Canadian Visa Waiver: Everything You Need to Know

Updated on Jan 05, 2025 | Canada eTA

Canada is known for a lot of things, such as maple syrup, the natural wonders, and more. So, if you have been wanting to try these things in person, then why not travel there with the help of the Canadian Visa Waiver?

Explore more on this below!

Learning About the Canadian Visa Waiver Program

Without delaying any further, let's understand the Visa Waiver Program in detail below.

What is the Canada Visa Waiver Program?

Essentially, it refers to a mandate passed by the Government of Canada that allows nationals belonging to these countries to travel there without a visa. Find out if you're a member of any of these visa waiver countries here.

Some additional countries that have been added to the Canadian Visa Waiver list are:

  • Costa Rica
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Costa Rica
  • Morocco
  • Philippines
  • Seychelles
  • Thailand
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • St. Kitts and Nevis
  • Panama
  • The Grenadines
  • St. Vincent
  • Uruguay

However, people who do not belong to these countries must apply for a visa. Check if you need to go for a visa here.

Now, if you do happen to be a member of the Canadian VWP or Visa Waiver Program, then you can enjoy a visa-free entry. Nonetheless, you should carry your essential documents (travel itinerary, passport, Where you are staying etc). Additionally, you will also have to apply for and have the Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization or Canadian eTA. if you're traveling by air.

US visitors coming to Canada on a bus, train, or cruise ship don't need an eTA. But they will still need a temporary resident visa. Additionally, if you wish to work there or study there, then you will require a work visa or a student visa. Now, some of the advantages you'll enjoy when due to the Canadian Visa Waiver are:

  • A hassle-free entry process. You can enter Canada without facing any unwanted hassles like long queues, delayed wait times, etc. at the Consulate/Embassy.
  • Enjoying a stay for a period of max 180 days, etc.

Who Qualifies for a Canadian Visa Waiver Program?

You will be considered eligible for the Canadian Visa Waiver Program if you belong to these countries:

  • Barbados
  • Belgium
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • Monaco
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Norway
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Poland
  • Portugal

See the complete list of visa-waiver countries here.

Additionally, people traveling from the countries mentioned above must have been temporary residents for the past 10 years and hold a visa for the same. Alternatively, they must have a valid United States non-immigrant B1/B2 visa.

Additionally, if you already have a valid Canadian Visa, you can travel there without any hesitation.

Some reasons why people generally prefer to travel visa-free are:

  • Avoiding the stress of carrying additional documentation
  • Reduced processing times (such as in the case of eTA or eVisa, etc.)
  • They can travel at a moment's notice, without having to make previous plans, etc.

Learn About Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for Visa-Exempt Visitors

As we've mentioned previously, you'll need to apply for a Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization or eTA if you belong to the list of VWP countries. Let's explore more on this below.

What is the eTA, and Why is it Required?

The Canadian eTA is a digital document that authorizes its holders to travel to Canada without a visa. This online document remains valid for a period of up to 5 years from its date of issue. However, if your passport expires before that, the eTA is also considered to be invalid.

You can use this eTA to visit Canada for short stays for a period of up to 180 days or six months. You will be exempt from this if you:

  • Belong to the US
  • Are a Canadian Permanent Resident
  • Happen to be a Canadian Citizen

Now, an eTA is different from a traditional visa in the following ways:

Eligibility: An eTA is applicable for people belonging to the Canadian Visa Waiver program. It is issued to people travelling for tourism or work. US citizens must have their passport on them. On the other hand, a visa is valid for multiple individuals and can be used for studying, etc. People also have to submit extra documents for the verification process.

Application process: You will generally not have to spend a lot of time when you're applying for an eVisa since it's a digital process. However, you'll have to make multiple visits to the Embassy or Consulate, stand in long lines, etc. for a traditional visa.

Validity: Validity of an eTA is maximum 5 years. On the other hand, a visa is valid throughout your visit.

Application process for a Canadian eTA

You can apply for a Canadian eTA in the following manner:

Document check: You need to compile all the necessary documents in one place, like your credit card, passport, etc.

Site: After getting your documents ready, you need to visit the official website.

Form: Fill up the eTA form. Carefully fill in all the details like name, marital status, etc. Do carefully cross-check all the information before hitting the submit option.

Payment: Use the approved gateways to pay for the application.

Processing time: Once you make the payment, you have to wait for a period of up to 72 hours for the application to be processed.

Keep in mind that you must avoid some of these mistakes when you're applying for the Canadian eTA:

  • Providing incomplete or incorrect information
  • Not providing all the necessary documents
  • Applying late
  • Not being able to provide proof of your financial strength
  • Not maintaining parity in your financial documents

This will help you avoid any hassles like delayed approval times, etc.

What Do You Need for Visa-Free Entry Into Canada?

Gather the following for a Visa-free entry into Canada.

Documents Needed for Travel to Canada Without a Visa

Make sure that you carry important documents:

  • Passport of your VWP country
  • Your confirmed eTA application
  • Bank statements and fund proofs
  • Return flight ticket
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Your Temporary Resident Visa (if you do not belong to the Canadian Visa Waiver countries list)
  • NEXUS card (for frequent travelers from the USA and Canada)
  • Vaccination proofs
  • CANPASS card (for people traveling on a private plane)
  • Canadian passport, (if you hold dual citizenship)
  • Your passport must be valid for at least 3 to 6 months after your stated date of return.

Duration and Limitations of Stay

Citizens of any visa-exempt country can remain in Canada for six months, but the decision depends on border services officers. Super-visa holders can stay in the country for up to five years.

Note that wanting to stay beyond 180 days calls for an extension, but the procedure involves some complications. Instead of undergoing that hassle, you can always return to your homeland and then reapply.

Ready to apply for the Canadian eTA?

So, that's all about the Canadian Visa Waiver Program and the eTA. Remember the following:

  • Apply for your eTA in advance
  • Keep all your documents in one place
  • Ensure that your passport is valid
  • Have the physical copies of required documents

Also, don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any additional queries. We wish you a safe journey!

Check your eligibility for eTA Canada Visa and apply for eTA Canada Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. Citizens of many countries including British citizens, Portuguese citizens, Spanish citizens, South Korean citizens and Swiss citizens can apply online for eTA Canada Visa.

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