Canada eTA / Evisa requirements for Portuguese citizens

You would like to widen the horizon of a new culture in Canada. Canada is always an ideal destination for those who have a thirst for adventure and experience. With a large area spanning over 10 provinces and 3 territories, Canada has countless interesting things waiting for travel lovers to explore. Have you ever seen gorgeous scenarios with a maple leaf forest or roads covered with maple leaves in autumn in Canada? We guarantee you it is absolutely an amazing wonder to see in person.

Applying for a Canadian visa online from Portugal is a concern for travel lovers. In this article, we will introduce you to a new visa program, called the Canada eTA visa. If you take interest in this type of visa and how to get Canada eTA for Portuguese citizens, do not ignore it. We believe that this information is helpful to you.

Canada eTA visa for Portuguese citizens

1. Check Canada ETA requirements for Portuguese citizens

What is a Canada eTA?

Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) or Canada visitor visa is a permit accepting foreign travelers coming from over the world to visit Canada. Canada eTA visa program was publicized in 2012 and kept developing until 2016. To be honest, this type of visa is a breakthrough in the development of Canadian travel. It supports managing visa application at customs and immigration and solve the global increase in terrorist activities.

Besides, the Canada eTA visa application is much more convenient. You do not prepare any paperwork in the application process, the procedure is simple, and you can apply remotely without going to the embassy.

However, not all citizens can apply for this visa, you have to check your eligibility.

Check eligibility for a Canada eTA for Portuguese citizens

It is crucial that you must be a citizen of a country listed under Canada’s visa-exempt program, you are eligible to apply for a Canada eTA. Alternatively, lawful permanent residents of the United States (green card holders) may also apply for an eTA. Besides, the other eligibility requirements you have to know:

• When approved, your eTA is linked electronically with your passport to electronically linked to your passport to verify your eligibility. If you change to a new passport, you have to get a new eTA visa.
• A Canada eTA will be valid for 05 years from the date of approval.
• An eTA allows multiple entries during its validity period. That means you can visit Canada many times within 05 years without applying for a new visa.
• For each visa, the applicants can stay in Canada for up to 06 months.
• Permitted purposes include travel and business trips. An eTA is also required for air transit through Canada, unless you are otherwise exempt
• Remember that an eTA visa is applied to air travel only

We would like to inform you that if your case is not suitable for the Canada eTA visa’s eligibility, you can apply for a traditional visa. However, you have to go to the Canadian Embassy to apply. If you are not eligible for an eTA, you must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) through a Canadian Visa Application Centre (VAC) or the responsible Canadian Embassy/Consulate

Do Portuguese citizens need visas for Canada? 

If you are from Portugal, you do not require a typical visa to come to Canada. Instead, you must apply for the Canada ETA, which is quicker and easier to get than a standard visa. There is no need to visit an embassy; everything is done online.

Can we use the Canada ETA for transit purposes?

Yes — you can use a Canada eTA for transit purposes, but only if you are:

• Citizens of visa-exempt countries who require eTA for flights to Canada.
• Transiting by air through a Canadian airport on your way to a third country.

Important clarifications:

• Even if you don't leave the airport while transferring, you need to apply for an eTA and get approval.
• No eTA is required if you enter Canada by land or sea transport (e.g. by car or cruise ship from the United States).
• U.S. citizens do not need an eTA for transfer. However, U.S. permanent resident holders need an eTA if they enter on a flight through Canada.

So, if you are flying through Toronto, Vancouver, or any other Canadian airport just to catch a connecting flight, you still need an eTA unless you fall under an exemption.

Check Canada visa requirements for Portuguese citizens

2. How to apply for a Canada visa waiver from Portugal

To aim for an advantageous process, you should have good preparation for the required documents and step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a Canada visa waiver for Portuguese citizens. Take notes specifically on the information we outline for you.

What are the requirements for a Canada eTA visa application?

• The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival and have more than 2 blank pages for visa stamping.
• You must have a photo and a passport biographical page scan to process your e-visa.
• The current email address is to transfer information and receive your Canada visitor visa.
• Transaction cards (debit or credit card).

