Canada ETA / Visa requirements for Maltese citizens

When we think about vacations, we often search for disparate places far from everything we know. There is no doubt that you can spend a thrilling vacation immersed in a foreign culture and discover the magic and beauty of a destination you have never explored. But we often forget to look around and notice the beauty that surrounds us. Canada is a breathtaking country with mountains, forests, landscapes, and big cities that appeal to travelers around the world.

Canada eTA for Maltese citizens

Malta is one of the visa-exempt countries, meaning Maltese citizens do not need a traditional visa to visit Canada
Instead, Maltese citizens must obtain a digital travel permit (eTA for entry into Canada).

This article explains the Canada eTA requirements, fees, and application process for Maltese citizens

1 What is the Canada ETA ( Visa waiver ) for Maltese citizens? 

Do I need a visa to visit Canada?

Maltese citizens do not need a visa to travel to Canada. However, they must obtain a Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before flying

What does Canada ETA mean?

The Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a type of travel authorization that allows the applicant to apply for travel. Canada eTA was announced in 2012 and took four years to create and develop. The eTA contributes significantly to decreasing the burdensome visa application process at travel and immigration. 

At the moment, the Canadian government has made it easier for travelers by producing an e-visa system to get the chance to travel to Canada in a few minutes. This electronic visa is an access permit to Canada which is valid for 5 years from the date of first issuance and allows travelers to stay in this country for 180 days with multiple entries. 

The Canada eTA application form can be completed in just a few minutes if you meet all the eligibility requirements. Travelers can use this e-visa for various purposes, such as tourism, business, conference, etc. 

2 Canada eTA / Evisa requirements for Maltese citizens

The following requirements must be met in order to obtain a Canadian eTA for Maltese citizens:

• A valid Maltese passport with at least six months of remaining validity from the date of entry into Canada. Furthermore, there must be more than two blank pages in the passport for visa stamping.
• A recent passport-size photo of the applicant with a clear, neutral background
• Passport Personal Information publication in color that contains full details about your identity. 
• A credit or debit card is required for paying e-visa fee. In contrast, payment can be made using a valid debit or credit card
• An email address is required to receive any information about your e-visa process. 

Canada eTA requirements for Maltese citizens

3. How to get a Canada visa waiver for Maltese citizens

Once you have obtained the necessary paperwork, you may complete the eTA application form. Given that the task at hand is not particularly complicated, it shouldn't take you longer than 20 minutes to complete. If you have any queries, you may reach customer care at Canada Immigration Services 24/7 (there is no charge for this service).

There are three crucial steps in the form that you must finish:

• Step 1:

  You will be required to provide some basic information at the outset, along with data on your passport and planned travel plans. The processing time choice you select can also have an impact on your Canada eTA charge.

• Step 2:

  The subsequent stage should take even less time. You just need to finish the payment and carefully check your form to ensure that everything is accurate and true to the text.

• Step 3:

  In the third step, you will simply upload the documents pertinent to your application. The Maltese citizens' Canada eTA will be sent to you by Canadian Immigration Services once you're finished and have clicked the submit button.

In conclusion, citizens of Malta are exempt from standard visa procedures for short-term visits to Canada. To enter Canada, though, you need an eTA. You are allowed to visit Canada as often as you'd like throughout the authorization's five-year validity period, which starts on the day it is issued. 

Apply for a Canada eTA from Malta

4. Canada ETA / Evisa fees for Maltese citizens

Two distinct types of Canada ETA fees must be paid when applying for a visa from Maltese: a service fee and a government fee.

You must pay a required charge to the government, which is non-refundable.

Depending on the processing time that you choose, you may be asked to pay a service fee for your eTA application. If you compare prices, you'll discover that you have the freedom to choose the best alternative while still staying within your means.

• Normal:

  If the only thing you need is a decision on your eTA within three business days, you should pick the regular processing option.

• Urgent:

  If you choose the urgent service option, your eTA for Canada should come in only one working day.

• Super urgent:

  With this option, you might be able to receive an eTA in only a few hours if you don't have more time to prepare. At peak times, this is the one. You can get a Canada eTA in as little as one day (your eTA can be authorized quicker than you expect).

