Is Canada visa free for Philippines?

No, Canada is not entirely visa-free for Philippine passport holders. However, since June 2023, Philippine citizens may be eligible for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a visa under certain conditions.

Who is eligible for the eTA?

  • Philippine passport holders who have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years, or
  • Philippine passport holders who hold a valid US non-immigrant visa (excluding border crossing cards)

Who still needs a visa?

  • Philippine passport holders who do not meet the above criteria will still need to apply for a traditional visa.
  • Travelers who plan to stay in Canada for longer than 6 months, work, or study will also need a visa, regardless of their eTA eligibility.

How to apply for an eTA

  • You can apply online through the Government of Canada website.
  • The application fee is CAD 7.00.
  • Processing times can vary, but most applications are processed within 72 hours.

Important things to remember

  • An eTA does not guarantee entry into Canada. Border officials can still deny entry if they believe you are inadmissible.
  • You must be traveling by air to use an eTA.
  • It is always a good idea to check the latest visa requirements with the Canadian government before you travel.

Here are some resources for more information:

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