
Trinidad and Tobago
Uruguay
You must be traveling to Canada by Air.
If you’re traveling to Canada by car, bus, boat, train, or by any means other than air, you will still need to apply for the Temporary Resident Visa. If you’re not flying to Canada - make sure you have Canadian visa in your Passport before you travel.
You must be coming to Canada for tourism, leisure, or business.
The new eTA program allows visa-free travel to Canada only to those people who’re coming to Canada as tourists or for business activities. You can apply for an eTA if for example, you’re visiting your family or coming to see Niagara Falls, Vancouver, or Banff. You can also apply for an eTA if you’re coming as a business visitor, meaning that you’re planning to engage in international business activities in Canada without directly entering the Canadian labour market. These activities may include attendance in the business conferences, trade conventions, exhibitions, or for procurement of Canadian goods and services. If you’re not sure if you qualify as a business visitor, or if you need a Work Permit - feel free to book a consultation with one of our lawyers.
You must be coming for a period of 6 months or less
If you’re planning to stay longer or if you’re already in Canada you may need to speak to one of our lawyers to identify your best course of actions.
You must have held a Canadian Visa in the last 10 years or have a valid US non-immigrant Visa
This is, in our opinion, the most important requirement that is often overlooked and disregarded. You will be eligible for an eTA only if you have had a Canadian visa in the last 10 years, or if you currently have a valid US non-immigrant Visa. If you do not have either one of those - unfortunately, you’re not eligible for an eTA, and you will need to apply for a TRV just like back in the old days. Good thing is that you’re not alone, and we can help you with your TRV application - just book a consult and we can sort out the details with you.
Do you need a Visa or can you apply for an eTA?
✅ If you meet the requirements listed above - you can apply for an eTA;
✅ If you are a visa-exempt foreign national (and your country is on the “Visa-exempt (eTA eligible) travellers” list here) - you can apply for an eTA;
⛔ If you’re coming to Canada to study - you need a Visa;
⛔ If you’re coming to Canada to get a Work Permit at the Point of Entry - you need a Visa;
⛔ If you don’t have a valid US non-immigrant Visa and this is your first time coming to Canada - you need a Visa;
⛔ If you’re traveling by foot, car, bus, boat, train, or any other means other than by air - you need a Visa;
⛔ If you’re a Permanent or Temporary Resident, and not a citizen of one of the eligible countries - you need a Visa.
