June 9, 2023

Canada has added 13 countries to its Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program. The Canada eTA is an electronic travel authorization linked to the traveler’s passport that allows visa-exempt foreign nationals to enter Canada by air or transit through a Canadian airport.

The new countries added to the AVE program are:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Costa Rica
• Morocco
• Panama
• Philippines
• Kitts and Nevis
• Lucy
• Vincent and the Grenadines
• Seychelles
• Thailand
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Uruguay

Travelers from these countries who have held a Canadian visa within the last 10 years or who currently hold a valid US non-immigrant visa can now apply for an eTA instead of a visa when traveling to Canada by air. Starting June 6, eligible travelers from these countries can benefit from the program.

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This will make it quicker, easier and more affordable for thousands of travelers from different countries to visit Canada for up to six (6) months, whether for business or leisure. It will also help grow the Canadian economy by facilitating more travel, tourism and international business. The Canadian government also expects a reduction in the number of visa applications, which will increase the efficiency of visa application processing, benefiting visa applicants around the world.

People who already have a valid visa can continue to use it to travel to Canada. Those who do not qualify for an eTA or who travel to Canada by means other than air (e.g. car, bus, train, boat – including cruise ship) will still need a visitor visa .

As always, please feel free to contact your dedicated Newland Chase contact or submit an inquiry here if you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and does not replace legal or scenario-specific advice. Additionally, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to contact Newland Chase for any case or company specific reviews.