Canada is regarded as one of the most beautiful countries in the world. This country is fortunate to be endowed with breathtaking natural beauty that has not been tainted by human development. Natural beauty and skyscrapers coexist, contributing to the country's glitz. Furthermore, travelers may enjoy nature, colonial buildings, museums, and stunning beaches.
Citizens of the Philippines, like many other nations, are not needed to apply for a Canada visa for Filipino citizens if they desire to visit Canada for a short period of time. If you wish to go by plane, you must obtain a Canada ETA before you leave. The document is simple to acquire because it is available online, and with our assistance, you may obtain your travel authorization in 5 hours.
Find out more about the Canada ETA requirements for Filipino citizens, how to apply and ETA fees
Canada's ETA for Filipino citizens
1. What is Canada's ETA for Filipino citizens
Over 700,000 Filipino citizens visit Canada each year on average, so it is vitally important that they know how to authorize their trip.
The Canadian eTA was introduced in 2015 by Canadian immigration as a better way of organizing the assessment of visitors and determining their right to enter the country before they travel.
There are over sixty countries whose citizens are exempt from a Canadian visa under this scheme, including the Philippines. This means Filipino nationals can apply for an eTA for Canada instead of needing to obtain a Canada tourist visa for Filipino citizens.
When entering the nation via flight, Filipino travelers must have a valid Canada electronic travel permit.
To enter Canada by vehicle, bus, train, or boat (even on a cruise liner), Filipino citizens do not require an eTA. They may be able to enter visa-free for short-term trips but will require a visa for longer or permanent stays.
Filipino visitors traveling to Canada are urged to apply well in advance of their departure date. To board a flight from the Philippines to Canada, the eTA must be authorized.
What may Filipino citizens do with their Canada eTA?
The Canada eTA for Filipino allows Filipino citizens to enter Canada for the following purposes:
- Tourism, particularly short-term tourism
- Trips for business
- Passing through Canada on the way to another location
- Medical attention or advice
This form of ETA is valid for 5 years after it is granted or until the passport expires. It gives you Multiple Entries and allows you to stay for 180 days per entry.
2. Canada ETA/visa waiver requirements for Filipino citizens
Canada ETA/visa waiver requirements for Filipino citizens
When going to Canada via air, newly visa-free tourists can apply for an eTA if they either:
- In the previous ten years, you have had a Canadian visa.
- Have a valid non-immigrant visa to the United States.
One of the nicest things about a Canada ETA for Filipino citizens is that the requirements are not overly onerous. In truth, you only need a few items, some of which you may already have. Here's what you'll need throughout the online application process:
- Passport - In order to obtain a Canada ETA, your passport must be valid for at least another 6 months from the date of departure. Otherwise, your ETA may be denied.
- Digital scan of your passport - During the application process, we will require you to upload a scan of your passport. JPEG is the preferred format.
- Digital photograph: a crisp, color photograph of oneself taken within the past 6 months.
- E-mail address - Enter your email address accurately since your ETA and any updates will be sent to it.
- Means of payment – for your ease, we have options so that you can pay with your credit or debit card
3. How to apply for a Canada ETA for Filipino citizens:
Fill out the online application form to apply for the Canadian eTA for Filipino citizens. Applicants must provide basic information about themselves as well as their passport information. The following information is required:
- Personal data (the traveler's full name, date of birth, place of birth, and so on)
- Passport data (passport number, nationality, and so on)
- Contact information (email, home address, phone number).
This application form has 3 sections:
- Provide the general information needed and choose a procedure time. In terms of the latter, take in mind that the cost of your Canada ETA is determined by your selection.
- This should take no longer than 5 minutes. You only need to pay and review your form. However, pay close attention when revising the information because any error might result in your ETA being denied.
- The final stage is when Canada Immigration Services requests that you submit your documentation. Once completed, you can submit your form. Everything after that will be handled by Canada Immigration Services
A request for a Canada visa waiver for Filipino residents may be made in minutes using any device that can connect to the internet.
Filipino tourists must submit the form and wait up to three business days for their approved visa to arrive in their inbox.
Reasons for delay may include:
- Incomplete or inaccurate application form information
- Incomplete application supporting papers
- Location near Canada public holidays
4. Canada ETA fees for Filipino citizens
Canada ETA fees for Filipino citizens
When it comes to processing time, Canada Immigration Services has three alternatives, and the Canada ETA fees will vary depending on which option you select when applying. The three alternatives are as follows:
- When you choose this option, your ETA will be emailed to you within 3 Business Days. This is the least expensive option available to you.
- Urgent: You can choose this option instead if you do not want to wait for your [Canada ETA]. The waiting period has been reduced to 2 Business Days.
- If you need to go right away, this is the quickest alternative. Your application will be reviewed within 5 business hours. Of course, this choice will cost you more money than the others.
5. Do visitors to Canada need travel insurance?
While travel insurance is not a legal necessity for travelers to Canada, it is highly suggested that they do so. Travel insurance protects you financially and covers you for a variety of unanticipated events that may occur during your vacation. It can assist in covering medical bills, trip cancellations or interruptions, lost or delayed luggage, and other travel-related situations.
Although Canada has a high-quality healthcare system, medical treatments for visitors might be costly. You may be financially liable for any medical bills incurred during your stay if you do not have travel insurance. As a result, obtaining travel insurance that includes medical coverage is critical to avoiding potentially large financial obligations.
Canada Visa Requirements for Philippines Citizens FAQs
Is Canada visa-free for the Philippines?
YES. According to recent announcements by the administrations of both nations, certain Filipinos may now travel to Canada without the need for a visa.
