(Spanish CNN) — The Government of Canada will allow citizens of Argentina, Uruguay, Costa Rica and Panama to enter its territory by air without a visa, under the Electronic Travel Authorization Program (—eTA— , for its acronym in English). The measure came into force on Tuesday, Canada’s foreign ministry said in a statement.
The benefit applies to all citizens who have obtained a Canadian visa within the last 10 years or who have a valid non-resident visa in the United States, which shortens the processing time for obtaining permission to enter and remain in Canada for up to six months.
To apply for an electronic travel authorization, all you need is a valid passport, credit card, email address and internet access, according to the statement from Canadian authorities.
The governments of Costa Rica and Panama applauded this decision as part of an expansion of bilateral relations with Canada. In a statement, the Argentine Foreign Ministry said the initiative is one more example of the excellent state of relations between the two countries.
“Incurable alcohol evangelist. Unapologetic pop culture scholar. Subtly charming webaholic.”