Visitors from Malta should ensure they have valid travel insurance before departing for Canada. You will also need to provide proof that you have paid for travel insurance that covers Canada in order for the Canadian government to finish processing your eTA application. It is strongly advised that you get health travel insurance to ensure a joyful and safe vacation to Canada.

The Embassy of Canada in Malta:

If you register with the Canadian Embassy in Malta, Canada will have access to the personal data you supply if you register with the Canadian Embassy in Malta. Visitors from other nations as well as those temporarily traveling to Canada from Malta are cordially welcomed by the Canadian Embassy in Malta.

5. Denied Canada eTA Because of Criminal Record

According to Immigration Canada, an individual might be denied an Electronic Travel Authorization if they "have been convicted of a crime, including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI)." This implies that foreign citizens with a criminal record may face a Canadian eTA denial, particularly if the conviction happened less than 10 years ago or involves major criminal activity. People may also be rejected an eTA for aviation travel to Canada due to security and health concerns.

An arrest or drunk driving event, like a criminal conviction, might result in a denial of an eTA application. Impaired driving is a severe felony in Canada, thus any similar occurrence might be troublesome even if it was not illegal where it happened (such as a low or mid-range drunk driving infraction). As a result, most DUI convictions in the United States, as well as drunk driving charges in Australia and the United Kingdom, can disqualify a person from acquiring an eTA.

6. Do People Get Denied Entry to Canada?

Canadians are incredibly nice, yet they take border security very seriously. In 2016, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) denied admission to over 30,000 foreign people for a variety of reasons, including crime. If you have a criminal record that makes you inadmissible in Canada, we highly advise you to get a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Criminal Rehabilitation before booking a ticket to Canada and risk being denied an eTA. 

Due to the long processing times for TRP applications, if someone has booked a flight to Canada but is unable to obtain an eTA due to a criminal conviction, they may not have enough time to resolve the issue before booking their trip. Drink-driving offenses, such as a drink-driving traffic offense in Australia and a drink-driving conviction in the United States, can also result in someone being barred from Canada for a criminal offense and prevent them from being approved for an eTA.

7. Frequently asked questions about Canada ETA for Maltese citizens

What to expect at Canada port of entry?

Once you arrive at the Canadian immigration desk (air, land, sea, all available), you will first go through immigration screening conducted by the Canadian Border Services Administration (CBSA). Prepare to present travel documents, such as your passport, eTA or visa, as well as your return ticket and financial documentation. Agents may ask questions about the purpose of the trip, the length of your stay, and your plan to stay in Canada.

Fingerprints or photographs can be taken, if necessary, and checked for restricted or prohibited items in your luggage. Always answer questions truthfully and clearly. Once the screening is complete, officials can stamp their passports with a seal indicating the permitted length of stay, typically up to six months.

If you have items to declare or exceed the duty-free limit, follow the instructions to go to the customs area. Once you have completed this process, you will be able to officially enter Canada and continue your journey.

Do they check your passport at the Canadian border?

Yes, at the Canadian border, always check your passport, whether you're entering via air, land, or sea traffic. Once you enter Canada, staff from the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) will verify your identity, nationality, and travel authorization (valid eTA, visa, permanent residency card, etc.). Passports are the primary documents proving citizenship and entry status.

At the airport, travelers pass through the passport screen, where the examiner scans the passport and verifies the electronically connected eTA or visa. You can also be asked some common questions about the purpose of the trip, the length of your stay, or the accommodation details. If necessary, the examiner can stamp the passport and record the date of entry.

At the land border, employees can check their passports and vehicle documents and make sure they meet the requirements for entry into Canada. Always make sure your passport has at least six months of validity before your scheduled stay.
If you don't have a valid passport, you will be denied entry even if your eTA is approved. So, always carry the original passport. No digital copy or photograph will be allowed during border checks.

What is the app required to enter Canada?

Previously, the main app required for entry into Canada was ArriveCAN. This is a digital platform introduced by the Canadian government to collect health and travel information during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before arriving in Canada, travelers were required to submit their vaccination certificate, quarantine details, and contact information using ArriveCAN.