The Philippines is one of 13 nations admitted to Canada's Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program. This implies that instead of asking for a visa, qualified Filipinos may just pay a small fee and obtain a travel permit online in order to fly to the nation. Filipino nationals can travel to Canada without a visa if they obtain a Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
It just takes a few minutes to apply online for a Canada eTA for Filipino citizens. This eliminates the need to travel to a diplomatic post to complete the paperwork for a Canadian visa.
A Filipino citizen can visit Canada without a visa for up to six months. Although they do not require a visa, they must travel with an authorized eTA for Canada if arriving by air.
To visit the nation for more than six consecutive months, Filipino citizens must get a Canada visa from their nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.
How to travel to Canada from the Philippines
There are various ways to travel from the Philippines to Canada. This is a general guide to traveling from the Philippines to Canada:
- Check Entry Requirements: Check that you fulfill the entrance requirements for Canada. As a Filipino citizen, you will normally require a valid passport, a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), and additional supporting papers depending on your purpose of travel
- Determine the Purpose of Your Visit: Decide on the purpose of your trip to Canada, whether it's for tourism, business, study, or other reasons. Different types of visas or permits may be required, so it's essential to understand the specific requirements for your intended purpose.
- Apply for a Canada Visa or Canada eTA: You are required to finish the application process if you require a visa or an eTA to go to Canada. To apply for a visa, you may need to go to the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate in the Philippines and submit your application with the necessary papers. You can apply for an eTA online at the Canadian Immigration Services website.
- Book Flights: Once you obtain the travel authorization, you can book your flights from the Philippines to Canada. Many international airlines offer direct flights from major Philippine airports, such as Manila or Cebu, to Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal.
- Prepare Travel Documents: Make sure you have all of the necessary travel papers, such as your passport, visa, or eTA, as well as any supporting documentation, such as flight tickets, and hotel bookings.
- Pack Accordingly: Pack your luggage according to the weather and activities you intend to participate in. Consider the contrasts in seasons and temperatures between the Philippines and Canada.
- Arrive in Canada: Upon arrival in Canada, go through immigration and present your travel documents to the border services officers. If you travel with an eTA, you should print it out and show it to the officer at the airport. They will verify your entry requirements, duration of stay, and purpose of visit before granting you entry into Canada.
Do Filipino citizens need an eTA for a connecting flight through Canada?
Yes, Filipino passport holders must get an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if they are traveling to or transiting via Canada, even if they are taking a connecting flight. The eTA requirement applies to air travelers from visa-free countries entering Canada.
If you are a Filipino citizen and your flight plan involves a stopover in a Canadian airport before proceeding to your final destination, you must get an eTA before traveling. The eTA is a passport-linked electronic permission that permits you to transit through or visit Canada for up to six months.
It's crucial to remember that the Canada eTA requirement applies regardless of the reason for your visit or the length of your stay in Canada. Whether you want to leave the airport or stay in the transit area during your stopover, an eTA is still necessary.
You may apply for an eTA online at the Canada Immigration Services website. The application procedure is simple, and you will need to supply basic personal information, passport information, and travel information.
To avoid any potential delays or complications, remember to apply for the eTA well in advance of your trip. Once accepted, the eTA allows you to enter Canada many times for up to five years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Do Filipino Need a Transit Visa for Canada?
No, Filipino citizens do not need a transit visa for Canada if they meet certain requirements.
You can transit through Canada without a transit visa if you are a Filipino citizen with a valid eTA and your stopover is shorter than 48 hours. Please keep in mind, however, that you must stay in the approved transit area of the Canadian airport and not depart from immigration control.
A Filipino who needs to transit through Canada needs a transit visa unless they meet one of the qualifications specified below.
The documents required to transit through Canada are determined by various factors, including method of travel (air, land, or sea), length of stay in Canada, passport nationality, and other considerations, such as whether you are a permanent resident of the United States or a US visa holder.
A transit visa is necessary if you are from the Philippines
- On its journey to another country, your international airplane makes a stop in Canada.
- You'll be connecting two foreign planes at a Canadian airport.
- You'll be across Canada in 48 hours or less
- You do not have a valid visitor visa
Is Canada open for Filipino tourists?
Yes, Canada is open for Filipino tourists. According to recent announcements by the administrations of both nations, certain Filipinos may now travel to Canada without needing a visa.
The Philippines is one of 13 nations admitted to Canada's Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program. This implies that instead of asking for a visa, qualified Filipinos may just pay a small fee and obtain a travel permit online in order to fly to the nation.
Unlike traditional visa applications, which can take weeks or even months to process, this travel authorization can be received in minutes. But how does this procedure operate, and who is eligible to apply? Here's a step-by-step guide to visiting Canada under the eTA program.
Who is eligible to apply for a Canada ETA for Filipino citizens?
- Philippine passport holders who have had a visiting visa to Canada in the last ten years
- Philippine passport holders with a valid non-immigrant visa to the United States
How to apply for a Canada ETA for Filipino citizens?
Here are the steps to follow according to the Canda immigration services website:
Step 1: Begin by providing your personal information on the visa application form. Following that, you may select the processing speed that best meets your demands from three possibilities.
Step 2: It is critical to double-check the information on the visa application form for correctness. Ensure that all information is consistent with your supporting papers to avoid issues throughout the application process. Once you've checked the correctness, you may pay for the visa application fees with a credit or debit card, Paypal, Visa, Mastercard and Amex
Step 3: Submit your completed visa application form with all relevant supporting documentation. It is critical that the scanned documents are clean and free of smudges. It's as simple as that!
We will send your ETA to your email address as soon as you complete the application procedure. When you arrive at the airport, you must have both the ETA and your supporting papers ready to show to immigration agents.