Canada is making air travel easier for more visitors in 2026.

Citizens of 13 additional countries may now be eligible to fly to Canada using a $7 Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of applying for a traditional visitor visa — if they meet certain conditions.

Countries include:
Philippines, Thailand, Argentina, Costa Rica, Morocco, Panama, Seychelles, Uruguay, and others.

What this means

• Lower cost compared to a visitor visa
• Faster and simpler application process
• Easier visits for tourism, business, and family reunions

Who qualifies?
To apply for an eTA, travellers must:

• Be considered a “known traveller”, and
• Have held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years OR
• Hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa

Important to know:

• This applies to air travel only
• It is not a full visa waiver for everyone
• Those who don’t meet the criteria must still apply for a visitor visa

This move reflects Canada’s effort to improve mobility while maintaining border security — and it’s welcome news for many newcomers hoping to host family and friends more easily.