If you are planning to visit Canada from Qatar for a temporary stay, you might come across the terms Canada Visit Visa and eTA. But which one do you need?
Let’s hear what our Canadian visa experts from Qatar have to say!
In this blog, we will explore the major differences between a Canada Visit Visa vs. eTA. By the end of this blog, you will clearly understand which one is right for you.
Shall we get started?
What is a Canada Visitor Visa?
A Canada Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is an official document issued by the Canadian government that allows foreign nationals from certain countries to enter Canada for temporary purposes like tourism, family visits, business meetings, or other short-term stays.
Canada visitor visa is single and has multiple entries. The single-entry visa allows you to enter Canada only once. After you leave, even if the visa is still valid, you need to apply for a new one to re-enter.
On the other hand, multiple entry visas allow you to enter Canada multiple times during the validity period. This is often more convenient for frequent travelers. The validity of a multiple-entry visa is often linked to the validity of the passport.
If you want to apply for a Canada visitor visa from Qatar, it generally involves:
- Complete an online application form.
- Providing supporting documents, such as a valid passport, proof of financial support, travel itinerary, and a letter of invitation (if applicable).
- Paying the application fee.
- Potentially providing biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
- Approval times can vary significantly depending on factors such as the volume of applications, the applicant’s country of residence, and the completeness of the application.
For updated info, contact our Canadian visa experts in Qatar today!
How is an eTA different from a Canadian visa? Let’s check the details.
What is the eTA?
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air.
The purpose of the eTA is to screen travelers before they arrive in Canada to enhance security.
It is designed for citizens of countries who do not require a traditional visa to enter Canada for short visits.
An approved eTA is generally valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
It is very important to note that the eTA is only required for those traveling by air. Those entering by land or sea have different requirements.
The eTA application is an online process.
You’ll need a valid passport, a credit or debit card, and an email address to apply.
The application fee is CAD 7.
Most eTA applications are approved within minutes, but some may take longer if further review is required.
It is always best to apply for the eTA well in advance of your planned trip.
It is very important to make sure that the passport information entered into the eTA application is correct.
Key Differences Between Canada Visit Visa and eTA
| Feature | Canada Visit Visa | Canada eTA |
| Eligibility | Citizens of countries that need a visa to visit Canada. | Citizens of countries that don’t need a visa to visit Canada (traveling by air). |
| Validity | Can vary, often linked to passport, up to 10 years. | Up to 5 years, or until the passport expires, whichever is first. |
| Stay Duration | Usually up to 6 months per visit, but can be less. | Usually up to 6 months per visit. |
| Application Process | Detailed online application, supporting documents required. | Simple online form. |
| Processing Time | It can take weeks or months. | Usually minutes, but sometimes longer. |
| Cost | Higher (around CAD $100). | Lower (CAD $7). |
| Requirement | Required for those that need a visa. | Required for visa-exempt travelers arriving by air. |
| Biometrics Required? | Often, yes. | No. |
| Interview Required? | Sometimes, yes. | No. |
| Multiple Entries Allowed? | Yes, if granted a multiple-entry visa. | Yes. |
| Purpose of Travel | Tourism, visits, business (short term). | Tourism, visits, business (short term). |
| Work/Study Allowed? | No, unless you have a separate permit. | No, unless you have a separate permit. |
| Can I Apply from Inside Canada? | No. | No. |
| Approval Rate | Lower than eTA. | Very high. |
| Risk of Rejection? | Higher, but it depends on many factors. | Lower, usually straightforward. |
Canada Visit Visa vs eTA: Which One Do You Need?
The key to knowing which one you need is your nationality. Canada has a list of countries whose citizens can visit without a visa. If your country is on that list and you’re flying to Canada, you’ll likely need an eTA. If your country is not on that list, you’ll need a Visit Visa.
If you are traveling by air and you are from a visa-exempt country, you will need an eTA. If you are travelling by land or sea, you will need your passport and any other required documentation but not an eTA.
Yes, we got your question. How to determine if you qualify for an eTA or require a visit visa:
Check the Official Website: The best and most reliable way is to visit the official Canadian government website. They have a tool where you can enter your nationality and see the requirements or contact us, the reliable Canadian visa service provider in Qatar.
In certain cases, some people have dual citizenship, and your travel document (passport) determines your requirements. If you have a passport from a visa-exempt country, you’ll need an eTA.
If you use a passport from a visa-required country, you’ll need a visa.
Usually, U.S. citizens do not need an eTA or a Visa. However, U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders) may need an eTA, depending on their nationality.
Most eTA applications are approved within minutes and the entire process is done online. So, it is very much convenient.
When comparing the price of eTA with a visit visa, the eTA fee is much lower than the Visit Visa.
While both allow for stays of up to six months, a Visit Visa might offer more flexibility in certain situations.
Remember, an eTA is for short visits; a visa can be used in more complex situations or when the traveler may need a longer stay.
Conclusion
Entering Canada depends on your nationality and how you travel. If you’re from a country that requires a visa, you’ll need a Canada Visit Visa. If you’re from a visa-exempt country and traveling by air, you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead.
The eTA is faster and cheaper than a Visa, but only certain travelers qualify. Your nationality decides which one you need—if your country is on Canada’s visa-required list, you must get a Visa. If you’re visa-exempt and flying to Canada, you should apply for an eTA.
Planning is important, especially for Visit Visas, as they take longer to process. If your eTA application is denied, you can still apply for a Visit Visa. However, if you already have a valid Visit Visa, you don’t need an eTA.
For official details and applications, contact our Canadian visa experts in Qatar to get verified information and make your visit visa or eTA process smoother and faster.
FAQ’s
Can I enter Canada with just an eTA?
Yes, if you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country and you’re arriving by air. If you are coming by land or sea, or if your country requires a visa, an eTA is not sufficient. An eTA is designed for those visa-exempt travellers who are traveling by airplane.
Which one is faster to get—an eTA or a visa?
An eTA is much faster. Most applications are approved within minutes. A Visit Visa can take weeks or even months.
Do I need an eTA if I already have a Visit Visa?
No. If you have a valid Visit Visa, you do not need an eTA. The Visa covers your entry.
Do U.S. Green Card holders need a Canada eTA?
It depends on your nationality. U.S. Green Card holders who are citizens of visa-exempt countries will likely need an eTA when traveling by air. It’s best to check with our visa consultants for the latest updates.
How long is a Canada Visit Visa and Canada eTA valid?
A Canada eTA is valid for up to five years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Whereas, a Canada Visit Visa’s validity varies. It can be valid for a shorter time or for multiple years, sometimes up to the passport’s expiration date, it depends on what the Canadian government decides to give you.
Who is eligible for a Canada eTA?
Citizens of visa-exempt countries who are traveling to Canada by air are eligible.
Can I apply for a Visit Visa if my eTA is denied?
Yes. If your eTA is denied, you can apply for a Visit Visa. A Visit Visa allows for a more in-depth review of your application.
Can I enter Canada with a Visit Visa instead of an eTA?
Yes. A valid Visit Visa is sufficient for entry, regardless of how you arrive in Canada. If you have a visa, you do not need the eTA.