However, from October 2022, ArriveCAN is no longer a requirement for entry into Canada. All COVID-related border measures, including vaccination or testing requirements, have been lifted. The app will remain optional and will still be available to travelers seeking to expedite customs and immigration procedures at certain airports using the "Pre-CBSA Report" feature.

The ArriveCAN app can be downloaded free of charge from iOS or Android or online through the official Canadian government website. It helps simplify the immigration process, but whether to use it is now optional and not mandatory.

Can I take food in my suitcase to Canada?

Yes, you can bring food in your suitcase to Canada, but there are strict regulations on what items are allowed. The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) requires travelers to declare all food at the border, whether it's for personal use or as a gift.

Sealed, commercially packaged and labeled foods such as snacks, tea, coffee, candy, and dried foods may be brought in. However, fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, and plants are strictly restricted or prohibited due to biosecurity risks. For example, fresh apples or handmade sausages may be confiscated if they do not meet Canadian import regulations.

If you are unsure about the product, report it. Failure to do so may result in fines or seizures. It is safest to pack non-perishable items such as biscuits, instant noodles, and canned food. Always check the latest CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) guidelines before traveling to ensure compliance.

Canada Visa Requirements for Malta Citizens FAQs

What are the requirements for transiting through Canada?

Most tourists traveling to or transiting through Canada, like those in the United States, require a valid visa or a Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).  To fly to or transit through Canada without a visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be a national of a ​country that is visa-exempt.
• You must carry the required ​travel documents and identification for yourself and any children traveling with you.
• You must have a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).

According to Canadian entry regulations, tourists must get an eTA for their stay in Canada before boarding a flight to a Canadian city. Without this document, you will not be allowed to enter the country. You are urged to apply for an eTA before booking your ticket. An eTA is valid for up to five years and allows repeated entries into Canada, providing your passport does not expire during this period.

Do I need a passport to drive to Canada?

According to the U.S. Department of State website, Canadian law requires all persons entering Canada to carry proof of citizenship and identification.

For U.S. citizens and permanent residents, you must bring proof of citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or naturalization, U.S. Permanent Resident Card or Indian ID, and photo identification.NEXUS cards also meet the requirements.

Children under the age of 16 are only required to show proof of U.S. citizenship.

If you are a U.S. permanent resident, you must bring proof of identity, such as a U.S. Permanent Resident Card, according to the Canada Border Services Agency.

While a U.S. citizen's government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, and proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, are sufficient to cross into Canada, you'll need additional documents to re-enter the United States

What happens if you are denied entry to Canada?

If you’re found inadmissible, you’ll be denied a visa or a Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), refused entry to, or removed from Canada.

There are several consequences for the denial of entry into Canada. 

• Immediate Return: Usually, you have to go back to your nation or the last one you visited. You could be escorted to a return flight, which will be arranged by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA).
• Record of Denial: Your denial will be documented, which may affect subsequent applications for entry into Canada. Immigration officials may eventually get access to this data as it is kept in the Canadian immigration system.
• Reason for Denial: The reason for your denial of entrance will be explained to you. Inadequate documentation, problems with your visa or eTA, prior immigration infractions, or security and health concerns are common causes.
• Future Travel Restrictions: You might not be able to reapply for entrance into Canada, depending on the grounds for your refusal. For instance, you might have to apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or criminal rehabilitation before you can be considered for entrance again if your criminal record prevents you from being admitted.
• Appeals Procedure: You might be able to challenge the decision in certain situations if you think the rejection was unfair. Legal counsel may be necessary due to the complexity of this process.
• Financial Loss: Non-refundable trip charges, such as airline tickets, lodging, and other travel-related expenses, might result in financial losses for you.

Is Arrivecan still required to enter Canada by land

No. If you want to visit Canada in 2024, you will not need to provide proof of immunization or testing. You will also no longer be randomly picked for a COVID-19 exam after arriving in Canada. The ArriveCAN app is still available, but foreign travelers are no longer compelled to use it.

Despite the relaxation of the COVID-19-related measures in Canada, it is still required to apply for an eTA in Canada. If you are flying to Canada for a vacation, a business trip, a visit to friends or family, or to transit to another country, you must apply for an eTA first. Minors must have their eTA. You do not need to apply for an eTA Canada if you already have a visa or a Canadian or US passport, or if you come by rail, automobile, bus, or (cruise) ship.

