To visit Canada, Swiss citizens need to obtain something called an Electronic Travel Authorization or Visa Online. The eTA/ eVisa was first implemented by the government of Canada in 2015 as a means of expediting the visa application process while also performing preliminary screenings of visitors from other countries. Through this article, we will show you all information about the Canada eTA requiremenst for Swiss citizens.
Canada eTA/ eVisa for Swiss citizens
1. Canada eTA/ eVisa requirements for Swiss citizens in2024
What is a Canada eTA for Swiss Citizens?
The Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) program is a way for the Canadian government to authorize certain travelers to enter the country without the need for a visa.
The Canada-issued electronic travel permission is good for up to 5 years, or until the passport expiration date, whichever comes first.
Canada eTA requirements for Swiss citizens
There are numerous requirements essential in order to apply for the Canada eTA. All applicants must have:
- A scan of the passport’s biographical page (not missing any details or lines). The validity of a Swiss passport in Canada is at least six months after the date of entry
- The residential address
- A digital photograph of the applicant
- For payment methods, you can use debit or credit cards.
- A functioning email account to send and receive information about eTA.
Because the eTA that is issued to Swiss citizens is tied to a particular passport number, holders of dual citizenship are required to apply for the eTA using the same passport that they intend to use for travel.
The Canada eTA application can be used by tourists who are Swiss nationals only if they have full citizenship in Switzerland. It is necessary to apply for a Canadian Visa for Swiss citizens if you are a traveler holding a temporary passport or travel documents with a different status, such as a refugee or temporary resident.
Applicants who are younger than 18 years old will require the assistance of a parent or guardian to complete the application and sign it on their behalf. In their capacity as a minor's legal guardian or representative, adults who apply for electronic travel authorization for Swiss citizens on behalf of their children or another minor must also provide some basic personal information.
At the time of arrival, officials at the border will determine the length of time that the holder of an eTA is permitted to remain in Canada, and the specifics will be noted on the passport. Applicants are granted permission to enter Canada on multiple occasions over 05 years, and each visit may be extended for a maximum of 6 months at a time.
Canada eTA requirements for Swiss citizens
2. How to apply for eTA/ eVisa from Switzerland
In order to be considered for the eTA, Swiss citizens must first complete the following 4 steps of the straightforward online application form:
- Step 1: Complete the application by providing your personal information, including your contact information, passport data, and travel plans.
- Step 2: Submit the required fee along with your application. To complete the procedure, we require that you submit some supporting papers after making a payment.
- Step 3: Keep an eye out for a confirmation email from us, and do not forget to consider processing time. After that, you'll receive an email with your Canada eTA.
- Step 4: Please print the eTA that we just emailed you. Your passport will be stamped as confirmation of arrival.
Even though the Electronic Travel Authorization for Swiss nationals is typically processed in a short amount of time, it is still best practice to submit your application at least 07 days before departure to ensure that there is sufficient time for the authorization to be issued.
It is simple to apply for an eTA/ eVisa from Switzerland using a desktop computer, tablet computer, or mobile device from any location in the world. The authorization can be obtained quickly and easily, and it will be sent to the applicant's email address in a secure and confidential electronic format.
Apply for Canada eTA from Switzerland
Read more: Check eTA/ eVisa requirements for Swiss citizens
3. Canada eTA/ eVisa fees for Swiss citizens
You should consider getting an eTA for Canada because it is more cost-effective than a traditional visa. The fees associated with applying for a Canada eTA from Switzerland are split into two Canada ETA fees: the Government fees and the Service fees.
In order to solve eTA, the government fee must be paid to the Canadian government, and there is no reimbursement.
The amount of the service fee that must be paid to Canada Immigration Services is determined by the specific services that are requested. We have three alternatives available:
- Normal Services: The processing time for a Canada eTA application is typically three business days. Those individuals who have already planned their journey might consider selecting this service.
- Urgent Services: If your schedule is extremely packed, you only have a small bit of time to wait. With this option, you can acquire an eTA after it has been processed for 24 working hours.
- Super Urgent Services: Your request is answered quickly. After 05 hours processing, you will be able to acquire an eTA for Canada.
When it comes to the mode of payment for Canada eTa/eVisa fees for Swiss citizens, you have the option of either sending a bank transfer to the Bank of Cyprus or making an electronic payment. We are able to accept payments made through PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
In addition, we strongly recommend that you purchase Canada Travel Insurance since it can shield you from unanticipated events and help you steer clear of the kinds of mishaps that might alter both your experiences and your emotions while you are away from home.
Canada Visa Requirements for Switzerland Citizens FAQs
Do Swiss citizens need a visa for Canada?
Swiss citizens can visit Canada for a short duration without needing a visa, as Switzerland is among the countries whose nationals are exempt from Canadian visa requirements.
