Qatar Joins Switzerland, Japan, And More In Canada’s Exclusive ETA Launch, Streamlining Travel With Lightning-Fast Approval And Five-Year Validity

Published on November 26, 2025

Qatar joins Switzerland, Japan, France, Denmark, Germany, Bahamas, Greece, and more as Canada expands its eTA program, making travel more accessible for citizens with streamlined entry procedures. This move simplifies the process for Qatari nationals, who no longer need a traditional visa to visit or transit through Canada. Instead, they can apply for the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online, cutting down on lengthy paperwork and waiting times. The eTA, which is quick to obtain and valid for up to five years, enhances mobility between the two countries, reflecting the growing cooperation between Qatar and Canada.

As of November 25, 2025, Canada has officially added Qatar to its Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) list, making it significantly easier for Qatari citizens to visit or transit through the country. This development comes as a result of ongoing collaboration between the governments of Qatar and Canada, aiming to streamline travel processes and reduce the barriers that international travelers often face. For Qatari travelers, this means they can now bypass traditional visa requirements, substituting them with a simple, efficient, and quick online form.

This new policy not only simplifies travel for Qatari citizens but also reflects a broader effort to enhance international cooperation, deepen ties between the two nations, and make travel more accessible. It aligns with Canada’s ongoing commitment to fostering tourism, business, and cultural exchanges while strengthening its position as a global destination for visitors and professionals alike.

What is the eTA, and How Does It Work?

The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a fully electronic travel entry requirement introduced by Canada for citizens of countries that are already exempt from regular visa requirements. Rather than requiring the lengthy and often complicated process of obtaining a visa, travelers can simply complete a short online application to gain clearance. Once approved, the eTA allows multiple visits to Canada, valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

The new process provides an efficient and faster alternative for Qatari citizens planning business trips, vacations, or even just transiting through Canadian airports. This move eliminates the need for travelers to attend in-person visa interviews, a process that can sometimes delay travel plans.

Steps to Apply for an eTA:

• Step 1: Complete the online application form with personal and passport details.
• Step 2: Pay the application fee of 7 Canadian dollars.
• Step 3: Receive an automated approval, typically within minutes.
• Step 4: The eTA is linked directly to the passport, and travelers will be automatically checked when they board their flight.

It’s a convenient solution that cuts down on waiting periods and removes one of the most significant obstacles to travel—visas.

Why Was Qatar Added to Canada’s eTA List?

The approval of Qatar to join the eTA program is a result of a sustained partnership between the Canadian government and the Qatari authorities. This shift represents the culmination of months of negotiations and mutual efforts aimed at simplifying the movement of people between the two nations.

The process of adding Qatar to the eTA list began with a formal visit by officials from Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to Doha from June 4 to June 6, 2024. During this visit, Canadian authorities thoroughly reviewed Qatar’s internal procedures concerning travel documentation, security, and immigration checks. The goal was to ensure that Qatar met the necessary standards for inclusion in the eTA program. Following a successful assessment, Qatar was granted approval to join the list, which will streamline travel for its citizens.

The addition of Qatar to the eTA program is a significant milestone in the growing relationship between the two nations, enhancing their bilateral ties and fostering easier people-to-people exchanges.

The Significance of eTA for Qatari Travelers

Qatari travelers have long been seeking simpler, more efficient ways to visit Canada. The introduction of the eTA program marks a leap forward, allowing Qatari nationals to travel without having to go through the cumbersome visa application process. Previously, they would have been required to fill out lengthy visa forms, provide extensive documentation, and wait weeks for approval. Now, the process is reduced to a few minutes online, with no need for an in-person interview or documentation submission.

The eTA approval also allows Qatari nationals to transit through Canadian airports without the need for additional visas, making Canada an even more accessible hub for travelers connecting to other international destinations. Whether for business, tourism, or simply transiting through Canada, the new policy opens doors for more seamless travel to and through the country.

