The decision is part of Canada’s commitment to improve its immigration programs and services, aiming to enhance efficiency and equity for people worldwide.
The decision is part of Canada’s commitment to improve its immigration programs and services, aiming to enhance efficiency and equity for people worldwide.
The Canadian government has announced the inclusion of 13 more countries in its electronic travel authorization program, making it easier for travelers to visit the country.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Minister Sean Fraser declared the expansion of the eTA program, allowing eligible travelers from these 13 countries to apply for an eTA instead of a visa when traveling to Canada by air.
The decision is part of Canada’s commitment to improve its immigration programs and services, aiming to enhance efficiency and equity for people worldwide.
“This exciting development means that more individuals from around the world can now embark on unforgettable adventures, explore our diverse landscapes, reunite with family and friends, and immerse themselves in our vibrant culture without the hurdle of visa requirements,” Fraser said in a statement on June 7.
He said that the expansion of the eTA program will not only enhance convenience for travelers but also lead to increased travel, tourism, economic benefits, and stronger global bonds with the 13 countries involved.
Effective immediately, among the countries that can benefit from the visa-free travel program are Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Costa Rica, Seychelles, Morocco, Panama, Thailand, Philippines, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay.
Individuals who have previously held a Canadian visa within the last 10 years or currently possess a valid United States non-immigrant visa are eligible to apply for an eTA.
The introduction of visa-free air travel is expected to have multiple positive effects.
The government said it will facilitate the growth of Canada’s economy by promoting more travel, tourism, and international business.
Additionally, it will strengthen Canada’s diplomatic relationships with these countries while ensuring the safety of Canadians.
The decision will also help alleviate the burden on Canada’s visa caseload, leading to more efficient processing of visa applications and benefiting all applicants.
By diverting a significant number of applications to the eTA program, the government aims to improve the overall visa processing system.
Individuals who currently hold a valid visa can continue to use it for travel to Canada. However, those who are ineligible for an eTA or traveling to Canada by means other than air (such as by car, bus, train, or boat, including cruise ships) will still require a visitor visa.
To determine their eligibility and apply for an eTA, travelers can visit Canada.ca/eTA.
In April 2017, the eTA program was expanded by the IRCC to include eligible Brazilians, Bulgarians, and Romanians, with Canada subsequently lifting the visa requirement for citizens of Bulgaria and Romania.
Presently, Brazilian nationals continue to benefit from visa-free air travel to Canada, and within the next year, Canada anticipates receiving an additional 200,000 visitors from these 13 countries.
