Canadians are friendly people and we have arrangements with many countries to make it easy for their citizens to visit us without a visa. Some of these agreements are historic, while others came about through diplomatic negotiations. Not everybody benefits from the enhanced travel-freedom this allows. This article helps you determine whether you are entitled to it, and what happens next.
Previously, visa-free citizens could arrive at any one of our border posts with their valid passport, and request admission based on their ability to support themselves and return home. More recently, changes to the international situation lead us to the decision that we should approve them first, before they begin their journeys. This arrangement is effective September 29, 2016.
How to Decide Whether You Need an ETA
This arrangement stands to everybody’s advantage. Your Canada electronic travel authorisation (ETA) gives you added assurance you are welcome to visit, while we simplify our systems and entry points and save money. You should determine whether you qualify to apply for a Canada ETA before reading further. Here are a few pointers before you visit this list.
- There are a number of ETA Canada exemptions, notably U.S. nationals. We suggest you read the last paragraph first.
- Arrangements are unchanged for countries and territories whose citizens currently need a visa to travel to Canada
- The list of countries and territories whose citizens are visa exempt (but will require an ETA to travel to Canada) is mandatory
- Take careful note of other foreign nationals who need an ETA to travel to Canada, the logic is quite complex
If You Qualify for an ETA, How to Get One
Applying for a Canada ETA really is a piece of cake (or a walk in a park if you are feeling energetic). We have some of the world’s finest cities and live in a spectacular natural environment. If you want to start a business, we go out of our way to help you make it happen.
To apply for your ETA visa please visit the ETA application page. Have the following with you:
- A valid passport with sufficient time of it
- A credit or debit card with at least $7 CAD on it
- A list of previous addresses where you live
- A valid email address so we can write back
We do everything we can to make visiting Canada pleasant. Please remember: From September 29, 2016 you must have an ETA Canada if you are visa exempt. See you soon!
