Canada announces visa free entry to 13 countries

CANADA: To promote tourism and strengthen international relations, Canada has announced visa-free entry for citizens of 13 countries.

Under this decision, nationals of several Caribbean and Latin American countries will be able to travel to Canada without a visa, provided they meet specific conditions.

Canada has also expanded its Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program to more countries, aiming to simplify the entry process for short-term visits.

The newly added visa-free countries include 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.

This move is being described as a positive development, particularly in terms of diplomatic relations with Caribbean nations, as five countries from the region are included in the new list.

According to officials, the visa-free entry facility will apply to travelers arriving in Canada by air who have either held a Canadian visa at any time during the past 10 years or currently possess a valid US non-immigrant visa.

Eligible travelers will be allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months without obtaining a separate visa. The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a digital entry permit that is mandatory for citizens of visa-free countries.

The Canadian government states that the policy is designed to boost tourism, strengthen international connections, and make Canada more appealing to global travelers.