A visa is not always needed and depending on your nationality you can probably apply for an eTA. Learn all about the eTA application process via VisumBuitenland in this article.
What is en eTA?
Canada has a visa requirement for most incoming travellers. This means that all travellers that do not hold an American or Canadian passport or permanent residence card, must be in possession of a visa. However, some nationalities are exempt and only need an electronic travel authorisation (eTA). The difference between a visa and an eTA is that the application process is very different and it is often easier and cheaper to get an eTA, as opposed to a visa. Therefore, it is recommended that if you fulfill all eTA requirements, you should apply for this travel permit.
An eTA is a travel authorisation that is electronically linked to the passport of the traveller. This means that the whole process can be done online and you do not need to visit a Canadian consulate or embassy. This makes it a very smooth process and usually does not take more than a week for the eTA to arrive. However, it is always important to have the travel document ready and thus apply for it well before departure.
eTA requirements
One of the most important requirements is the nationality you hold. Only certain passport holders can apply for an eTA. Most travellers from the European Union, which includes Belgium, are able to apply for an eTA. British, Swiss and Norwegian nationals can also apply for this electronic travel authorisation. Furthermore, some other nationalities, for example from Singapore, Mexico and Australia, can also apply for the eTA and do not need to apply for a visa.
Another requirement is the purpose of your trip. Most trips, like a holiday or a visit to family or friends are allowed with an eTA. Moreover, a business trip, a short study programme or a transfer in Canada are also permitted. However, for longer tourist trips, study programmes or other specific travel purposes you will need to apply for a classic visa.
Validity of the eTA
The eTA is valid for 5 years. However, this does not mean you can stay in the country for 5 years. One stay in Canada with the eTA may be up to 6 months long. After a stay of 6 months, you will have to leave the country. Nevertheless, you are allowed to reuse the eTA for an unlimited number of trips within the 5 years of its validity. This means you do not have to apply for a new eTA each time you wish to travel to Canada within these 5 years.
Since the eTA is electronically linked to your passport, it is very important to travel with the same passport you used to apply for the eTA. This also means that if your passport expires before the 5 years of validity of your eTA, this eTA will also automatically expire. You will need to apply for a new passport and then apply for a new eTA with the new passport.
Apply for an eTA online
You can always apply for an eTA via the immigration website, however, you can also do it via a visa agency such as VisumBuitenland. If you apply for an eTA or other visa through VisumBuitenland you will receive Dutch or English-speaking assistance 24 hours per day, even on public holidays.
Furthermore, commonly made mistakes will be checked to prevent invalid applications and to ensure all electronic travel authorisations are valid. You will always be updated on your application via e-mail and you can follow the status of your eTA online. You can also pay with Bancontact or PayPal if you wish and if your eTA is rejected for any reasons, you will always be refunded the full cost of the application.
Altogether, always make sure you have a valid eTA or visa before travelling to Canada.
Promoted by VisumBuitenland