Step-by-step guides on how to apply for Canada visa waiver from Portugal

How to apply for a Canada eTA visa for Portuguese passport holders

The application form has to be completed first. Click the “Apply Visa” button on the navigation bar to approach the form. Then follow the instructions:

• Step 1: Complete the form online. You have to provide information such as personal contact, your current job, passport information, and travel trip details. Check all information is correct and full before moving to the second step.
• Step 2: Kindly pay for your services. After that, provide us with additional information to finish the process.
• Step 3: You will receive a confirmed email, and also know the processing time of your visa. Please note that this processing time depends on your choice.

After processing completely, we will direct you to a Canada eTA 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 border officials to check your eligibility. A stamp will be placed on your passport.

How long does it take for Canada eTA to be approved?

The ETA processing time in Canada is between 24 and 72 hours (approximately 3 days). It is mostly processed within one day (24 hours). In some cases, processing may be delayed due to a number of factors, such as invalid document submissions or additional documentation requirements.

If you apply a week earlier than your scheduled travel date, you can reduce the likelihood of delays.

Can I board a flight to Canada without an eTA?

No. If you are from a visa-exempt country, you will not be able to board flights to Canada without an approved eTA.
According to Canadian border regulations, airlines must electronically check their eTA status before check-in and boarding. Attempting to board without eTA will almost certainly result in you being denied boarding.

The only exceptions are:

• Canadian citizens (including dual citizens) and Canadian permanent residents must have a valid Canadian passport or permanent residency card.
• U.S. citizens do not need an eTA, but must have a valid U.S. passport
• U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders) require an eTA on flights to Canada, but do not require a visit visa.

IMPORTANT: No eTA is required for entry into Canada by land (departure from the United States) or by sea (cruise ship boarding). An eTA is required for air travel.

3. Canada eTA / Evisa fees for Portuguese citizens

Canada eTA fees for Portuguese citizens

Your application is successful only if we receive full payment including the government fee and visa service fee. The government fee is the amount of money that travelers must pay to the Canadian government. In addition, your service fee is subject to the types of services we have:

• Normal: Your eTA visa is processed within 03 business days.
• Urgent: Your eTA is processed within 24 business hours.
• Super urgent: Your eTA is processed within 05 business hours.

You think of our types of services to choose one suitable for you mostly. Anyway, we suggest you plan your travel timeline soon and apply 72 hours before boarding a flight to avoid arising problems. After payment, any modifications will be charged as a new order.

For transaction accounts, you can pay transfer or use electronic payment. We approve methods such as Paypal, Visa, Master Card, and American Express.

Learn more about Canada eTA visa fees from Portugal

In addition, we introduce to you a service which is very helpful to your Canada trip, called Travel Insurance. Travelers usually worry about unexpected situations when traveling abroad such as accidents, sickness, pandemics, trip delays, or loss of baggage. We believe that the benefits are up to 50,000 dollars, Travel Insurance will cover risks within travel duration and bring the best experiences. You can consider more at Insurance Information.

Finally, we hope you get a visa successfully and enjoy your trip. If you have any questions about how to apply for a Canada eTA for Portuguese citizens or any of our services, do not hesitate to contact Canada Immigration Services.

Canada Visa Requirements for Portugal Citizens FAQs

Do Portugese Citizens Require a Canada eTA?

Yes. Portuguese citizens must apply for a Canada eTA visa in order to enter Canada for a short period of time (less than 90 days) for general tourist, business, transit, or medical purposes. This only applies to travelers arriving by plane on a commercial or charter journey. The eTA program was launched in 2016 in response to the global surge in terrorist activity, to safeguard Canada's borders and to give real-time data on all passengers entering Canada.

Citizens of Portugal, as well as other European Union members, are required to submit an electronic visa application prior to boarding an aircraft bound for Canada, and this includes visitors who will simply be transiting through Canada en route to other foreign destinations.

 

How long can a Portuguese citizen stay in Canada?

