Eligible Brazilians, Bulgarians, and Romanians Can Now Travel to Canada with an eTA
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Canada’s New Travel Initiative
Canada is a top destination for tourists, businesspeople, and students. To boost travel and tourism, the Canadian government is updating its entry rules. Now, low-risk travelers from certain visa-required nations can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canadian airports.
April 28, 2017 – Ottawa, ON – Starting May 1, 2017, at 9 am EDT, citizens of Brazil, Bulgaria, and Romania who have had a Canadian visa in the past decade or possess a valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa can apply for an eTA instead of a visitor visa to travel by air to Canada. Those who do not meet these criteria or are traveling by land or sea will still require a visitor visa.
Enhancing Travel and Safety
Facilitating Easier Travel
The eTA expansion to citizens of select visa-required countries follows its successful implementation for visa-exempt travelers. This change aims to foster legitimate trade and travel while ensuring the safety of Canadians.
Official Remarks
“This initiative will make it easier for eligible travellers to come to Canada and to transit through a Canadian airport. It will also encourage them to make repeat visits. The end result will be more travel and tourism and more economic benefits for Canadians.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Key Details
Visa requirements for Romanian and Bulgarian citizens will be lifted on December 1, 2017. However, an eTA will be needed to board flights to Canada.
Since its launch on August 1, 2015, over 3.6 million eTAs have been issued to visa-exempt travelers.
Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, cannot apply for an eTA and must use a valid Canadian passport to fly to Canada. Permanent residents need to present their permanent resident card or travel document when entering Canada.
Further Information
- Backgrounder: Canada’s new entry rules for Brazilian, Bulgarian, and Romanian citizens
- eTA, including information in multiple languages
- Informational video with key eTA details
- eTA frequently asked questions
- Dual Canadian citizens need a valid Canadian passport
- Come out and celebrate Canada 150
Contact Information
For media only
Bernie Derible
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for an eTA?
Brazilians, Bulgarians, and Romanians who have held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or currently hold a valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa may apply.
When will the new eTA rules take effect?
The new rules will be effective from May 1, 2017, at 9 am EDT.
What should dual Canadian citizens do?
Dual Canadian citizens must use a valid Canadian passport to fly to Canada, as they cannot apply for an eTA.
Will Romanian and Bulgarian citizens need a visa after December 1, 2017?
No, they will not need a visa but will require an eTA to board flights to Canada.
Where can I find more information on the eTA process?
Visit the eTA frequently asked questions page for more details.
