Canada eTA / Evisa requirements for UAE residents

You wish to make a holiday of a lifetime in “Maple Leaf” country - Canada. You would like to see roads covered with maple leaves in the autumn, or you are interested in adventure activities in the winter; no matter what your hobbies are, Canada will never make you disappointed.

Applying for a Canadian Electronic travel authorization (eTA) is a concern for travel lovers from all over the world. Nowadays, with the development of technology, obtaining a visitor visa becomes easier. In 2012, the Canadian Government released a new visa program, called Canada . This program is applied to eligible countries over the world including UAE. In this article, we share with you information about Canada eTA for UAE residents and how to apply for it.

Canada eTA from UAE

1. Check Canada visa requirements for UAE residents

What is a Canada Electronic travel authorization (eTA)?

Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)is a valid permit allowing residents coming from eligible countries to enter Canada for travel purposes.

Canada eTA was launched in 2012 and continued to develop until 2016, also is recognized as an innovative step in travel development. Thanks to the eTA, ETA application is not overloaded at customs and immigration, managing travel foreigners effectively.

However, not all countries are eligible for a Canada eTA. You have to check eligibility before making a decision.

Check eligibility for a Canada Electronic travel authorization (eTA).

According to the visa rules, only countries that are included in the exemption list are eligible to apply. Only citizens of visa-exempt countries (such as the UK, France, Germany, Japan, etc.) are eligible for a Canada eTA. UAE passport holders are not eligible and must apply for a visitor visa. Besides, other requirements you have to be clear about before applying:

• When your eTA is approved, it is electronically linked to your passport to check whether your nationality is eligible. If you change a new passport, you also get a new visa.
• Each approved eTA is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first
• An eTA allows multiple entries during its validity period, meaning you can return to Canada without reapplying
• With a valid eTA visa, you can stay in Canada for up to 06 months.
• Permitted purposes consist of travel, business trip, leisure activities, transit, or medical treatments.
• An eTA is required only for travelers arriving in Canada by air. It is not needed for entry by land or sea
• You have to demonstrate that you are over the age of 18 to apply. If not, your parents or legal guardian apply for it.

“U.S. citizens do not need an eTA or a visa to travel to Canada. On the other hand, if you do not adapt to the conditions of this visa, you consider applying for a traditional Canada visa at Canadian Embassy. If you are not eligible for an eTA, you must apply for a traditional visitor visa at a Canadian embassy or visa application center in your country

Do UAE citizens need to have a Canada eTA?

Yes, UAE citizens are eligible for a Canada eTA because the United Arab Emirates is on Canada’s visa-exempt country list. 

The Canadian ETA is 100% online, making it relatively easy to get it issued without the need for an in-person visit process. The application consists of 16 questions and no document submission is required.

The average waiting time for approval is approximately 12 hours. If you apply through us, the approval rate for ETA applications in Canada is guaranteed to be 99.9%, so you can rest assured of travel arrangements.

Canada eTA requirements for UAE residents

2. How to apply for a Canada eTA from UAE

The documents checklist for Canada eTA visa application from UAE?

To apply for a Canada ETA successfully, good preparation is very necessary. We outline for you the Canada eTA requirements for UAE residents. You have to prepare:

• The national passport is valid for at least 06 months.
• A scan of the passport’s biographical page.
• The applicant’s current email address.
• Debit or credit card.

Instructions on applying for a Canada eTA visa

Apply for a Canada eTA from UAE

Kindly do step-by-step instructions for the Canada visitor visa application. We have 04 simple steps:

Step 1: Click on to “Apply Visa” button to approach our secure online form. Fill in your information including personal contact, passport information, and some trip plan details. Double checking all information before moving to the next steps.

Step 2: Make a payment for your service. After paying, we ask you to provide additional information to complete your application.

Step 3: You will receive a confirmation email. We announce to you the Processing Time of your Canada visa application. This processing depends on your service choice.

When the processing is completed, your eTA visa will be sent to you via the email you provided.

Step 4: Print out your visa and bring it with you to the checkpoint. It is crucial that you bring your national passport for border officials to check your eligibility when you arrive in Canada. With a valid Canada visitor visa, a stamp is placed on your passport.

