​​eTA: Visa-free travel for 13 countries to Canada, what you need to know

In 2023, the Canadian government announced the expansion of the electronic travel authorisation (eTA) programme to include eligible travellers from 13 additional countries.

It means more people are welcome to come to Canada without visa under changes to the federal programme.

The announcement was made by Sean Fraser, Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, on June 6, 2023. 

What are the 13 countries?

To qualify under this expanded eTA programme, an eligible traveller must be from one of following:

The eTA is a digital travel document that most visa-exempt travellers need to travel to or transit through Canada by air.

The application process is straightforward, requiring the following:

What makes one eligible?

Under the expanded programme, passport holders of the 13 countries must:

The above conditions allow citizens of the 13 nations to apply for an eTA – instead of a visa – when travelling to Canada by air for business or tourism.

How much is the application fee?

The application fee is CAN$7 (about US$5).

How fast is the approval?

At the time of the announcement, to Fraser said most applications are approved "within minutes".

Benefits

This expansion aims to make travel to Canada faster, easier, and more affordable for thousands of travelers, allowing them to visit for up to six months for business or leisure. 

It is also expected to boost Canada’s economy by facilitating increased travel, tourism, and international business, while strengthening relationships with these countries. 

This measure is also expected to help ease thousands of applications from Canada's visa caseload, enabling more efficient processing of visa applications for all applicants. ​

What about those who are not eligible for eTA?

Those who are not eligible for an eTA, or who are travelling to Canada by means other than air (such as by car, bus, train, or boat—including cruise ships), will still need a visitor visa.

I am visiting the U.S. and I want to come to Canada. Do I need an eTA?

As per the official government website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), most travellers need a visitor visa or an eTA to travel to, or transit through, Canada.

What you need depends on:

How do I know my eligibility?

Travelers can visit the IRCC website Canada.ca/eTA to determine their eligibility for an eTA and learn how to apply. ​

Canada's recent expansion of the eTA program to include 13 additional countries reflects the country's commitment to facilitating international travel and fostering global connections, while ensuring the safety and efficiency of its immigration processes.