Step-by-Step Guide to Canada eVisa (eTA) for Icelandic citizens

Canada is the second largest country in the world, with a large area spanning over 10 provinces and 3 territories. The country has four distinct seasons, each offering its own charm that captivates travelers from around the globe. Do you want to enjoy a romantic autumn with roads covered with maple leaves - the signature of Canada? If you are planning to visit Canada on your next trip, don’t miss this guide

Applying for a Canadian visitor visa is a common concern when traveling to this country. The stringent visa policies protect Canada from the global enhance border security. If you would like to travel to Canada, you can apply for a Canada eTA visa - a new visa program launched by the Canadian Government in 2012. In this article, we share helpful information about the Canada eTA (eVisa) for Icelandic citizens and how to apply.

Canada eTA for Icelandic citizens

1. Check Canada eTA (or eVisa) requirements for Icelandic citizens

What is a Canada eTA visa?

Canada eTA - Canada Electronic Travel Authorization is a kind of visitor visa for citizens of eligible countries traveling to Canada. This new visa program was launched in 2012 and developed until 2016. Thanks to the eTA visa, the Canadian Government manages foreigners well and solves the overloading of visa applications at customs and immigration.

Canada eTA for Icelandic citizens is truly an optimal option for travel lovers from all over the world. You can get a visitor visa quickly and easily without waiting at the Canadian embassy or consulate. The process is straightforward; you do not need to have any paperwork for the application process. However, not all countries can apply for a Canada eTA online, you have to check eligibility.

Check eligibility requirements for the Canada eTA visa application

The compulsory requirement is that you must be a citizen of the country that belongs to the exempt list for Canadian visas. Otherwise, if you have US citizenship with a green card, you are eligible for a Canada eTA visa too. Other requirements include:

• The eTA is applies to air travel only
• You have to demonstrate that you are over the age of 18 to apply. Otherwise, your parents or lawful guardians will do that.
• When approved, the eTA visa will be linked electronically to your passport to check your national identity. If you change your passport, you have to get a new visa.
• With a valid for up to five years
• ETA visa is valid as a multiple entry authorization. That means you can enter Canada many times without applying for another re-enter visa.
• You can stay in Canada for a maximum of 06 months for each visit trip.
• Allowable reasons include travel, leisure activities, transit, business trip, or medical treatment.

If you are not a citizen of one of the eligible countries or your demand does not meet the requirements, you can apply for alternative visas through the Canadian Embassy.

Does an Icelandic citizen need to have a Canada ETA?

Icelandic passport holders are eligible for the Canada eTA. This electronic authorization is mandatory for Icelandic citizens traveling to Canada by air.

Can I travel to Canada if my passport expires in 1 month?

No. you should not travel to Canada if your passport expires in one month.

Canada doesn't have an official "passport validity period of six months" rule like some countries, but a passport must be valid throughout your stay. If your passport expires within a month, airlines can refuse to board, and Canadian border officers can deny entry, especially if it is likely that your passport will expire before departure.

Here’s what you need to know:

• If your passport expires during your visit, you cannot legally stay in Canada beyond your expiration date.
• If you are from a visa-waiver country, the eTA will work electronically with your passport. When your passport expires, the eTA will also be invalidated.
• If you are from a country that requires a visa, you will need to get a new passport issued before applying for it.

Best advice: Renew your passport before traveling to Canada. To avoid problems with your airline, immigration, or return home, it is recommended that you carry your passport with at least six months of validity remaining.

Can I change my passport number after booking a flight to Canada?

Yes, you can change your passport number after booking a flight to Canada, but you need to update your travel information with the airline and eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

For your flight booking:

• Once you receive your new passport, contact your airline or travel agency immediately.
• Please let me know your new passport number, issuance date, and expiration date.
• Most airlines allow you to update your passport information online or through customer service without rebooking your ticket.

For your Canada eTA:

• The eTA is linked electronically to the passport number, so when you get a new passport, the existing eTA is automatically invalidated.
• You must apply for a new eTA using your new passport information before boarding your flight.

Check eligibility requirements for the Canada eTA visa application

2. How to apply for a Canada eTA (or eVisa) from Iceland?

What are the required documents for the Canada eTA visa application?

The procedure is quite simple, so you can compare the required documents. Follow the checklist below:

• A valid national passport is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Canada.
• At least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
• A recent passport-style photo taken within the last three months
• A current email address to receive your visa application status.
• Debit or credit card to make a payment.