What happens if I make a mistake on my eTA application?

If you make a mistake when applying for an eTA in Canada, your travel permit may be delayed or denied. The eTA works electronically with your passport, so all information, including your name, passport number, and date of birth, must match exactly what you see on your passport. Even if you find an error after submission, it cannot be corrected if your application is in progress.
Instead, you will need to submit a new eTA application and pay the fee again by entering the correct information. Entering false or inaccurate information could disrupt future travel to Canada. Always double-check the information before submitting to avoid any problems with check-in or immigration.

How long does it take to get Canada ETA?

If you complete and submit an online application, your Canada ETA will usually be approved within 24 hours. However, it is important to submit your application at least a few days before the scheduled arrival date, as the visa processing can take up to four days.

Once you receive a copy of your approved Canada ETA via email, you can present a copy to the immigration officer upon arrival in Canada

3. Canada eTA fees for UAE residents

Canada eTA fees for UAE residents

In general, the eTA visa fee for Canada is reasonable. You have to pay 02 types of fees per visa: the Canadian Government fee and the visa services fee.

The Canada Immigration Services have various types of services that are flexible for your timetable demand so the service fee changes are subject to your choice. Consider 03 available options below:

• Normal: For those who wish to get an eTA within 3 business days.
• Urgent: For those who wish to get an eTA within 24 business hours.
• Super Urgent: For those who wish to get an eTA within 5 business hours.

Anyway, we sincerely hope you apply for at least 7 days before hitting the road. After planning your trip and covering requirements, choose an option that is most suitable for you.

Regarding payment methods, we accept bank transfers or electronic payments. For bank transfers, both US dollars and Euros are accepted by the Bank of Cyprus. If you would like to make sure of security, you can use a credit/debit card (Visa, Master Card, American Express, PayPal).

Travel Insurance is our suggestion for you. When traveling abroad, you cannot cover entire situations that happen accidentally such as pandemics, sickness, accidents, loss of baggage, or interruption trips. Good preparation is necessary. The benefits are up to 50,000 dollars, and we believe that this is the best protective tool for you and your family. Taking into account benefits and treatments at Canada travel insurance

Finally, we hope you get an advantageous process and enjoy your Canada trip. If you have any questions about a Canada eTA for UAE residents or other services, do not hesitate to let us know.

4. Authorized Entry Ports for UAE residents holding a Canada ETA

Canada's Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is required only for travelers entering Canada by air. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport and is automatically validated by the airline before boarding. Once approved, you can enter Canada through any international airport.

Air entry (mandatory for eTA)

• All major international airports in Canada accept passengers holding an eTA.
• Examples include Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), Montreal-Trudeau (YUL), Calgary (YYC), and Ottawa (YOW).
• Airlines will deny boarding if you do not have an approved eTA (unless you are exempt).

Land and sea entry

If you are entering Canada by land (from the United States) or sea (cruise ship, ferry), you do not need an eTA. However, you must present appropriate identification and meet Canadian entry requirements.

Canada Visa Requirements for United Arab Emirates Citizens FAQs

Do UAE citizens need visas for Canada?

If you have a passport from the United Arab Emirates, you do not require a visa to visit Canada for a short period of time. Any tourist with a UAE passport can enter Canada without a visa. The only document required is an electronic travel authorization (eTA) for Canada, which may be obtained quickly and easily. Before visiting Canada, all UAE passengers must have an eTA. You will be denied entrance if you do not have a visa waiver.

You must apply for this sort of electronic travel permit if you want to visit Canada for less than six months and one of the following reasons:

• Tourism
• Leisure
• Business
• Visiting family and friends
• Transit

All short-term travelers from the UAE visiting Canada must acquire an electronic travel authorization. There are exceptions for people who have:

• Intentions to work or study for a period of more than six months
• A visa to Canada
• Canadian nationality
• Residency for life

If you are an Emirati citizen and one of these exclusions applies to you, you must apply for a Canada eTA from UAE rather than a visa waiver.

How long is the flight from Dubai to Toronto?

