Credit: Jude Joshua – Pixabay
This decision came into effect on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 and is part of the electronic travel authorization program which offers new opportunities for travelers wishing to discover Canada.
Travel to Canada more easily
Now, travelers from Morocco, who have already obtained a visa for Canada within the last ten years, as well as those who hold a valid US visa, will be able to submit an application for an electronic travel authorization instead of the application traditional visa for traveling to Canada by air.
This extension of the program also concerns twelve other countries, namely Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Costa Rica, Panama, the Philippines, Saint-Kitts-and-Nevis, Saint-Lucia, Saint-Vincent- and-the Grenadines, Seychelles, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago and Uruguay.
Thanks to this measure, travelers will be able to enjoy a stay of up to six months, avoiding the hassle and costs associated with traditional visa application procedures.
Canada reduces the administrative burden of visa applications
In an official press release, Minister Sean Fraser stressed that this decision aims to stimulate the growth of the Canadian economy by promoting travel, tourism and international trade, while strengthening ties between Canada and these countries.
He also added that this measure would reduce the administrative burden associated with processing visa applications, thus improving the overall efficiency of the system.
Canada’s Global Affairs Minister, Mélanie Joly, also welcomed the initiative, saying it aims to facilitate visits to Canada, strengthen people-to-people ties and make travel easier, faster and safer for everyone.
She pointed out that travelers who do not qualify for electronic travel authorization or who enter Canada by other means will still need to present a visitor visa.
An opportunity for Canada to welcome new visitors and boost the tourism economy
This extension of the electronic travel authorization is a crucial measure for the Canadian tourism industry, as highlighted by Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism of Canada. He sees this decision as an important step in taking the tourism industry to new heights.
By simplifying the entry process for international travelers, Canada sends a strong message that it is open for business, adventure and unforgettable experiences. This strategic decision also supports the country’s economy by energizing local communities and creating countless job opportunities.
The electronic travel authorization (AVE) thus becomes a digital travel document accessible to Moroccan travelers exempt from the traditional visa requirement, at a modest cost of $7.
Canada guarantees that most eTA applications are automatically approved within minutes. Travelers will only need a valid passport, credit card, email address and internet access to complete the application.
Since the launch of the program in August 2011, nearly 20.9 million eTAs have already been issued. Since April 2017, nationals of Brazil, Bulgaria and Romania are also eligible.
With this new expansion, Canada expects to welcome approximately 200,000 additional visitors from these thirteen countries by next year, generating nearly $160 million in additional tourism revenue over the coming decade.
