Everything You Need to Know About Visa-Free Travel for Pinoys to Canada

Processing only takes a few minutes.
by Ina Louise Manto | June 08, 2023

Planning to visit Canada for business or leisure? Here’s something to look forward to. On June 7, the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines announced the addition of the Philippines to Canada’s Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program, entailing visa-free entry for Filipinos traveling via air. Here’s everything you need to know about it:

What is an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)?

The eTA is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. It’s a document linked to your passport that’s valid for five years. Once approved, you can travel to Canada as often as you like and stay up to 6 months at a time.

Who is eligible for eTA?

Filipinos can enjoy visa-free travel to Canada if they either:

• had a Canadian visa in the last 10 years
• OR currently hold a US non-immigrant visa.

If you have an existing and valid Canadian visa, there’s no need to apply for an eTA.

How do I apply for an eTA?

Here are the requirements for eTA application:

• A filled-out form
• A debit or credit card

Note: Apply for your eTA before booking your flight.

How much will it cost?

An eTA costs CAN$7 or approximately PHP 295.

How long will visa processing take?

Processing your eTA will only take a few minutes. After successful payment, you will receive an email regarding its approval. In some cases, it might take longer, if you will be required to submit additional documents.

For more information and updates, follow the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines on Facebook.

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