The non-stop flight time from Dubai to Toronto is around 14 to 15 hours. One-way flights from Dubai to Toronto, as well as connecting flights, can take anywhere from 19 to 24 hours. Flight time is determined by the intermediate airport to which you choose to fly. This is the average nonstop flight time from Dubai to any of Toronto's four airports.

Connecting flights and direct flights with a layover appear to take longer than non-stop flights. In such circumstances, the flight time from Dubai to Toronto is determined by the stopover destination supplied by your airline or by the one you select when buying your ticket.

Waiting times at intermediate airports might range within 18 hours.

Can I get a Canada visit visa from Dubai?

Yes, you can get a Canada visit visa from Dubai. Visitors from the UAE, including residents, require a visa to enter Canada. The prerequisites for applying for a Canada visa from Dubai are entirely dependent on the applicant's nationality. So, even if you live in Dubai, your nationality is the single most important factor in determining whether you are eligible for a Canadian visa or not.

To apply for a visitor visa (Temporary Visa) for Canada from Dubai, you need to prepare the following documents:

• Photograph of the applicant
• Passport Personal Information Scan
• Passport's Last Page (if applicable).
• Payment can be made by debit or credit card.
• An email address is required.

To verify the payment, a selfie with the physical credit card used for the transaction is required. In the image, only the last four digits of the credit card must be visible. Each order requires only one image (if applicable).

How to check if my Canadian eta is still valid?

Using the Check Canada eTA status, you may check the status and expiration of your eTA. You will need the eTA number from the email confirmation as well as information from the passport you used to apply for your eTA.

To check the validity of your Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), you can follow these steps:

• Visit the Canada Immigration Services website
• On the website, look for the "Check your eTA" or "Check Status" area. This area is often found under the "Visit" or "Apply Online" tabs.
• To reach the eTA verification page, click on the appropriate link.
• Please provide the necessary information. This normally contains your passport number, citizenship nation, and date of birth. Fill in the necessary information precisely.
• Submit your information and wait for the system to process it.
• Examine the results that are presented on the screen. The system will notify you if your eTA is still valid or has expired.

You must have an eTA in advance of your trip to Canada. We recommend applying for an eTA at least one month before your trip to Canada. Canada eTA visa can be accepted within minutes of submitting an application, or they might take longer. As a precaution, apply as soon as possible.

How much bank balance is required for Canada visitor visa from UAE?

There is no minimum bank balance requirement. However, candidates must pay an application charge. They must also ensure that they have sufficient finances to pay the expenses of their stay in Canada.

The amount of money considered adequate might vary based on a number of criteria, including the length of your stay, the purpose of your travel, and your expected costs. Documentation such as bank statements, job letters, or other financial documents demonstrating your capacity to fund your journey and sustain yourself while in Canada may be requested.

It is advised that you maintain a consistent and appropriate bank balance that represents your capacity to handle travel fees, lodging, transportation, meals, and any other relevant charges for the duration of your visit.

While no precise minimum bank balance is required, it is recommended that you have enough cash to demonstrate that you are financially capable of sustaining yourself throughout your stay in Canada and do not intend to rely on public assistance.

Can you apply for a Canadian visa without an invitation letter?

Yes, applying for a Canada eTA visa without an invitation letter is possible. An invitation letter is not required when applying for a guest visa. It is an additional document to strengthen your case and demonstrate to the immigration officer that you are traveling to Canada to see relatives or friends or to visit Canadian nationals who have invited you over.

However, in rare situations, the Canadian government will need an Invitation Letter when you submit your application. You will not need an invitation letter if the government does not request one. If you need a visa to visit Canada but cannot receive an invitation letter from anybody, do not despair - you may still apply. Having said that, it is nevertheless advised that you include an Invitation Letter in your application, if feasible.

Before you write an Invitation Letter, you should know what sort of document/application your family member will require. You may require a visitor's visa or an eTA when visiting Canada. The documentation they will require is determined by their nationality or the cause of their journey. For example, if your relative is traveling for work but also intends to attend your daughter's wedding, they may require a business visa instead. Furthermore, various nations have different rules for whether an eTA or a visitor's visa is required. Before sending a letter, check the Canada Immigration Services website to see what type of document your family member requests.