ESTA Canada
The ESTA for travel to Canada is called the eTA Canada. This is an electronic travel authorization that allows a foreign national to enter Canada for a stay limited to 6 months.
The Canadian government has introduced this new authorization system to enable travelers to visit or transit through Canada. Entry into Canada is now possible by applying online for an electronic travel authorization.
End of the obligation to be vaccinated against COVID 19 to travel to Canada
The current rules of entry into Canada are changing rapidly and frequently as a result of the management of the health crisis caused by COVID-19 and its various virus variants. All of these measures are designed to protect the health and safety of Canadians.
Requirement to be vaccinated to enter Canada
As of May 2023, it is no longer necessary to be vaccinated to enter Canada. Negative tests for COVID-19 are also no longer required to enter Canada. This vaccination requirement was previously verified before boarding, and managed by airlines and railways serving Canada.
Regarding leaving the country for less than 72 hours
Canadian residents are no longer required to present a negative COVID-19 test if they are out of the country for less than 72 hours.
Regarding the list of vaccines against COVID-19
Who is eligible for ESTA Canada?
Nationals of a large number of countries are eligible to apply for ESTA Canada. The application is made via the downloadable form found on the Canadian government website. The process takes a few minutes and you will simply need to bring your passport, which must be valid for the period of your stay.
Note: It is necessary to fill out one form per person. For families, this means filling out an application for each adult and child.
ESTA Canada: a sesame with multiple advantages?
The authorization will be valid for a period of 5 years, or until the validity date of your passport. After that you will have to renew the application. The document authorizes you to stay in Canada as often as you like during the period of validity of your ESTA Canada.
Note: A refusal does not mean that you will be refused entry, but that you will have to go through the embassy or consulate to obtain a Canadian tourist visa.
The introduction of such a system is in line with a recent trend of governments wanting to strengthen the security of their borders, while financing the promotion of tourism with the taxes collected. After America and Canada, Europe is also about to introduce its ETIAS travel authorization. This electronic travel authorization for entry into the Schengen area will be introduced in 2024.