Canada Visa for Samoan Citizens

What is Canada eTA for Samoan citizens?

The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an automated system introduced by the Government of Canada to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries like Samoa into Canada. Instead of obtaining a traditional visa, eligible travelers can apply for the ETA online, making the process quick and straightforward. The Canada eTA is linked electronically to the Samoan passport and remains valid for upto 5 (five) years, allowing them to enter Canada multiple times during its validity.

Do Samoan citizens Need to Apply for Canada eTA (Online Canada Visa)?

To enter Canada for short-term visits (up to six months) for purposes such as tourism, busienss, or transit, Samoan citizens need to apply for and obtain a Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This mandatory travel document is designed to expedite the border clearance process and strengthen Canada's security measures. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date.

Are Permanent Residents of Samoa Eligible for a Canada eTA?

If you are a permanent resident of Samoa, you cannot apply for a Canada eTA. Only Samoan citizens with a valid Samoan passport are eligible for this pre-travel authorization.

What are requirements of Canada eTA for Samoan citizens?

The requirements for Samoan citizens to obtain a Canada eTA are straightforward:

Valid Samoan Passport

Samoan citizens must have a valid and current Passport to apply for a Canada eTA. Samoan citizens with dual nationality should ensure they apply using the same passport they will travel with, as the Canada eTA will be linked to the passport used during the application process.

Online Payment

A credit or debit card is needed to pay for the Canada eTA application.

Working Email Address

Applicants must provide a valid email address to receive the eTA approval.

No Prior Criminal History

Applicants with a criminal history or prior immigration issues are unlikely to receive Canada eTA approval and should be prepared to apply for a traditional Canadian Visitor Visa instead.

How can I apply for a Canada eTA from Samoa?

Canada eTA Application Process for Samoan citizens:

How Long Can Samoan citizens stay on Canada Visa Online?

Samoan citizen's departure date must be within 6 months of arrival. Samoan passport holders are required to obtain a Canada Electronic Travel Authority (Canada eTA) even for a short duration of 1 day up to 6 months. If the Samoan citizens intend to stay for a longer duration, then they should apply for a relevant Visa depending on their circumstances. Canada eTA is only valid for 5 years. Samoan citizens can enter multiple times during the 5 year validity of the Canada eTA.

Can Samoan citizens extend their stay in Canada on Canada eTA?

By law, Canada eTA allows you to visit Canada for upto six months or upto the date authorised by CBSA(Canada Border Security Agency) officer. You can extend your stay in Canada but you must apply to extend your stay using Visitor Record. It is important to note that a Visitor Record is not an Visa or an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). Visitor Record includes a new expiry date before which you must leave Canada, so it extends the time limit of existing Visa or Canada eTA. You must apply for it before the existing allowed stay period expires.

Should Samoan citizens apply early for a Canada eTA?

To avoid travel disruptions, Samoan citizens requiring a Canadian eTA should apply at least 72 hours (three days) before their intended arrival in Canada. Although most applications are processed within 24 hours, applying in advance guards for unexpected delays.

It should be noted that an issued Canadian eTA remains valid for a maximum of five years, or until the linked Passport expires, whichever occurs sooner. This validity period permits applicants to apply in advance, even if their travel arrangements are not yet finalized. In rare instances, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may require additional supporting documents.

Following documents may be requested:

• A Medical Examination - A medical examination, which may be required for certain individuals.
• Criminal Record Check - Applicants with prior convictions may be required to provide a criminal record check. The Canadian Visa office will assess individual circumstances to determine if a police certificate is necessary.

Adherence to these guidelines increases the likelihood of eTA approval for Samoan citizens.

How to Avoid Common eTA Application Mistakes?

Although the Canada eTA Application process is generally simple, it is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the essential requirements and avoid the common mistakes detailed below.

• Passport numbers are almost always 8 to 11 characters. If you are entering a number that is too short or too long or outside of this range, it is quite likely that you are entering a wrong number.
• Enter information without hyphens, spaces, or special characters (like shown below in the image)
• Another common error is swapping letter O and number 0 or letter I and the number 1.
• Name related issue like
  • Full name: Name put in Canada eTA application must match the name exactly as given in the Passport. You can look at MRZ strip in your Passport information page to make sure you have entered the full name, including any middle-names.
  • Do not include previous names: Do not include any part of that name in brackets or previous names. Again, consult the MRZ strip.
  • Non-english name: Your name must be in English characters. Do not use non-English characters like Chinese/Hebrew/Greek alphabets to spell your name.
  • Learn more at How To Enter a Name On the Canada eTA Application

Enter passport number as shown without spaces and name as given on MRZ strip

Samoan citizens should take advantage of ArriveCAN app

For several Canadian international airports, the advanced declaration may be made online via the ArriveCAN service. The ArriveCAN app lets you submit your customs and immigration declaration electronically up to 3 days before your flight, so you can use the express lane and get through customs faster

Activities and attractions for Samoan Citizens in Canada

• Paradise For Photographers, Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park
• Admire The Natural Beauty of Perce Rock, Quebec
• Explore The Highest Falls, Montmorency Falls, Québec
• Skiing Activities, Mont Tremblant, Quebec
• Ice Skate on Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Banff
• Cliff Dive at Horseshoe Lake, Jasper National Park
• Sleep in an Ice Hotel, Quebec
• Try Ice Fishing, Arctic territory of Nunavut
• Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, Ontario
• Sea North Tours, Churchill River
• Miniature World, Victoria, British Columbia

Apply for Canada eTA at least 72 hours before your flight to Canada.