Other Countries That Benefit from Canada’s eTA

Qatar joins a growing list of countries whose citizens are eligible to apply for the eTA. These countries have been granted visa-exempt status for travel to Canada, and their citizens can take advantage of the easy online process. In total, there are over 50 countries eligible for the eTA, making it easier for millions of international travelers to plan their trips to Canada with minimal hassle.

Here’s a comprehensive list of countries whose nationals can benefit from the eTA program:

• Andorra
• Australia
• Austria
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belgium
• British citizens (Including British National (Overseas), British overseas citizens, and British overseas territory citizens from various territories)
• Brunei Darussalam
• Bulgaria
• Chile
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region)
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• Japan
• Republic of Korea
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Monaco
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Papua New Guinea
• Poland
• Portugal
• Qatar
• Romania (electronic passport holders only)
• Samoa
• San Marino
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Solomon Islands
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• United Arab Emirates
• Vatican City

These countries benefit from a much simpler entry procedure, allowing for easier access to Canada’s vast opportunities in tourism, business, and culture.

Key Exemptions from the eTA Requirement

While the eTA makes travel easier for citizens of many countries, there are still specific groups that are exempt or have alternative entry options. For instance, individuals with official Canadian documents or those with valid Canadian visas do not require an eTA. Likewise, foreign nationals who hold valid status in Canada (e.g., visitor, student, or worker) do not need an eTA if they are only re-entering the country after visiting the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon.

Additionally, travelers on certain flights that stop in Canada for short layovers or refueling may also be exempt from requiring an eTA, provided they meet specific conditions for entry.

Impact on Canada’s Tourism and Economy

The introduction of the eTA for Qatar is part of a broader strategy by Canada to bolster its tourism sector and ensure that the country remains an attractive destination for international travelers. Simplifying the entry process encourages more visits and transits, which ultimately benefits local businesses, tourism operators, and the Canadian economy as a whole.

The move also highlights Canada’s commitment to embracing new technologies and systems that improve the efficiency of its border services. The eTA program is a clear indication of Canada’s forward-thinking approach to international travel, making it easier for people to experience the country while maintaining security and immigration standards.

With this update, Canada not only makes it easier for Qatari citizens but also continues to strengthen its global position as a desirable destination for tourists and business travelers. The eTA program serves as a key part of Canada’s long-term strategy to improve travel accessibility, foster international relations, and support the country’s thriving tourism industry.

What’s Next for Canada’s eTA Program?

The success of the eTA program in Canada continues to grow, with more countries potentially added to the list in the future. This ongoing expansion underscores Canada’s commitment to facilitating easier travel and promoting closer international cooperation. By simplifying entry procedures and making cross-border travel more efficient, Canada is ensuring that it remains a leading global destination for tourists, students, professionals, and travelers alike.

As Canada continues to enhance its immigration policies and streamline travel processes, citizens from other countries may soon find themselves enjoying the benefits of the eTA, experiencing the same ease and convenience that Qatari travelers now enjoy. For travelers, the process is clear: applying for an eTA is fast, simple, and an excellent way to enjoy all that Canada has to offer.

The addition of Qatar to Canada’s eTA program marks an important milestone in the bilateral relationship between the two countries. It simplifies travel for citizens of Qatar, enhances mobility, and fosters closer ties between the nations. With the eTA now available to Qatari travelers, the prospect of experiencing Canada’s dynamic culture, business opportunities, and natural beauty has never been more accessible.

Qatar joins Switzerland, Japan, France, Denmark, Germany, Bahamas, Greece, and more as Canada expands its eTA program, offering Qatari citizens a faster, visa-free travel experience. This new development simplifies entry to Canada, providing a quick online process instead of the traditional visa application.

Whether you’re traveling for business, leisure, or transit, the new eTA program removes the hurdles of traditional visa processes, ensuring that your travel experience to Canada is as smooth and efficient as possible.