The Canadian government has its own immigration rules just like any other country. It might be easy or challenging to get in, depending on where you come from, and what your purpose is for entering the country.
The government has an agreement with several countries to exempt their citizens from getting a visa to enter Canada. In return, Canadian citizens can also enter those countries without a visa. The partnership might extend in other forms depending on the deal.
Recently, though, the Canadian government issued an order that even those who come from visa-exempt countries need to apply for an eTA or to enter Canada. It’s an online application which means Electronic Travel Authorization. Once you fly or transit to Canada by plane, you need to have an authorization; otherwise, you might not have the chance to enter Canada. It doesn’t apply to people from visa-exempt countries traveling to Canada via buses, trains or ships.
Before you freak out about this new requirement, you need to understand that it’s an easy process. You need to do the Canada ETA Application online which will take only a few minutes. You need to pay $7 CAD, and it's over. Wait for a while before the government approves the application. Once approved, you can use it for up to five years.
Does it apply to American and Canadian citizens?
The United States and Canada have strong ties as neighbors. Therefore, American citizens traveling to Canada don't need to get an authorization if they're using their American passport. However, for permanent residents or Green Card holders, eTA is a requirement to enter Canada, along with the Green Card.
Canadian citizens don’t need to request an eTA when traveling, along with permanent residents of the country. For Canadian PR, you need to bring your card with you and show it to the immigration officers upon arrival. For dual citizens, this is not a requirement provided that you travel to Canada with a Canadian passport.
Is an eTA enough to enter Canada for all purposes?
This authorization is only a requirement if you’re heading to Canada for tourism purposes and if you intend to stay within the maximum number of days that you can stay. If you plan to work or study in Canada, even if you’re from a visa-exempt country, you need to get the appropriate visa and permit from the Canadian government; otherwise, your stay in Canada is illegal, and you run the risk of getting deported.
Citizens from countries with visa requirements
The first thing is to check the list of visa-exempt countries. If your country isn't on the list, you have to go through the usual process of obtaining a visa based on your purpose. You also need to apply in a Canadian embassy or consulate in your country or a neighboring country where it's available. Read the requirements and make sure they are complete before having an appointment to get a visa.
