Dubai: The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has released more details about the visa waiver for Emiratis by Canada that went into effect on Tuesday.
In a set of rolling tweets from the foreign ministry, UAE officials said it will cost (Canadian) $7 for Emiratis filing for visa-upon-arrival pre-travel clearance through Canada’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
Once an Emirati passport holder is approved for a Canadian eTA, the authorisation is good for five years.
The ministry tweeted that “#UAE nationals holding diplomatic, special, mission & ordinary passports should apply for an electronic Travel Authorisation before landing in #Canada via https://www.canada.ca/eta. The #eTA costs $7 CAD & will enter into effect on 05/06/2018 at 1.30pm UAE time. #Canada”.
Under the new visa waiver announced on May 28, the foreign ministry tweeted: “The #eTA is valid for 5 years or until the passport expires. Duration of stay: 6 months for per visit.”
The ministry also announced that an eTA is not necessary for Emiratis if they are travelling to Canada in forms of transport other than flying.
“#UAE Nationals: Diplomatic, special, mission & ordinary passport holders do not require an electronic Travel Authorisation when arriving by car, bus, train or cruise ship to the Canadian territory #eTA #Canada,” tweeted the ministry.
The announcements follow a decision by the Canadian government to lift pre-entry visa restrictions on Emiratis travelling to that country late last month.
Brazil and Barbados followed the Canadian decision to lift pre-travel visa application.
Now ranked as the 23rd most powerful passport, visa-free access to Canada now enables UAE passport holders to travel to 157 countries around the world without obtaining pre-entry visas.
Citizens of the UAE can now obtain a visa upon arrival when visiting Canada, said officials following a high-level meeting between Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Ahmad Hussen.
Emiratis who study or temporarily work in Canada will still need to apply for a study or work permit as the new rules apply only to visitors and those transiting through the country on international flights.
How to apply
To apply for electronic travel authorisation in Canada, UAE citizens can log on to www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html to allow Canadian Customs officials to screen travellers.
Once approved, UAE citizens can board flights to Canada and obtain a travel visa upon arrival in Canada.
