Canada, under the leadership of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has removed visa requirements for citizens of Argentina, Uruguay, Costa Rica, and Panama as of June 6, through the implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program.
As per the guidelines provided by the State Department, this new provision will be applicable only for air travel.
The State Department explained, “An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is required for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air.”
This latest amendment extends to individuals who have obtained a Canadian visa in the past ten years (2013-2023) or those residing in the United States as nonimmigrants.
Such individuals are now eligible for this benefit, permitting them to stay in Canada for up to six months.
Canadian Immigration Minister Sean Fraser spoke of the significant benefits that this move would bring.
“Abolishing entry visas for citizens from these countries will catalyze our economy by encouraging international travel, tourism, and commerce,” he stated.
Fraser further mentioned that this policy would make travel to Canada “quicker, simpler, and more cost-effective” for many individuals.
To apply for e-travel, the requirements include a valid passport, a credit card, an email address, and access to the Internet.
The governments of Costa Rica, under Rodrigo Chaves, and Panama, under Laurentino Cortizo, have commended this new regulation, emphasizing its potential to enhance their ongoing bilateral ties with Canada further.
The Foreign Ministry of Argentina also approved, commending the “exceptional state of relations between the two nations.”
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