Canada is a popular destination for tourists, business travelers, and students from around the world. Depending on your country of origin and the purpose of your visit, you may need to obtain either an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visa to enter Canada. In this article, we will discuss the differences between eTA and visa, their requirements, and how to apply for them.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an online authorization that allows visitors from certain countries to enter Canada for short stays, usually up to six months, for tourism, business, or transit purposes. The eTA was introduced by the Canadian government in 2015 as part of their efforts to improve security and facilitate travel to Canada.
Who needs a Canada eTA?
Visitors from visa-exempt countries are required to obtain an eTA before entering Canada by air. A visa-exempt country is a country whose citizens are not required to obtain a visa to enter Canada for short stays. Currently, there are more than 50 visa-exempt countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and most European countries.
Citizens of countries that require a visa to enter Canada, such as China, India, and Russia, are not eligible to apply for an eTA and must apply for a visitor visa instead.
To apply for an eTA, you must have a valid passport, a credit card to pay the application fee, and an email address to receive the eTA confirmation. The application process is simple and can be completed online. You will need to provide your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and passport details, as well as answer a few questions related to your health and criminal history. The processing time for an eTA application is usually a few minutes, and you will receive the eTA confirmation by email.
Visa
A visa is a document that allows you to enter a foreign country for a specific purpose, such as studying, working, or immigrating. In the case of Canada, a visitor visa is required for citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt and who wish to enter Canada for short stays, such as tourism, visiting family or friends, or attending business meetings.
Who needs a visa?
Citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt are required to obtain a visitor visa before entering Canada. These countries include China, India, Russia, and many African and Middle Eastern countries.
How to apply for a visa?
To apply for a visitor visa, you must first determine which type of visa you need based on the purpose of your visit. There are different types of visitor visas, including:
- Single-entry visa: allows you to enter Canada once and stay for up to six months.
- Multiple-entry visa: allows you to enter and leave Canada multiple times within a specific period, usually up to 10 years.
- Transit visa: allows you to pass through Canada on your way to another destination.
Once you have determined which type of visa you need, you can apply online or on paper. You will need to provide your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and passport details, as well as answer questions related to your health and criminal history. You will also need to provide supporting documents, such as a letter of invitation, proof of financial support, and a travel itinerary. The processing time for a visitor visa application can vary depending on the volume of applications and other factors, and it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
Conclusion
In summary, the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) and the visitor visa are two different documents required for entry to Canada. Visitors from visa-exempt countries are required to obtain an eTA,
