Canada’s Minister of Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser announced the new visa-free entry to Canada.
He said that citizens of 13 other countries will be able to come to Canada by air without a visa. Earlier citizens of around 50 countries were availing this facility. 13 new countries have been added to this list.
The countries are – Philippines, Morocco, Panama, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Seychelles and Thailand.
The temporary residence or visit visa required for entering Canada is not required for passport holders of these 13 countries. However, conditions have been added in this case.
The conditions for entry without a visa are – the 13 countries that have been mentioned, all the citizens of these countries will not be able to enter Canada without a visa. Only those who have obtained a Canadian visa at least once in the past 10 years or who currently hold a US temporary visa are eligible for the benefit.
Minister Sean Fraser said that this facility has been given to the citizens of the countries to make the visa process easier and faster.
Earlier in 2017, such a pilot project was also undertaken in Brazil. The result was positive.
People from more than 50 countries can now enter Canada without a visa. They have to fly to Canada. However, Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) must be obtained before entering the country. Those who come to Canada with this ETA can stay in the country for more than six months.
But no one can work in Canada with ETA. This will be applicable only for roaming.
