Canada opens visa-free travel to 13 nations under expanded eTA access – here’s how to apply
Find out who qualifies for short-term entry under new rules
DUBAI – Canada has announced visa-free entry for citizens of 13 countries, marking a significant shift in its short-term travel policy.
The move is aimed at easing access for pre-screened travellers while supporting tourism and strengthening international ties. Eligible visitors will be able to enter Canada without applying for a traditional visa, provided they meet specific conditions and obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization.
The policy is closely linked to the expansion of Canada’s eTA programme, which allows approved travellers to visit or transit through the country with a simple online authorisation. Authorities have clarified that the visa-free access applies primarily to air travel and is subject to prior travel history requirements.
Eligible countries
Citizens of the following 13 countries are included under Canada’s updated visa-free travel policy: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Costa Rica, Morocco, Panama, the Philippines, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay.
Several Caribbean and Latin American nations feature prominently on the list, with five Caribbean states gaining visa-free access. The inclusion of countries from different regions reflects Canada’s broader approach to facilitating travel for low-risk visitors while maintaining border controls.
Who qualifies?
Visa-free entry is available only to travellers who arrive in Canada by air and meet at least one of the eligibility conditions. Applicants must have held a Canadian visa at any point during the past 10 years, or they must currently hold a valid non-immigrant visa for the United States.
Travellers who qualify under these rules can stay in Canada for up to six months per visit without applying for a separate visitor visa. Border officials retain the authority to determine the length of stay at entry, based on travel purpose and supporting documents.
eTA explained
The Electronic Travel Authorization is a mandatory digital requirement for citizens of visa-exempt countries travelling to Canada by air. An approved eTA is required whether a traveller is visiting Canada or transiting through a Canadian airport on the way to another destination.
The authorisation is not required for travellers entering Canada by land or sea, including those arriving by car from the United States or by cruise ship. However, anyone boarding a flight to Canada from an eligible country must have a valid eTA before departure.
How to apply
Applications for a Canadian eTA are completed online and typically take only a few minutes. Travellers need a valid passport issued by one of the eligible countries, an active email address, and a credit or debit card to pay the $7 CAD processing fee.
Most applicants receive approval within minutes, although some cases may require additional checks and supporting documents. Once approved, an eTA remains valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first, allowing multiple short visits during its validity period.
While the process is simplified, travellers must still meet standard entry requirements on arrival. These include demonstrating sufficient funds for the stay, proving intent to leave Canada at the end of the visit, and meeting security and health checks as assessed by Canadian border officials.