We would like to remind you that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can reject your entry at the border even if you have a valid Canada eTA holder if you forget to bring necessary documents for the border officials to check your eligibility, such as a passport or green card, or if you have problems related to health or financial risk, previous criminal/terrorist history, or previous immigration.

Step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a Canada eTA for Icelandic citizens

Click on the “Apply ETA” button on the navigation bar to access our online form.

Step 1: Fill out the Canada ETA application form. You have to provide details such as personal information, passport information, and travel plans. Before proceeding to the next step, double-check that all information is correct.

Step 2: Pay for your services. After that, provide us with additional information to finish the process.

Step 3:Check our confirmation email, and we will let you know the processing time of your ETA. Please note that this processing time depends on your choice.

When your Canada eTA is ready, we will send you a visa via email. Check your email inbox carefully.

Step 4: Print your Canada visitor visa and bring it with you to the international airport. Remember to bring your passport for airline staff to check your eligibility. A stamp will be placed on your passport.

Apply for a Canada eTA for Icelandic citizens

3. Canada eTA visa fees for Icelandic citizens

Many travelers are concerned about the cost of obtaining a Canada eTA from Iceland. Your application requires two types of fees: the government fee and the service fee.

The visa service fees are subject to your service choice. We have various timetable options for your demand. Consider 03 available options below:

• Normal: Your eTA visa is processed within 03 business days.
• Urgent: Your eTA is processed within 48 business hours.
• Super Urgent: Your eTA is processed within 24 business hours.

Regarding payment methods, we accept bank transfers and electronic payments. You can choose one of the methods you prefer, such as Paypal, Visa, Master Card, and American Express.

Although we have flexible options for you, we hope you apply as soon as possible, 72 hours before boarding your flight, to avoid arising problems and solve them timely. Think carefully about your decision, and we will charge as a new visa order if any changes happen after payment.

Finally, we hope you enjoy your Canada trip. Please contact us if you have any questions about Canada eTA (eVisa) for Icelandic citizens 

Do i need a travel insurance for Canada?

No. Travel insurance is not required to enter Canada, but it is highly recommended for your safety and financial protection. In other words, if you need medical care while traveling, you will have to pay for it yourself, even if it is a minor matter, and it can be very expensive. For example, hospitalization or emergency treatment without insurance can cost you thousands of dollars.

Canada Visa Requirements for Iceland Citizens FAQs

Do Icelandic citizens need a visa to visit Canada?

No. Like many other nationalities, Iceland's citizens are exempt from getting a visa when they travel to Canada. Nonetheless, if you wish to go there by air, you are required to apply for a Canada ETA before your departure.

Icelandic nationals must apply for a Canada eTA if they want to visit Canada for up to 6 months for tourist, medical treatment, business, or transportation. Canada's eTA from Iceland is not optional; it is required for any Icelandic nationals traveling to Canada for short stays. Before traveling to Canada, travelers must check that their passport is valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date.

Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a project to improve the security and efficiency of Canada's immigration system. Canadian border security can better identify possible hazards and protect their borders by implementing a pre-screening process for tourists before they arrive.

Which travel authorization is needed for traveling to Canada?

If you have a passport from one of Canada's visa-exempt nations, you should first check to see if you are qualified for a Canada eTA.

Some of these countries are the United Kingdom, all European Union member states, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, and others.

If so, you can begin applying for electronic travel authorization online before traveling to the nation. Please keep in mind that the electronic travel authorization for Canada allows travelers to get a travel permit for Canada without visiting the Canadian Embassy.

If you are a citizen of a nation that is not eTA qualified or visa-exempt, you will require a transit visa to travel through Canada without stopping or visiting.

Passengers must remain at the International Airport's transit area. If you want to leave the airport, you must apply for a Canada Visitor Visa before heading to Canada.

US residents and US Green Card holders are free from the eTA requirement.

How to travel to Canada from Iceland?

To travel from Iceland to Canada, you'll need to consider a few things:

