Canada: eTA and Visitor Visa

With its unique nature, diverse culture, and developed economy, Canada is one of the most desirable destinations for travelers. If you're planning a trip to Canada for tourism or business purposes, it's important to determine whether you need an eTA or a visitor visa.

Stay with us and find out what the visa process for traveling to Canada looks like, and what you should know in advance!

What Is an eTA?

An eTA is an electronic travel authorization for citizens of countries that don't need a visa to travel to Canada. It grants citizens of those countries permission to enter Canada by air.

There are around 50 countries whose citizens can use the eTA; you can find the full list at the following link.

How Do You Get an eTA?

Obtaining an eTA is done by filling out an online form. Completing the application takes only a few minutes. You'll need:

• A valid passport
• A credit or debit card (for payment)
• An email address

You should submit your application at least 72 hours before traveling, to avoid unforeseen obstacles. In most cases, the eTA is issued within a few minutes, though sometimes additional documentation or information may be required.

eTA Validity and Duration

The eTA is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. With the eTA, you can travel to Canada multiple times, but keep in mind that each visit must not exceed 6 months.

The eTA costs 7 Canadian dollars.

What Is a Visitor Visa?

A visitor visa is a mandatory document required for people who are not eligible to obtain eTA authorization. The visitor visa is issued for both tourist and business visits.

Requirements for Canada's Visitor Visa

To obtain a visitor visa, you'll need:

Financial documentation:
You must prove that you have sufficient financial resources to cover the costs of your trip to Canada. This includes submitting bank statements, income declarations, and other relevant documentation.

Ties to your home country:
You must prove that your ties to your home country are strong, so that the immigration officer is convinced you'll return home after your visit to Canada ends. This may require submitting documents confirming your employment or family relationships, among others.

Legal status:
You must confirm that you don't have a criminal record. This may require submitting a corresponding certificate or document from your local police.

Biometric data:
After your visa application is approved, you'll provide biometric data at a visa application center. Biometric data is valid for 10 years.

Medical certificates:
In some cases, you may need to submit a medical certificate if your health condition is such that it could affect your visit to Canada.

You should submit your application several months before traveling, to avoid unforeseen delays, and take into account the processing time for the visa application and for the visa to be affixed to your passport, which generally takes anywhere from a few months to a year.

The visitor visa costs 100 Canadian dollars, plus a visa application center fee of 85 Canadian dollars.