Portuguese residents with an authorized Canadian eTA can stay in Canada for up to 6 months for tourism or business. Although the actual amount of time a foreign national can stay in Canada varies, most Portuguese passport holders are permitted a maximum 180-day stay.

Portuguese tourists must apply for a conventional Canadian visa if they need to stay in Canada for more than 180 days.

Can a Portuguese enjoy fast entry using the eTA program?

Yes, Portuguese citizens can enjoy the benefits of the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program when traveling to Canada. Portugal is one of Canada's visa-exempt countries, meaning that Portuguese passport holders can enter Canada without obtaining a visa.

Portuguese citizens can benefit from a speedier and more streamlined admission process into Canada by receiving an authorized eTA. Because the eTA allows for pre-screening before traveling, you can avoid some regular immigration processes upon arrival. Instead, you may go straight to the eTA immigration queue or automated kiosks, which usually results in a faster admission procedure.

However, it's important to note that the eTA does not guarantee entry into Canada. The final entry decision is made by the immigration officers at the Canadian port of entry, who will assess your eligibility based on various factors.

To apply for a Canada eTA from Portugal, you can do so online through the Canada immigration services website. The application process involves providing your personal information and passport details and answering questions about your travel history and background.

Do Portuguese citizens need visas for Canada?

No, Portuguese citizens do not need a visa to travel to Canada for short stays. Portugal is one of Canada's visa-exempt nations, which means that Portuguese passport holders can enter the country without a visa.

Instead of a visa, Portuguese citizens must get an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before traveling to Canada. The Canada eTA for Portuguese citizens is an electronic travel authorization that is connected to your passport and permits you to visit Canada for up to six months for leisure, business, or transit purposes.

To apply for an eTA, you can do so online through the Canada Immigration Services website. Once your eTA application is approved, it is electronically linked to your passport. You do not need to print or carry a physical copy of the eTA, as it will be automatically verified by the airline and immigration officers when you travel to Canada.

 It is necessary to be a complete Portuguese citizen before applying for a Canada eTA. Thus, travelers with a different passport or travel document will need to apply for a full Canada visitor visa rather than an eTA.

How to travel to Canada from Portugal?

Before departing for Canada, travelers should take a moment to check the entry requirements as well as ways to safely arrive in Canada. We offer several ways to travel to Canada from Portugal:

• By Air: Flying is the most popular and convenient mode of transportation between Portugal and Canada. There are direct flights from major Portuguese airports like Lisbon Portela Airport or Porto's Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport to major Canadian cities, including Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. You may look at several airlines' flight schedules and buy your tickets accordingly.
• By Land and Air: Another alternative is to take a cruise ship from Portugal to Canada. Some cruise lines provide transatlantic cruises with stops in Canadian cities such as Halifax, Quebec City, and Montreal. This can be a picturesque and relaxing method to go to Canada, but it takes more time and may incur additional costs.
• By Cruise: Another alternative is to take a cruise ship from Portugal to Canada. Some cruise lines provide transatlantic cruises with stops in Canadian cities such as Halifax, Quebec City, and Montreal. This can be a picturesque and relaxing method to go to Canada, but it takes more time and may incur additional costs.

Before flying to Canada from Portugal, be sure you have all of the appropriate travel papers. To enter Canada for leisure, business, or transportation, Portuguese residents must get a Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your planned stay in Canada and that you fulfill all other entrance criteria.

 

Can I renew my Canadian eTA before it expires?

No, you cannot renew your Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before it expires. The eTA is valid for multiple entries to Canada for a period of up to five years or until the expiration of your passport, whichever comes first.

When your eTA runs out, you must apply for a new one before your next trip to Canada. A fresh eTA application is comparable to the first application procedure. You will be asked to give personal information and passport information, and to answer a few questions about your travel experience and background.

It is crucial to remember that the eTA is connected to your passport; therefore, if your passport expires before your eTA, you must first acquire a new passport and then apply for a new eTA with your updated passport information.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on applying for a new eTA or any particular questions about the eTA application procedure, visit the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.

Please note that immigration policies and procedures can change over time, so it's essential to verify the latest requirements and guidelines before making any travel plans.