Apply to a Canada Tourist Visa
Canada offers a packed and fun-filled adventure with various outdoor activities and sightseeing places. Adventure lovers can have a great time enjoying the winter outdoor activities (skiing, sledding, ice skating, etc.) and the mountain trek trails covering the forest and valleys. Canada is one of the top destinations for seeing the northern lights. The festivals, food, and stunning regions of Canada such as British Columbia, Alberta, Toronto and Montreal offer plenty of attractions and activities for a great vacation.
Canada eTA for Tourism
Most international travellers visiting Canada by air require an eTA (a valid entry document) to enter and stay in Canada. A few travellers are exempted from Canada eTA. It is a valid travel permit for Canada and all eligible travellers can choose eTA for tourism purposes instead of a Canadian visa or other permits. The major concern is to ensure that travellers meet all the requirements of Canada eTA. Please note that the Canada eTA is mandated only for the citizens of a few countries.
The five-year validity of Canada eTA comes with multiple entries. The six months (to the maximum) stay duration is authorised for each entry. Travellers can use the Canada eTA for various reasons such as transit business activities, visiting friends or family members and tourism.
Who can Apply for Canada eTA for Tourist Reasons?
Travellers who are not eligible or cannot opt for Canada eTA can get a traditional Canadian visa, depending on their eligibility. Canada eTA does not require travellers to visit the Canadian embassy or consulate because it is an online process. All Canada eTA eligible travellers can apply for it online and the application process is hassle-free and smooth.
Nationals or passport holders of the following country are eligible to apply for Canada eTA for tourism.
Canada eTA is issued for the nationals of a few countries upon meeting the conditions listed below.
- Should have a valid and current non-immigrant US visa.
- Should have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years.
Upon meeting the conditions, citizens of the following countries will be eligible to apply for Canada eTA.
It is a traveller’s responsibility to ensure they meet all the Canada eTA requirements because it helps to have a hassle-free application process.
Tourism Activities Permitted Under Canada eTA
Please note that all eligible travellers visiting Canada for tourism can get Canada eTA only when entering the country by air. Travellers entering Canada through seaports and land are advised to check the respective entry permit and requirements. The tourism activities permitted under Canada eTA are mentioned below.
- Sightseeing
- Exploring cultural sights
- Meeting friends and family members
- Participating in a local festival
- Attending short-term academic courses
- Enjoying adventure and entertainment activities
Length of Stay in Canada
Travellers with an approved Canada eTA can choose to stay in Canada for up to six months. The exact length of duration will be decided by the border security officers depending on the traveller’s purpose of visit and other factors. The duration of the trip will be stamped on the traveller’s passport by the officials. Travellers must adhere to their permitted stay duration and overstaying will cause legal issues.
Document Required for Applying to Canada eTA
Travellers applying for Canada eTA require only a few documents. The important travel document is the passport. The passport should be valid and ensure it has 1 or 2 blank pages. Travellers must provide a working email ID during the application process. The provided email ID must be valid because further communications and their approved Canada eTA will be sent to travellers via their email ID.
To complete the Canada eTA application fee, travellers can use their credit or debit card or any online payment method. In some cases, travellers might be required to submit a few additional documents as part of the application process. The Canada eTA application processing time is around 24 -72 hours.
Canada Entry Denial Reasons
Every traveller must take the security and immigration check after arriving in Canada. Entering Canada with an approved Canada eTA will not exempt the travellers from the entry protocol or process. Please note that the official at the border control can deny entry to any travellers despite having a valid Canadian visa or eTA.
A few reasons for traveller’s inadmissibility into Canada are listed below.
- Not having proper documents (passport, ID, etc.)
- Previous criminal history
- International or Human Rights violations
- Failing to comply with immigration law
- Financial instability
- Conditions that seem like a threat to public health or safety
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Certain foreign nationals are allowed by Canada to visit the country without having to go through the lengthy process of applying for the Canadian Visa. Instead, these foreign nationals can travel to the country by applying for the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization or Canada eTA. Learn more at Canada eTA Requirements.