Canada (The COW News Digital)Canada has announced visa-free entry for citizens of 13 countries as part of a broader effort to boost tourism and strengthen international relations. The decision, unveiled on January 6, is aimed at making travel to Canada easier for eligible visitors while promoting closer diplomatic and economic ties, particularly with Caribbean and Latin American nations.
Under the new policy, citizens of selected countries will be allowed to travel to Canada without obtaining a traditional visitor visa, provided they meet specific eligibility requirements. Instead, eligible travelers will be required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), a digital permit designed to simplify short-term travel procedures.
Canadian authorities said the move is intended to streamline entry for low-risk travelers and encourage increased people-to-people exchanges. The eTA system applies to travelers arriving by air and allows approved visitors to stay in Canada for up to six months without a separate visa.
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The list of newly eligible visa-free countries includes Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Costa Rica, Morocco, Panama, the Philippines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay. Officials noted that five Caribbean nations are part of the updated list, calling the move a positive step toward enhancing diplomatic engagement with the region.
To qualify for visa-free travel under the new arrangement, travelers must have either held a Canadian visa within the past ten years or currently possess a valid non-immigrant visa for the United States. Canadian officials said these conditions are designed to maintain border security while offering greater convenience to frequent and trusted travelers.
The government emphasized that the eTA is not a visa but a pre-screening authorization that allows Canadian authorities to assess travelers before arrival. Applications are processed online and typically approved within a short time, making the system more efficient than traditional visa procedures.
Tourism industry representatives have welcomed the announcement, predicting that it will lead to an increase in visitor numbers, particularly from Latin America and Southeast Asia. Analysts also believe the policy could support Canada’s broader economic goals by encouraging business travel, cultural exchange, and international cooperation.
Canadian officials said the visa-free expansion reflects the country’s commitment to openness and global connectivity. By easing travel requirements, the government hopes to position Canada as a more attractive destination for tourists and short-term visitors while maintaining strong immigration controls.
The policy is expected to take effect immediately, with eligible travelers encouraged to apply for an eTA before planning their trips.
