In June 2023, Canada made a major change to its Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program by adding 13 new countries to the list of nations whose citizens can travel to Canada without a full visitor visa. This expansion was designed to reduce visa processing backlogs, make travel easier for low-risk visitors, and strengthen Canada’s economic and cultural ties with these countries. If you are a citizen of one of the newly added countries, this page explains exactly what changed, who qualifies, and how to apply.
What Changed in the 2023 eTA Expansion?
Before June 2023, citizens of these 13 countries needed to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa) to fly to Canada. The visitor visa process requires biometrics, supporting documents such as bank statements and invitation letters, and can take weeks or even months to process.
The 2023 expansion allowed eligible citizens of these countries to apply for an eTA instead. An eTA costs only CAD $7, is applied for entirely online, and is typically approved within minutes. The eTA is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport and is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires.
However, this change came with an important condition: not every citizen of these 13 countries qualifies automatically. The eTA is only available to those who meet specific eligibility criteria related to their travel history.
The 13 New Countries Added to the eTA Program
The following countries were added to the eTA program in June 2023:
| # | Country | Region |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Antigua and Barbuda | Caribbean |
| 2 | Argentina | South America |
| 3 | Brazil | South America |
| 4 | Morocco | North Africa |
| 5 | Philippines | Southeast Asia |
| 6 | Saint Lucia | Caribbean |
| 7 | Seychelles | East Africa |
| 8 | Thailand | Southeast Asia |
| 9 | Trinidad and Tobago | Caribbean |
| 10 | Uruguay | South America |
These countries were selected based on several factors, including their citizens’ historical compliance with Canadian immigration rules, the strength of their passport programs, and Canada’s bilateral relationships with each nation.
Who Qualifies for an eTA from These Countries?
Citizens of the 13 newly added countries do not automatically qualify for an eTA. To be eligible, you must meet at least one of the following two conditions:
Condition 1: Previous Canadian Visa
You have held a Canadian temporary resident visa (visitor visa) at any point in the 10 years before your eTA application. This includes:
- A single-entry visitor visa
- A multiple-entry visitor visa
- A super visa (parent/grandparent)
- A transit visa
The Canadian immigration system (IRCC) checks your travel history automatically during the eTA application. If you held a valid Canadian visa within the past decade, the system will recognize this and allow you to proceed with the eTA application.
Condition 2: Valid U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa
You currently hold a valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa at the time of your eTA application. This includes:
- B-1/B-2 visitor visas
- F-1 student visas
- H-1B work visas
- J-1 exchange visitor visas
- L-1 intracompany transfer visas
- Other nonimmigrant visa categories
The U.S. visa does not need to have been used for travel. It simply needs to be currently valid and not expired or revoked.
What If You Meet Neither Condition?
If you are a citizen of one of these 13 countries and you have never held a Canadian visa and you do not have a valid U.S. visa, you are not eligible for an eTA. You must still apply for a Canadian visitor visa through the standard process. This involves submitting a full application with supporting documents, providing biometrics, and waiting for processing, which can take several weeks.
How to Apply for a Canada eTA from a New Country
If you qualify under one of the two conditions above, the eTA application process is straightforward:
- Go to the official Government of Canada eTA website (canada.ca/eta).
- Fill out the online form with your personal details, passport information, and travel history.
- Answer questions about your eligibility, including whether you have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years or currently hold a valid U.S. visa.
- Pay the CAD $7 fee using a credit card or debit card.
- Receive your eTA – in most cases, approval comes within minutes by email.
The entire process takes about 15 to 20 minutes and does not require any documents to be uploaded or mailed. The system verifies your eligibility electronically through IRCC databases and U.S. visa records.
Why Did Canada Add These Countries?
Canada’s decision to expand the eTA program was driven by several factors:
Reducing processing backlogs. By 2023, IRCC had a significant backlog of visitor visa applications. Allowing eligible travellers from low-risk countries to use the simpler eTA process helped reduce the volume of full visa applications, freeing up resources to process more complex cases faster.
Supporting economic growth. Tourism and business travel contribute significantly to Canada’s economy. Making it easier for citizens of these countries to visit Canada supports industries such as hospitality, retail, and transportation.
Strengthening bilateral relationships. Many of the 13 countries are important trade and diplomatic partners. Simplifying travel requirements deepens these relationships and encourages cultural exchange.
Rewarding good immigration compliance. The eligibility conditions (prior Canadian visa or valid U.S. visa) ensure that only travellers with a proven track record of respecting immigration rules can use the expedited eTA process. This approach balances accessibility with security.
Countries That Were Already eTA-Eligible
The 13 new countries joined an existing list of visa-exempt nations that have been part of the eTA program since its launch in 2016. Citizens of these long-standing eTA-eligible countries do not need to meet any additional conditions – they can apply for an eTA regardless of their travel history.
The original visa-exempt countries include nations across Europe (such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy), Asia-Pacific (such as Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore), the Americas (such as Mexico, Chile, and the Bahamas), and the Middle East (such as Israel and the United Arab Emirates).
In total, approximately 65+ countries and territories are now part of the eTA program. You can find the complete list on our Canada eTA Eligible Countries page.
Key Differences Between the Old and New eTA Countries
| Feature | Original Visa-Exempt Countries | 13 New Countries (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| eTA always available? | Yes, regardless of travel history | Only if you held a Canadian visa in past 10 years OR have a valid U.S. visa |
| Application process | Same online form | Same online form |
| Fee | CAD $7 | CAD $7 |
| Validity | Up to 5 years | Up to 5 years |
| Processing time | Usually minutes | Usually minutes |
| If not eligible for eTA | N/A | Must apply for a visitor visa |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a Canada eTA if I am from Brazil?
Yes, Brazilian citizens can apply for a Canada eTA if they have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years or currently hold a valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa. If neither condition applies, you need to apply for a Canadian visitor visa.
I am from the Philippines. Do I need a visa or an eTA for Canada?
Filipino citizens can apply for an eTA if they have held a Canadian visa within the past 10 years or currently hold a valid U.S. visa. Otherwise, a full visitor visa is required. See our [Canada eTA for Filipino Citizens](/canada-eta-philippines) page for detailed guidance.
Does the 10-year rule mean I need to have visited Canada?
No. You only need to have held a Canadian visa. It does not matter whether you actually used that visa to travel to Canada. If the visa was issued within the past 10 years, you qualify.
What type of U.S. visa qualifies me for a Canada eTA?
Any valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa qualifies, including B-1/B-2, F-1, H-1B, J-1, and L-1 visas. The visa must be currently valid at the time you apply for the eTA.
Will more countries be added to the eTA program in the future?
Canada periodically reviews its immigration policies and may expand the eTA program to additional countries. However, no official announcements about future expansions have been made as of 2026. You can monitor the IRCC website for updates.
How long does it take to get a Canada eTA from one of the new countries?
Processing times are generally the same as for all eTA applicants – most applications are approved within minutes. In some cases, additional review may be needed, which can take several days.
Can I use my eTA for multiple trips to Canada?
Yes. Once approved, your eTA is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can use it for multiple trips to Canada during that period without reapplying. For more details, see our [Canada eTA Multiple Entry](/canada-eta-multiple-entry) page.
What if my Canadian visa expired more than 10 years ago?
If your Canadian visa expired more than 10 years before your eTA application date, you do not qualify under the 10-year condition. You would need a currently valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa instead, or you must apply for a new Canadian visitor visa.
