Canada has identified 17 countries whose people may be able to travel to the country by air with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) rather than a visiting visa, subject to certain conditions.
Citizens of certain countries are eligible for the eTA, which allows them to enter Canada without a visa.
However, eligibility is not automatic. Travelers must complete all of the Canadian government’s requirements before applying for an eTA.
To be eligible, travelers must have held a Canadian visitor visa within the last ten years or currently have a valid United States non-immigrant visa.
They must also be visiting Canada for a temporary period of up to six months and flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport with a valid passport from one of the approved nations.
Citizens who do not meet all three standards must still apply for a Canadian visiting visa.
17 countries whose citizens may be eligible for Canada eTA
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Costa Rica
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Morocco
- Panama
- Philippines
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Seychelles
- Thailand
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Uruguay
- Indonesia and Malaysia are the most recent additions to the list.
eTA is solely applicable to air travel.
The eTA agreement only applies to passengers flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport.
Eligible citizens intending to enter Canada by automobile, bus, train, or boat must still get a valid tourist visa.
This includes persons driving to Canada from the United States and arriving by bus, train, or cruise ship.
Travelers with a valid Canadian visa
People who already hold a valid Canadian visitor visa are not need to obtain an eTA to fly to Canada.
They can continue to travel with their visiting visa till it expires.
Requirements when flying with an eTA
Travelers must use the same passport as when they applied for their eTA.
Anyone who acquires a new passport after getting an eTA must reapply for an eTA with the new passport.
Canadian authorities also recommend bringing an old passport with an expired Canadian visiting visa or a valid US non-immigrant visa.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Canadian citizens, including dual nationals, are unable to apply for an eTA and must go to Canada by air with a valid Canadian passport.
Canadian permanent residents are likewise unable to use an eTA. They must travel with a current permanent residence card or travel document.