• Get a Canada ETA online: To enter Canada as a visitor, you must first apply for an ETA. The first step is to obtain the required paperwork, which usually includes a valid passport, proof of financial resources to finance your stay, and a return ticket to Iceland or proof of further travel. You may also be asked to submit proof of lodging, such as a hotel reservation, as well as a trip itinerary indicating your intended activities while in Canada. Once you have gathered your documents, you can submit your visa application to the Canada Immigration Services website.
• Flights to Canada from Iceland: Once you've decided to travel from Iceland to Canada, one of the practical things you need to consider is how to get there. Flights to Iceland from Canada are readily available and many airlines offer direct flights to major Canadian cities. Major Canadian cities such as Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver have the most frequent flights from Iceland. When booking flights, it's a good idea to compare prices and flight times from different airlines to find the best option for you. Keep in mind that flight prices may vary depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book. It's usually recommended to book your flight a few months in advance to get the best price. To make your flight experience as smooth as possible, arrive at the airport early and double-check your baggage allowance and any restrictions on what you can bring into Canada. 
• The fastest way to travel from Iceland to Canada is by air. Several airlines offer nonstop and connecting flights between Reykjavík, Iceland (KEF), and major Canadian cities such as Toronto (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), Montreal (YUL), Calgary (YYC), and Winnipeg (YWG).
• Find a place to stay: Your first accommodation might be a hotel room, guest house, resort room, and more. 
• Apply for Canada travel insurance: Visitors visiting Canada should strongly consider purchasing travel insurance to avoid paying out-of-pocket for expensive healthcare services in the event of a medical emergency.

Additional Tips

Here are some cultural and lifestyle differences to be aware of as an Icelandic travel to Canada:

• Language: Although English is the main language in Canada, there are French-speaking communities, especially in Quebec. Depending on your location, learning English or French can help you communicate and integrate better.
• Cultural Diversity: Canada is a multicultural country, incorporating many immigrant cultures. While the dominant culture may have similarities to the United States, there are still opportunities to preserve and celebrate Icelandic traditions through cultural events and communities.
• Geographic Distance and Weather: Canada is a vast country with a diverse geography and climate. Be prepared for long and harsh winters, especially in the north. Provinces and cities near the U.S. border usually have milder climates. Summers are usually warm and pleasant.

How many months of bank statements are required for a Canada visitor visa?

When applying for a Canada visiting visa, the number of months necessary for bank statements varies depending on individual circumstances and the particular needs of the visa office processing your application; however, in general, the statement must be for at least six months.

What should we remember before submitting a bank statement for a Canada Visitor Visa?

1. Standard requirements: 

Typically, visa offices require a maximum of three to six months of bank statements. This policy allows immigration officers to assess your financial stability and ability to support yourself during your stay in Canada. 

2. Consistency: 

Statements should demonstrate a consistent financial history that shows a steady income and a reasonable spending pattern. Any irregularities or sudden large transactions may raise questions. 

3. Sourcе of Incomе: 

Demonstrate your sources of income, whether through employment, business, or other means. This helps build your financial credibility. 

4. Currency:

Make sure bank statements are in Canadian dollars or easily convertible to Canadian dollars. This makes it easier for immigration officials to accurately assess your financial capacity. 

5. Official Documents: 

Provide official, stamped bank statements directly from your financial institution. Online printouts or homemade statements may not be accepted. The statement should show the bank's letterhead, your name, and account details. 

6. Translation: 

If your bank statement is not in English or French, include a certified translation to ensure that an immigration officer can understand its contents. 

7. Additional Documents: 

In addition to your bank statement, you may need to submit other financial documents such as tax returns, employment letters, or proof of assets - check the specific requirements outlined by the visa office.

I have a German Blue Passport. Am I eligible for Canada eTA?

Germany issued a blue passport, which is also known as a refugee travel document. After the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees recognizes your right to asylum or refugee status, you will be awarded a Blue passport. Blue Passport grants you protective status and residency rights in Germany but does not qualify you for Canada eTA. To be eligible for the Canada eTA, you must hold a German citizen passport.

The Canadian electronic travel authorization will be valid for a maximum of 5 years. This time will begin with the day the eTA was granted to the applicant. Please keep in mind that the eTA will be valid till the following events occur:

• The applicant’s passport expires. Or when any other type of travel document expires.
• The applicant's electronic travel permission is revoked.
• The applicant is awarded a fresh electronic travel authorization for Canada.

Who is not allowed to enter Canada?

Foreign people having an arrest or conviction on their criminal record may be considered inadmissible to Canada and denied entrance. Any person who has ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or crime may be considered ineligible under Canadian law unless they acquire special admission clearance from the Government of Canada, particularly if the conviction occurred within the past 10 years.

People with more than one misdemeanor on their record, as well as convicts, may be permanently barred from entering Canada unless they resolve their status by filing for official entry. This implies that, absent specific permission, an American with virtually any criminal record—including a DUI or reckless driving conviction—runs the danger of having their admission to Canada rejected. Additionally, there is no presumption of innocence while traveling to Canada, thus even in the case of an arrest leading to no conviction, a border refusal may still occur.