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CANADA – Countries Added to eTA Program
June 9, 2023
Canada has added 13 countries to its electronic travel authorization (eTA) program. The eTA Canada is an electronic travel authorization that is linked to a traveler’s passport and allows visa-exempt foreign nationals to enter Canada by air or transit through a Canadian airport.
The new countries added to the eTA program are:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Costa Rica
- Morocco
- Panama
- Philippines
- Kitts and Nevis
- Lucia
- Vincent and the Grenadines
- Seychelles
- Thailand
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Uruguay
Travelers from these countries who have either held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or who currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa can now apply for an eTA instead of a visa when travelling to Canada by air. Effective June, 6, eligible travelers from these countries can benefit from the program.
Newland Chase Insights
This will make it faster, easier, and more affordable for thousands of travelers from different nations to visit Canada for up to six (6) months for either business or leisure. This will also aid in the growth of Canada’s economy by facilitating more travel, tourism and international business. The Canadian government also expects a reduction in visa caseload, allowing for increased efficiency for the processing of visa application, benefiting visa applicants worldwide.
Individuals who already have a valid visa can continue to use it to travel to Canada. Those who are not eligible for an eTA, or who are travelling to Canada by means other than air (e.g. car, bus, train, boat – including by cruise shop) will still need a visitor visa.
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.