Swiss citizens coming to Canada for leisure, business, or transit must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a visa. A Canada ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an electronic travel authorization that allows Swiss citizens to enter Canada for short-term stays. It is an automated system that determines travelers' eligibility before they board their flights to Canada.
The ETA is required for travelers who are visa-exempt and plan to enter Canada by air. It is not a visa itself but rather an additional authorization that complements the visa-exemption status. The ETA is linked electronically to the traveler's passport and is valid for multiple entries within its validity period.
Swiss nationals must fill out an online application form to apply for a Canada eTA. The procedure typically entails providing personal information and passport details and answering questions about travel history and security. A fee is also required at the time of application.
The eTA is electronically connected to the traveler's passport and usually is valid for multiple entries into Canada for the duration of its validity term, which is usually up to 5 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Whatever happens first. A trip to Canada might take up to six months.
Do Swiss citizens need a visa if they are traveling through Canada without stopping or visiting?
No, Swiss residents are not required a visa to travel across Canada without stopping or visiting if certain conditions are met. If you hold a valid passport and are transiting through Canada, you may be eligible for the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) or Transit Visa Exemption (TVE) programs.
Under the TWOV program, eligible travelers from visa-exempt countries, including Switzerland, can transit through Canada without a visa as long as they meet specific criteria. The primary conditions for TWOV include:
- Traveling to and from the United States: The transit must be to or from the United States, and you must hold a valid U.S. visa or be eligible for visa-free travel to the U.S.
- Connecting flight: You must have a confirmed onward ticket for a connecting flight departing Canada within 24 hours of arrival.
- No purposeful stopover or visit: You should not intend to visit Canada during your transit. You are only allowed to stay within the airport's international transit area.
It's important to note that the specific requirements and conditions for transit without a visa can vary, and it's always recommended to check Canada's ETA requirements for Swiss citizens for up-to-date information regarding transit requirements.
Can Swiss apply for a Canada eTA without flight confirmation?
Yes, Swiss nationals without a flight confirmation can apply for a Canada ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). The application for ETA does not require particular flight information or a confirmed itinerary.
When applying for a Canada eTA, you must supply personal information, passport information, and answers to questions about your travel history and background. However, you are not needed to give exact flight information or evidence of travel arrangements when applying.
The Canada ETA is generally valid for multiple entries within its validity period, which is usually up to five years or until the expiration of your passport, whichever comes first. Each visit to Canada can have a maximum duration of up to six months.
While you may apply for a Canada ETA without a ticket confirmation, you should have a detailed strategy for your intended trip to Canada before booking your flights. This guarantees that you meet the visa criteria and have a legitimate purpose for visiting Canada.
Additionally, when you do book your flights, make sure to provide accurate and up-to-date information to the airline, as they may request your ETA details during the check-in process.
Always check the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding ETA requirements and procedures for Swiss citizens traveling to Canada.
How to travel to Canada from Switzerland with ETA?
The Canadian government will email Swiss citizens with their eTA clearance. They do not need to print a copy of the travel authorization because it is automatically linked to their passport. They will only have to present an eTA-linked passport before boarding a flight and at border controls upon arrival in Canada for scanning.
It is essential to know that Swiss nationals cannot receive Canada Electronic Travel Authorization upon arriving in Canada. They must get this travel permission before departing.
Visitors from Switzerland who want to remain longer in Canada can request an extension of their Canada eTA for Swiss citizens. They must merely apply for an extension 30 days before their present travel permission expires. They will obtain their extended eTA within 24 hours.
Why Canada has changed its visa-exempt policy?
The modifications to Canada's visa policy are motivated by a desire to increase tourism and economic activity. Especially given the long-term effects of the COVID-19 epidemic on international travel.
The government anticipates that an additional 200,000 tourists from these 13 countries will arrive in the following year, representing a 20% increase.
Sean Fraser, Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, emphasized the importance of this reform for tourists. "We're making it easier for more people to do business, travel, or visit family and friends in Canada," he added.
Canada also recognizes that reducing travel restrictions for these nations will stimulate and foster cultural interchange. Fraser went on to say that the decision will "strengthen global bonds with these 13 countries." You also check the Canada entry requirements for travelers
What to take to the airport when traveling to Canada?
While the Canada eTA does not need to be printed, travelers must bring the following papers to the airport in order to board an aircraft heading for Canada:
- The passport that was used to apply for the eTA.
- Boarding pass (electronic or paper copy on a digital device)
As the Canada eTA cannot be transferred between passports, it is essential to obtain both the eTA and entry into Canada with the same passport. Consequently, if the passport expires while the eTA is still valid, a new authorization must be obtained.
Furthermore, while applying for the Canada eTA with dual citizenship, foreigners must supply the information about the passport they will use when visiting Canada.
To fly to Canada, all foreigners who require an eTA must obtain authorization.