Find the right Canada Visa for your trip with price, requirements, and application time

Visa Policy of Canada

The visa policy of Canada is regulated by a few charters encoded in different documents, such as the Canadian Citizenship Act of 1946 and the Reformed Act of 1981. This policy clearly defines who a Canadian citizen is. Also, it states that any foreign national who wishes to enter the country must do so with a temporary resident visa issued by a Canadian Diplomatic mission abroad. However, visitors from 54 visa-exempt countries on the list or with proof of a United States permanent residency do not have to hold visas to enter Canada.

Persons that are not Canadian citizens are not issued Canadian passports, and the eligibility requirements to hold a passport are stated in the Passport Order (1981). The IRCC does the regulation of passport issuance. Exempt travelers, excluding US citizens and permanent residents, must acquire an Electronic Travel Authorization permit, otherwise known as ETA. 

This permit is solely for those arriving by air, which has been the standard practice since 2016.

The Canadian Citizenship Act allows such visitors to apply for the ETA online instead of visiting the Canadian embassy in their country. Such applicants will be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) during the process and a host of other documents to complete the application process.

Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization Eligibility

For a clear understanding of whether you qualify for an ETA or not, take a quick look at the eligibility guidelines.

• You must be from a visa-exempt country or a US citizen or permanent resident flying to or transiting through a Canadian Airport
• You must be up to 18 years and above to apply, but if you are below 18, a guardian or parent must apply on your behalf
• You must have sufficient funds to cover your stay in the country
• You must have a clean criminal record with no prior convictions for crimes
• You need a valid passport issued by your home government
• You must have a clean health bill and not suffer from any terminal or dangerous health problem that will make you seek medical treatment in Canada that you cannot afford. (If you are seeking medical treatment in Canada, you must show proof that you can cover the cost)
• You must have every intention of returning to your country at the end of the trip due to your strong ties with your home country.
• You must not have any plan to work or study in Canada

Now that you know the eligibility criteria for the Electronic Travel Authorization of Canada, let us review the different types you may apply for.

Canada Visa Free Countries

Only travelers from visa-free countries are eligible for ETA. The list is constantly updated and citizens from  these countries can enter Canada by air and stay for up to six months. Note that US and French citizens residing in Saint Pierre & Miquelon coming directly from these locations don’t need ETA.

Canada Port of Entry

The Electronic Travel Authorization can only be used to enter Canada by air, and here are the approved airports for travelers.

• Calgary International Airport 
• Edmonton International Airport 
• Regina International Airport 
• Gander International Airport
• Greater Moncton Romeo Leblanc International Airport 
• Halifax Stanfield International Airport 
• John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport 
• London International Airport 
• Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport 
• Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
• Quebec/Jean Lesage International Airport 
• Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport
• St. John International Airport 
• Toronto Pearson International Airport 
• Vancouver International Airport 
• Victoria International Airport 
• Winnipeg International Airport 

ETA travelers can enter Canada through any of these 17 airports.

Key Information About Canada ETA

It Is Linked To Your Passport: The first thing you should know is that your ETA is linked to your passport. This means that you cannot travel with a different passport; if you do, you will not be allowed into Canada.  Once you arrive at the airport, the immigration officers will scan your passport to generate the ETA; if nothing comes up you will not be allowed into the country.

Only For Short Visits: Another thing to take note of is that this travel document is only for short visits and not for long term visits. This means that you cannot use it as a permanent or temporary residency visa. eTA holders are not entitled to a residency permit. 

You Can't Work: Holders of Canadian ETA are not allowed to work during their time in the country. As a matter of fact, it is Illegal to do so on an ETA. Only foreigners with work permits are allowed to legally work in Canada.

Canada Visa Online – Get your Canada ETA with VisaHQ

If you wish to visit Canada in the coming weeks or months and are from a visa-exempt country, you will still need a travel permit to enter the country.

How to obtain an ETA with VisaHQ?

To obtain electronic travel authorization with VisaHQ, you must visit our portal to complete the application form in the following steps.

Fill Out the Application Form: Fill out the application form online using VisaHQ and select the ETA you want.

Attach Documents: Attach all required documents in soft copies by uploading them and submit. After submission, you will receive a confirmation email in your inbox.

Get Your ETA: Within three days or less, you will get your ETA in your email inbox.

Our application process is very easy and can be done with your smartphone or computer. So please go to our website now to complete the form or contact our customer representatives for technical support.

Why Use VisaHQ?

You should use VisaHQ to apply for your Canada ETA for your upcoming trips if you are from a visa-exempt country.

• We are an experienced outfit that has been in business since 2003
• We are spread across the globe with 20 offices in 6 countries to cater to the needs of our clientele
• Our professional support service is tailored to meet your needs and is always on time
• Our application process is very easy to understand and complete
• No need to handle physical documents as everything is done online
• Our team is experienced, so there is no room for errors
• You can track the status of your application

Applying for your travel documents with VisaHQ is a worthwhile experience. Ours is a platform you can trust, so submit your ETA application now, or contact us for extra support if required.