Canada Expands eTA Eligibility for Romanian and Bulgarian Nationals

Canada has updated its Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) requirements for certain travellers. The change allows eligible citizens of Romania and Bulgaria to apply for an eTA instead of a traditional visitor visa. This marks a shift in how Canada manages visa-free access for qualifying nationals from these countries.

To qualify, Romanian and Bulgarian citizens must meet specific conditions. They must either possess a valid United States non-immigrant visa, or have held a Canadian visa at any point in the past. Individuals who do not meet one of these criteria will still need to complete the standard visa application process.

The eTA is an electronic authorisation linked to a traveller's passport. It facilitates entry into Canada for eligible visitors flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport. The authorisation remains valid for a period of up to five years, or until the linked passport expires, whichever occurs first.

Applicants can submit their eTA request online through the official Government of Canada website. The application process requires a valid passport, an active email address, and a credit or debit card for payment. A non-refundable application fee of CAD $7 is charged.

Most eTA approvals are issued within minutes of application submission. However, some applications may take several days if additional supporting documents are requested by authorities. It is important to note that an approved eTA does not guarantee entry into Canada, as border services officers retain the authority to deny admission upon arrival. This policy reflects Canada's continuous review of its travel access policies.