In a move aimed at enhancing travel and people-to-people ties, Canada has included the Philippines in its Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program, allowing eligible Filipino travelers to enter Canada visa-free.
The expansion of the eTA program reflects Canada’s commitment to engagement in the Indo-Pacific region and simplifying travel for business, leisure, and family reunions. This article explores the details of the program, its benefits, and the impact it may have on travel between Canada and the Philippines.
Table of Contents
Visa-Free Travel Made Easier
Effective immediately, eligible Philippine passport holders who have held a Canadian visitor’s visa in the past ten years or a valid United States non-immigrant visa can now apply for an eTA instead of a visa. The eTA application, available through Canada.ca/eTA, involves a light-touch and pre-travel screening process conducted by Canadian officials. The application fee is 7 Canadian dollars (approximately PHP300), and most applications are automatically approved within minutes.
Boosting Travel, Tourism, and Business
Including the Philippines in the eTA program signifies a significant milestone in Canada-Philippines relations. Visa-free air travel will facilitate faster, more affordable trips for known travelers from the Philippines, enabling them to visit Canada for up to six months for business and leisure purposes. This development is expected to strengthen travel, tourism, and international business ties between the two countries and foster closer people-to-people and cultural connections.
Read more: Pangasinan records 424 dengue cases
Complementing Existing Mobility Measures
Canada’s decision to include the Philippines in the eTA program complements its existing measures to enhance mobility between the two nations. The Transit Without Visa program allows eligible Filipino nationals to transit through Canada on their way to or from the United States without requiring a Canadian visa. The Student Direct Stream also expedites study permit processing for those applying to study in Canada.
A Milestone in Canada-Philippines Relations
Including the Philippines in the eTA program signifies Canada’s growing friendship and trust in the Philippines, as highlighted by Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo. The decision underscores Canada’s recognition of the importance of the Filipino community and the well-established people-to-people ties between the two nations. The Philippine government welcomes this milestone, viewing it as an opportunity to deepen engagement and cooperation in various sectors.
Read more: 5 Government Agencies in the Philippines Offering Scholarships for Filipino Students
Final Thoughts
Canada’s expansion of the eTA program to include the Philippines opens up new opportunities for visa-free travel, fostering stronger connections between the two nations. This development simplifies the travel process and facilitates increased tourism, business engagements, and cultural exchanges. As both countries look ahead to a new era of collaboration, including the Philippines in the eTA program represents an important step in reinforcing the bonds between Canada and the Philippines.
Read more: Why Filipino Teachers are Choosing Southeast Asian Countries
Nice to hear that Canada is visa free for Filipino
How to apply