For those who are thinking of traveling to Canada soon and are worried that they might not be able to make their dream come true due to visa problems, do not fret, for the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines announced today, June 7, 2023, that some Filipinos can now enter the country by air without a visa.

Starting on June 7, 2023 (Manila time), the Canadian government has implemented a new policy that allows Philippine passport holders to enter Canada without the need for a Canadian visa. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and fairness of Canada's immigration programs and services for travelers. 

Image from the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines

Who Is Qualified for Visa-Free Entry to Canada?

Unfortunately, this won't be applicable to any new travelers. To be eligible for visa-free entry into Canada, Philippine citizens must meet one of two conditions:

• They must have held a Canadian visa within the past 10 years.
• They must currently hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa.

Instead of the usual visa application process, eligible Filipinos can simply apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA). This is a digital travel document required for most visa-exempt travelers who wish to travel to or transit through Canada by air.

Canadian officials use the eTA to perform a quick preliminary screening of air travelers before their journey.

The application fee for an eTA is CAD $7 (approximately PHP 293). The Canadian Embassy states that the majority of applications are automatically approved within minutes.

To apply for an eTA, you will need a valid passport, a credit card, an email address, and internet access.

Filipino visitors can stay in Canada for a maximum of six months, for either business or leisure purposes.

It is important to note that visa-free entry to Canada for eligible Filipinos is only applicable to air travel. Those who plan to travel by land or sea must still obtain a visitor visa.

This initiative will open new opportunities for Filipino travelers as stated by The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, who stated that: “This exciting development means that more individuals from the Philippines 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. This expansion not only enhances convenience for travellers; it will also increase travel, tourism and economic benefits, as well as strengthen our bond with the Philippines.”

Additionally, The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Global Affairs, also mentioned that the expansion of the eTA program would help Canada to further engage with the region and build ties. All while making travel to Canada much safer, faster, and easier for everyone.