Canada Expands Visa-Free Air Travel to Caribbean CBI Countries

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On June 6 2023, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the inclusion of 13 new countries in Canada’s electronic travel authorization (eTA) programme. This allows citizens from these countries visa-free air travel to Canada. It includes citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia, all of which offer citizenship-by-investment programmes.

If you’re travelling as a citizen of these countries, you must have held a Canadian visa within the past 10 years or possess a valid United States non-immigrant visa. This enables you to apply for an eTA instead of a traditional visa when visiting Canada by air. 

What if you currently hold a valid visa? You can continue to utilize it for your travels to Canada. If you’re ineligible for an eTA or plan to enter Canada via means other than air (such as by car, bus, train, or boat), you’ll still be required to obtain a visitor visa. Visit Canada.ca/eTA to determine your eTA eligibility and learn how to apply.

The introduction of visa-free air travel will expedite and streamline the process for thousands of visitors, whether for business or leisure. You’ll be able to stay in Canada for up to six months. By diverting a significant number of applications to the eTA programme, all visa applicants will enjoy more efficient processing.

Jon Green, Managing Partner of Latitude North America, commented that “this will certainly give a boost to citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia. “Canada is a highly desirable visa-free travel destination known for its breathtaking landscapes, multicultural cities, and welcoming atmosphere.” “From the majestic Rocky Mountains to vibrant urban centres like Toronto and Vancouver, Canada offers a diverse range of attractions and experiences. Canada also has a reputation for safety and hospitality.”

With immediate effect, as an eligible traveller from the following countries you can take advantage of this programme:

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

This initiative aims to boost Canada’s economy by encouraging travel, tourism, and international business. It will also foster stronger relationships with the aforementioned countries, all while maintaining the safety of Canadians.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA):

• The eTA serves as a digital travel document for most visa-exempt travellers who intend to transit through or visit Canada by air.
• The eTA application enables Canadian authorities to conduct a streamlined pre-travel screening process for air travellers. With an application fee of CAD$7, Canada approves the majority of applications within minutes.
• To apply for an eTA, you’ll need a valid passport, a credit card, an email address, and Internet access.
• Since the inception of the eTA programme on August 1, 2015, Canada has issued nearly 20.9 million eTAs.
• In April 2017, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) initially expanded the eTA programme to include eligible travellers from Brazil, Bulgaria, and Romania. Canada later lifted the visa requirement for all citizens of Bulgaria and Romania in the same year. As a result, eligible Brazilian nationals continue to enjoy visa-free air travel to Canada.
• Canada anticipates a significant increase in visitors from these 13 countries within the next year, amounting to approximately 200,000 more travellers (a 20% increase). Over the next decade, this heightened travel activity is expected to generate nearly $160 million in additional tourism revenue.

If you’re interested in obtaining citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, or St Lucia, contact us today without delay.