Thirteen countries, ranging from Antigua to Uruguay, have been added to Canada’s electronic travel authorization (eTA) program, enabling eligible travellers from these countries who have either held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years, or who currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa, to now apply for an eTA instead of a visa when travelling to Canada by air.
The full list of newly eligible countries includes Antigua/Barbuda, Argentina, Costa Rica, Morocco, Panama, Philippines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay.
Introducing visa-free air travel will make it faster, easier, and more affordable for thousands of travellers to visit Canada for up to six months for either business or leisure, says Immigration Minister Sean Fraser, who adds it will also help grow Canada’s economy by facilitating more travel, tourism, and international business, and by strengthening Canada’s relationships with these countries.
The move will also divert thousands of applications from Canada’s visa caseload, allowing visa applications to process more efficiently, which will benefit all visa applicants, adds the government.
“This strategic move supports our visitor economy by injecting vitality into our local communities and creating countless job opportunities,” says Tourism Minister Randy Boissonault. “It is not just about attracting visitors, it is about showcasing the breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and warm hospitality that define Canada.”
Lisa Pierce, VP Global Sales for Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations says the airline is pleased with the announcement to implement a more user-friendly process to obtain authorization to travel to Canada and connect via Air Canada’s global hubs.
“The global market for travel and tourism is competitive, and finding easier ways for travellers to obtain their travel authorizations is beneficial not only to Air Canada, but also the entire travel and tourism industry in Canada,” she says.
Within the next year, Canada expects to receive 200,000 (or 20%) more visitors from these 13 countries. Within a decade, increased travel from these countries is expected to bring almost $160 million in additional tourism revenue.
Individuals who already have a valid visa can continue to use it to travel to Canada. Those who are not eligible for an eTA, or who are travelling to Canada by means other than air (for example, by car, bus, train and boat – including by cruise ship), will still need a visitor visa. Travellers can visit Canada.ca/eTA to find out whether they’re eligible for an eTA and how to apply for one.