Canada eTA for Maltese Citizens: Full Requirements

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 visitor visa to enter Canada.Instead, Maltese citizens must obtain an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before flying to Canada.

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

1. What is the Canada eTA 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 digital authorization that allows eligible travelers to fly to Canada without a visa. The eTA system was introduced by the Canadian government to simplify entry for visa-exempt travelers. 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. The eTA is not a visa but a digital authorization valid for up to five years or until the passport expires. It allows multiple entries, with each stay typically permitted for up to six months.

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 that will remain valid throughout your stay in Canada.
  (No blank pages are required for an eTA.)
• A recent passport-size photo of the applicant with a clear, neutral background
• You must enter your passport information exactly as it appears in your passport.
• 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).

You will need to provide proof that you have paid for travel insurance 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.

5. Denied Canada eTA Because of Criminal Record

An applicant may be refused an eTA due to certain criminal convictions, especially serious offenses. Even if the eTA is approved, the traveler may still be denied entry upon arrival." The severity and nature of the offense—not the number of years since the conviction—determine whether the applicant is inadmissible. 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. Canada assesses inadmissibility based on how the offense is classified under Canadian law, even if the act was treated differently in the country where it occurred. 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. Every year, CBSA refuses entry to thousands of travelers for reasons such as criminal inadmissibility, incomplete documentation, or immigration violations. Those who are criminally inadmissible may require a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Criminal Rehabilitation, depending on their situation 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. Driving under the influence (DUI)—even a single offense—can make a traveler inadmissible to 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.

Biometrics are not required for eTA applicants. Border officers may verify your identity but will not collect fingerprints from eTA travelers. Always answer questions truthfully and clearly. Officers may stamp your passport, although many eTA travelers are processed electronically without a physical stamp.

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. Your passport must remain valid for the duration of your stay in Canada.
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. Only the original passport is accepted at the border. Digital copies cannot replace an original document.

What is the app required to enter Canada?

ArriveCAN was required during the COVID-19 period for submitting health information. Since October 2022, it is completely optional. Before arriving in Canada, travelers were required to submit their vaccination certificate, quarantine details, and contact information using ArriveCAN.

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.

Commercially packaged food is usually permitted, but some items—especially meat or dairy—may still be restricted depending on CFIA rules. 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.