Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
OTTAWA on Wednesday said eligible Filipinos now qualify for “visa-free” travel to Canada under its electronic travel authorization (eTA) program.
The Canadian Embassy in the Philippines said the decision will support Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, which aims to strengthen relations and invest in people-to-people ties between Canada and the Indo-Pacific region, including the Philippines.
The Philippines is one of 13 additional countries whose eligible citizens may now benefit from visa-free travel, the embassy said in a statement posted on Twitter.
Over the last 10 years, Canada issued 466,936 temporary resident visas to citizens from the Philippines. These individuals, along with current US non-immigrant visa holders, may now be eligible for visa-free travel.
The embassy said it costs CAN$7 (Canadian dollars) to apply, and most applications are automatically approved within minutes.
To apply for an eTA, travellers need only a valid passport, a credit card, an email address and access to the Internet.
“Introducing visa-free air travel will make it faster, easier and more affordable for thousands of known travellers from the Philippines to visit Canada for up to six months for either business or leisure,” the embassy said.
It also stressed that Canada values its relationship with the Philippines. “With the well-established Filipino diaspora in Canada, we recognize the importance of expanding and simplifying travel between our countries.”
The embassy said Filipinos 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.
Individuals who already have a valid visa can continue to use it to travel to Canada. 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.
Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said expanding the eTA program, to include 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.”
Canadian Immigration Minister Sean Fraser, said, “This exciting development means that more individuals from the Philippines can now embark on unforgettable adventures, explore our diverse landscapes, reunite with family and friends, and immerse themselves in our vibrant culture without the hurdle of visa requirements.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs welcomed Canada’s announcement including the Philippines in its eTA program.
“The new policy is expected to spur travel, stimulate more business opportunities, and foster greater interest for family reunification efforts,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said.
— Bernadette E. Tamayo
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