You have your bags packed. You have your itinerary set. You’ve even made hotel and tour reservations. You’re headed to Canada for several weeks, and you simply cannot wait. However on your way to the airport, you realize that you forgot one key thing … your visa! You really should have gotten your Canadian visa online!
Basically … you don’t want this to be you. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be you! You can simply get your Canadian visa online from the comfort of your own home!
Do I need a visa to simply travel to Canada?
If you hold an American or European passport like me, you might already be asking this question. After all, Canada was the first international vacation I ever took! I was 7-years-old and was allowed across the border with just my birth certificate! Back in those days, the travel documents that Americans needed were very minimal. I’m pretty sure that my parents just showed the border officials their US drivers licenses!
However in those 24 years that have passed, a lot of things have changed. Now a visa is required to travel to Canada, even for travelers from typically visa-free countries. You definitely don’t want to realize that you need this after it’s too late!
Basically, since November 2016, all travelers are required to have an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). Once you get one, it’s good for five years or until the expiration of your passport. So if you travel to Canada often, you won’t have to go through this hassle regularly. In fact, you’ll only have to do it maybe a few times in your life!
Not getting your ETA could be dangerous! You will not be allowed to check into your flight without it! So the best thing to do is apply for it as soon as you book your flight! Since it’s good for five years, the sooner, the better!
Where to even begin
Sometimes things like this can be overwhelming. You have no idea where to look and who to trust. We suggest getting your Canadian visa online! It’s best to do it this way with a reputable company.
To get started, go to E-visums. On this site, you can find the application form. Make sure that you have your passport ready! Fill out everything carefully and triple-check. With something as important as this, you don’t want to make a mistake! They accept debit card, credit card and Paypal. It only costs CAD 7$ per person! You can also easily apply for visas for multiple people at the same time. Also just to note: minors need the ETA as well. So don’t forget to apply for ones for your children as well!
If you have any questions or doubts, there’s a contact form on the website that you can fill out. There are staff members available everyday over email to help you. If you are located in the UK, you can also give them a call between the hours of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
How long does the process take
Once you have submitted your application with a valid form of payment, your visa will be issued to you as soon as possible. According to their website, 99% of visas are approved automatically. Most people who submit it before 11 p.m. will get approved on the same day! Overall, it should take up to 72 hours. If you are in a crunch and only just now applying for the visa, you can choose the emergency procedure. With this option, they will process your ETA in 15 minutes. There are people a E-visums working 24 hours, 7 days a week, so your visa should be approved rather
They do have a disclaimer that they are dependent on the Canadian government for the approval of visas. In other words, there might occasionally be things that are out of their control. While the majority of visas get approved quickly, the government might choose to approve your application manually. This could affect it. However this sort of situation seems rather rare.
Once you receive your ETA by email (unless you’re from Cuba or China, in which you will receive at least part of your ETA by mail), it is advisable to either print it off or have a digital copy available on one of your devices. It never hurts to be prepared!
Once your visa arrives electronically, you will be worry-free
Who doesn’t need an ETA?
There are a few exceptions to the ETA. The following people don’t need one: diplomats, pilots and cabin crew, travelers with a valid Canadian visa and travelers with a permanent residence permit for Canada. Since at least 95% of travelers don’t fall into this category, most will need the ETA.
Plan ahead and be prepared
Thanks to the internet, applying for your Canadian visa online is now a lot easier than it used to be! As soon as you book that trip to say Vancouver or Toronto, do not put off getting you ETA!
Have you ever traveled to Canada before? Do you have any experience applying for visas online?
