Canada Expands Hassle-Free Visa Program; Includes More LAC Countries

Canada expanded its electronic travel authorization (eTA) program to 13 countries, including numerous Latin American and Caribbean nations. The changes made to the visa program will grant travelers quicker and less expensive access to the country.

The Latin American countries included in the list are Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Costa Rica, Panama, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago and Uruguay.

The offering isn’t that simple, howver. Travelers who apply for the visa must have visited Canada at least once in the last 10 years or have a valid visa for the United States.

Immigration officials in Canada have built a database in partnership with US authorities to verify visa applications.

Exciting news! Individuals from 13 new countries can now embark on unforgettable adventures, explore our diverse landscapes, reunite with family and friends, and immerse themselves in our vibrant culture without the hurdle of visa requirements.⁣ 🇦🇬🇦🇷🇨🇷🇲🇦🇵🇦🇵🇭🇰🇳🇱🇨🇻🇨🇸🇨🇹🇭🇹🇹🇺🇾⁣ pic.twitter.com/ws7onPHxk5

— Sean Fraser (@SeanFraserMP) June 6, 2023

Filing for a Canadian eTA instead of a visiting visa might save a family of five about 400 Canadian dollars (US$300). Furthermore, an eTA can be obtained online, while applying for a visiting visa must be done in person, at a Canadian embassy or consulate.

Canada launched its eTA program originally for Brazilian visitors in 2017. It is estimated that more than 20 million foreigners have used it since its launch.

The expansion of the eTA program is expected to bring in an additional 200,000 visitors from 13 countries over the next decade, boosting annual tourism by 160 million Canadian dollars (US$124 million).

The goal is to make Canada more accessible to travelers from across the world, stated the country’s Immigration Minister Sean Fraser in a press conference.