Author: Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, RCIC
Canada Expands Electronic Travel Authorization Program
June 6, 2023, 11:30 a.m. — Winnipeg
Canada has long been a popular destination for individuals seeking to visit, conduct business, or reunite with loved ones. In a bid to enhance the efficiency and equity of its immigration services, Canada is taking significant steps to streamline the process for travelers worldwide.
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has announced a pivotal update to the electronic travel authorization (eTA) program. This initiative sees the inclusion of 13 new countries, allowing eligible travelers to apply for an eTA instead of a traditional visa when entering Canada by air. This change is effective immediately and applies to travelers from the following countries who have either previously held a Canadian visa in the past decade or currently possess a valid United States non-immigrant visa:
- 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
Benefits of the eTA Expansion
The introduction of visa-free air travel is set to simplify the process for thousands of travelers, making it quicker, more convenient, and cost-effective to visit Canada for up to six months for business or leisure purposes. This initiative is expected to:
- Stimulate economic growth by promoting increased travel, tourism, and international business.
- Strengthen Canada's diplomatic and economic relationships with the newly included countries.
- Allow immigration officials to focus on processing visa applications more efficiently, benefiting all applicants.
Visa Requirements and Eligibility
Travelers who already possess a valid visa can continue to use it for their travels to Canada. Those not eligible for an eTA or traveling by means other than air—such as by car, bus, train, or boat, including cruise ships—will still require a visitor visa. Interested individuals can visit Canada.ca/eTA to check their eligibility and learn about the application process.
Conclusion
This strategic update to the eTA program underscores Canada's commitment to fostering global connections while maintaining rigorous standards for safety and security. By reducing the burden on visa processing resources, Canada can better allocate its efforts to serve all applicants efficiently. As the country ushers in this new phase of international engagement, it continues to welcome the world with open arms, offering vast opportunities for exploration and collaboration.