ETA Canada is valid for a maximum of five years. Within the validity period of the eTA, you can travel to Canada an unlimited number of times. Each stay can last up to six consecutive months.

The validity period expires as soon as the passport you used to apply for your eTA expires. The validity period ends when the passport you used to apply for your eTA expires. If you have a new passport, you will need to apply for a new eTA visa. Your eTA should only be valid during check-in and upon arrival in Canada. Your passport must be valid for your whole stay in Canada.

How to travel to Canada from Malta?

Canada is more than its hulking mountain, craggy coast good looks: it cooks wonderful meals, rocks interesting culture, and unfolds a thrilling, moose-spotting road adventure. If you are in Malta and wonder how to get to Canada, here is a detailed guide for travelers:

• Applying for a Canada ETA online: Malta nationals must get a Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before traveling. This eTA allows for repeated entries, with a maximum stay of 180 days for each entry. It is valid for five years after issue, or until the passport expires. You can only enter Canada as a tourist, therefore you can't work, study, or reside there with the eTA.
• Booking your flight: The distance between Malta and Canada is 7306 km with an average flight time of 15h 37m, including transfers. For travelers seeking flights from Malta to Canada, layovers at one airport are common.  The fastest way to get from Malta to Canada is to fly from Malta International Airport to Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) which takes 13h 29m. In addition, the cheapest way is to fly from Malta International Airport to Calgary International Airport. 

Flights from Malta to Canada are offered by several airlines, including

• Air Transat
• WestJet
• KLM
• Lufthansa
• Air Canada

1. Booking your accommodation: Canada offers a wide range of accommodation options, from hostels, campsites, and local lodging houses for a few hundred shillings a night to luxury lodges and boutique tented camps that can cost hundreds of dollars per night.
2. Canadian foods to try while traveling: One of Canada's biggest assets is its cuisine. Canadian cuisine draws inspiration from England, Scotland, and France. Their unique meals may make your vacation memorable and leave you wanting to return. However, with so many dishes to taste and only so much time on vacation, selecting the finest ones may be challenging. Popular Canadian foods to eat on vacation are Poutine, butter tarts, maple syrup, Montreal-style bagels, Bannock, Montreal Smoked Meat, Donairs, Nanaimo Bars, Canadian Bacon, Ketchup Chips, Split Pea Soup and Lobster Rolls
3. Getting a Canada travel insurance: In general, you can buy coverage any time before the date of your trip. Travel insurance reimburses you for money lost due to unforeseen circumstances before and during your trip. Most crucially, it can cover emergency medical care and evacuation throughout your travel. The travel insurance packages provide a variety of coverage categories such as trip cancellation, medical concerns, luggage problems, and more.
4. Getting an esim card for Canada:  You should buy travel esim while traveling to Canada. If you want to stay connected throughout your trip, you can purchase a Canada eSIM with an unlimited data option. Major Canadian mobile network operators such as Rogers, Bell, and Telus offer eSIM options.
5. What to pack for Canada: Traveling to Canada is usually exhilarating, with one exception: packing. You may want to carry your entire wardrobe, but keep it compact to avoid overweight luggage costs.

Do I need to fill out a customs form for Canada?

Before arriving in Canada, you may be requested to fill out a Customs Declaration Card. Complete this card before dealing with customs and immigration officials, even if you are not a Canadian citizen.

If you’re traveling by air, it’s a good idea to complete the card before you leave the airplane. You also should apply for a Canada ETA before traveling to Canada

What to declare

Use the Customs Declaration Card to declare what you’re bringing into Canada, including any:

• items you must pay duty on, such as gifts, alcohol, and tobacco.
• amount of money more than CDN $10,000.
• business goods, plants, food, animals, firearms, or other weapons.

Don’t use this form to list personal and household goods you’re bringing with you or are following you to Canada. You’ll show your lists of those items separately to a customs officer.

Declare all items

If you don’t tell an official that you’re carrying items or money that should be declared, you may be fined or put in prison.