In order to broaden its culture, give foreigners greater opportunities to visit the country and promote international business, the Government of Canada has eliminated visa requirements for citizens of 13 countries, including four countries in the Americas. Latin: Argentina, Uruguay, Costa Rica and Panama. .

Countries have been included in their Electronic Travel Authorization program and the benefit applies to those who within the past 10 years have obtained a Canadian visa or have a valid non-resident visa in the United States . Travelers can stay in the territory for a period of up to six months.

What is the Electronic Travel Authorization Program?

Electronic Travel Authorization is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign visitors traveling to the country by air. This authorization will be electronically linked to each citizen’s passport, as indicated on the official website of the Government of Canada.

The permit will be valid for five years or until the expiry of the passport, that is, in the event of expiry or loss and a new passport is obtained for this reason, the citizen must again process the electronic authorization.

With the government program, people who want to visit Canada will be able to enter as many times as they want and stay legally for up to six months each time. In addition, they will be able to travel and visit the different cities of the country without additional requirements.

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In a statement, the government said the measure “will contribute to the growth of Canada’s economy by further facilitating travel, tourism and business abroad, and strengthening Canada’s relationship with these countries while ensuring the safety of Canadians”.

This is not the only requirement

In addition to authorization, foreign travelers must demonstrate to immigration officials that they have sufficient financial resources to visit the country, including accommodation and food costs. Otherwise, they will not be allowed to enter Canadian territory.

Colombians need a visa

Unlike citizens of the countries targeted by the measure, Colombians wishing to travel to Canada need a visa and the type depends on the reason for the trip: studies, work or tourism. To start the application, it is necessary that the passport is active and it cannot be six months or less from its expiration date.

The visa application must be made online and payments must be made in Canadian dollars. Currently, the tourist visa is $100 CAN per person, or $314.00 pesos; that of a student in $150, equivalent to $471,700; and the one for work at $155, or nearly 500.00 pesos.

According to Alternativa Canada, an immigration consulting firm, to apply you must follow these steps:

• Have your passport active.
• Complete the online application forms depending on the reason for travel. Check the necessary forms here.
• Gather all supporting documents for your visa application.
• Complete the VFS Global Consent Form.
• Once the visa application has been made and the supporting documents submitted, you will need to make an appointment to present the biometrics at a visa application centre.
• Payment of Canadian government fees. Look here for the rates from the Canadian government.

Which countries are visa-exempt to travel to Canada?

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Here are the countries that will be able to enter the country with the new Electronic Travel Authorization program:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Costa Rica
• Morocco
• Panama
• Philippines
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• santa lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Seychelles
• Thailand
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Uruguay