Canada Visa-Exempt Countries - Canada eTA Eligible Countries
Canada is a remarkable destination for a fun-filled vacation and to witness the famed Northern Lights. Besides, natural wonders like Niagara Falls, national parks, etc., make the vacation exciting. Travellers can have a great time visiting the stunning natural scenery and landscapes in Canada’s cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Quebec City, etc. Canada receives a wide range of travellers visiting the country for employment and business purposes. The quality education system offers the best opportunities for international students.
The important requirement for a Canada trip is a valid travel permit. Most international travellers require a Canadian visa or eTA to visit and stay in Canada. The option to get a visa or Canada eTA totally depends on the traveller’s citizenship. The government made Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) a mandatory entry permit for selected countries. The initiative was implemented to enhance Canadian border security and facilitate a hassle-free entry process for travellers.
What is Canada eTA?
It was implemented in 2016. The Canada eTA is a pre-screening requirement for a few travellers who are citizens of Canada visa-exempt countries, but there are a few exceptions. It is not a visa, Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a valid travel permit to Canada. Only the eligible travellers will need a Canada eTA, others can choose to apply for a best-suited Canadian visa to visit the country. Getting a Canada eTA is easy and efficient because of its online process and quick approvals. Also, the application cost of Canada eTA is economical compared with other Canadian visa types.
Canada eTA Requirements
Looking into Canada eTA requirements helps a lot in understanding eligibility and the need to apply for Canada eTA. Eligible travellers can apply for Canada eTA only when they are entering Canada by air. Travellers arriving by land or seaports (including a cruise ship) do not need to acquire a Canada eTA. Also, Canada eTA authorizes travellers to visit Canada only for the below-mentioned travel purposes.
- To participate or engage in business or related activities (which include trade fairs, conferences, etc.)
- Tourism or leisure activities.
- For transiting through Canada airport.
- Engaging in training or academic courses, but it must be a short-term activity (the duration must not exceed the authorized days).
- For visiting and staying with friends or family members living in Canada.
Please note that travellers applying for Canada eTA must get it approved before their arrival in Canada. Travelling with an unapproved Canada eTA can cause legal consequences and travellers will be denied entering Canada.
Who can Apply for Canada eTA?
As mentioned, the eligibility criteria for applying for Canada eTA are decided by the traveller’s citizenship. Only a few travellers are mandated to get Canada eTA. The citizens and passport holders of the below-listed countries are eligible to apply for Canada eTA.
Conditional Online Canada Visa
Conditional Online Canada Visa implies the issuance of Online Canada Visa under certain conditions. The citizens of the eligible countries must meet the conditions to apply for Online Canada Visa. The conditions are as follows.
- Must have a valid non-immigrant US visa or Canadian visa in the past ten years.
- Entering or transiting through Canada through the Canadian airports.
If any of the above condition is not satisfied, then you must instead apply for a Canada Visitor Visa.
For Conditional Online Canada Visa countries, since their eligibility depends upon previously issued Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) or US non-immigrant visa, passport holders must travel with old passport if it holds:
- your expired Canadian visitor visa, or
- your valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa.
Travellers are advised to check the list near their travel date to be informed about the recent update. Note that nationals of the USA (United States of America) including permanent residents are exempted from Canada eTA requirement. However, they must present a valid ID proof such as their US passport.
Conditional Canada eTA implies the issuance of Canada eTA under certain conditions. The citizens of the eligible countries must meet the conditions to apply for Canada eTA. The conditions are as follows.
- Must have a valid non-immigrant US visa or Canadian visa in the past ten years.
- Entering or transiting through Canada through the Canadian airports.
Travellers must use the same passport linked to their non-immigrant US visa or Canadian visa. Nationals of the below-listed countries can apply for Canada eTA upon meeting the conditions mentioned above.
Please note that having an approved Canada eTA will not guarantee travellers entry into Canada. Travellers must see to it that they get their Canada eTA approved before boarding their flight. If the Canada eTA requirements aren’t met travellers must apply for a Canadian visa.
Who is Exempted from Canada eTA?
As mentioned, Canada eTA requirement has a few exemptions according to the traveller’s nationality, dual citizenship passport type and residence permit. The Canada eTA exemptions are listed below.
- US citizens or permanent residents (Green Card holders) are exempted from Canada eTA, but they must have a valid ID including their US passport.
- Canadian passport holders (dual citizenship travellers) do not need a Canada eTA because they can enter Canada using their Canadian passports.
- Travellers who are Canadian permanent residents do not need Canada eTA. They can visit or stay in Canada with their permanent resident permit card or Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD).
- Travellers who have a valid Canadian visa are exempted from acquiring a Canada eTA. They can continue their travel with the current Canadian visa until its expiration.
Travellers are also advised to check the Canada eTA requirement with their passport type because eligible diplomatic passport holders who have received accreditation in Canada are exempted from applying for Canada eTA.