By Sue-Ann Wayow
TRINIDAD and Tobago citizens can now travel visa free to Canada.
The announcement was made on Tuesday and posted on the Government of Canada’s website.
Trinidad and Tobago is among 13 countries whose citizens could travel to Canada without having to apply for a physical visa.
The countries are:
- Antigua and Barbuda;
- Argentina;
- Costa Rica;
- Morocco;
- Panama;
- Philippines;
- St Kitts and Nevis;
- St Lucia;
- St Vincent and the Grenadines;
- Seychelles;
- Thailand;
- Trinidad and Tobago and;
- Uruguay.
These countries will now instead be part of Canada’s electronic travel authorization (eTA) program.
Travellers from these countries who have either held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or who currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa can now apply for an eTA instead of a visa when travelling to Canada by air. It only costs Canadian $7 to apply for an eTA and persons can apply online.
The program takes effect in the listed countries from Tuesday.
Canada’s government stated, “Introducing visa-free air travel will make it faster, easier and more affordable for thousands of travellers to visit Canada for up to six months for either business or leisure. It will also help grow Canada’s economy by facilitating more travel, tourism and international business, and by strengthening Canada’s relationships with these countries while keeping Canadians safe.”
The decision will also divert thousands of applications from Canada’s visa caseload, allowing us to process visa applications more efficiently, which will benefit all visa applicants, the website stated.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser said, “Canada is a destination of choice for so many around the world. We’re making it easier for more people to visit Canada, whether they’re coming to do business, sightsee or reunite with family and friends.
“Expanding the eTA program to include countries like the Philippines is also an important part of our Indo-Pacific Strategy, as we look to further engage in the region, build on people-to-people ties and make travel to Canada easier, faster and safer for everyone.”
Those who are not eligible for an eTA, or who are travelling to Canada by means other than air for example, by car, bus, train and boat—including by cruise ship, will still need a visitor visa.
Travellers can visit Canada.ca/eTA to find out whether they’re eligible for an eTA and how to apply for one.
