Canada visa for citizens of Portugal is very easy to obtain as a Portuguese citizen if you meet all the requirements. The application process requires an online application form including a
Biometric passport with at least 6 months of validity
Health certificate
Verified email address
If you are a Portuguese passport holder and would like to travel to Canada for a short visit, you need to read this post to the end to learn more about the immigration process, the electronic travel authorization or Canada eta, which is popularly called.
Canada Visa for Citizens of Portugal
Most citizens of other countries require a visa to enter Canada, which involves visiting the Canadian embassy in their home countries to apply for the visa. However, Portuguese citizens don't have to go through the protracted process of visiting the embassy to apply for a normal visa unless they want a visa that guarantees them long stays.
Rather than opt for a normal visa, a Portuguese passport holder can apply for a special travel document called an ETA.
What Is Canada's ETA?
The Canadian electronic travel authorization is one of Canada's immigration programs. It is a special travel permit introduced by the Canadian government to facilitate the trips of foreign nationals who wish to visit Canada. This document is more like a permit than a visa because it allows the holder to enter Canada at short notice.
ETA applications are done online using an internet-connected smartphone. This valid travel document is valid for 5 years and allows Portuguese passport holders to stay in Canada for up to 180 days. Besides, eta grants the holder multiple entry access into Canada for as long as the eta visa lasts.
Since the application is done online, applicants can apply for eta from the comfort of their homes at short notice and receive the eta visa within 24 hours but not more than 72 hours after submitting their application.
For Air Travels And Short Stays
Canada eta is meant for air travel only and not for sea or land trips. Any Portuguese passport holder who wishes to travel to Canada using a ship or land cannot do so with an electronic travel authorization document. Secondly, visitors cannot stay with this document for more than 180 days at a time.
For longer visits, they need to visit the Canadian embassy in Lisbon to procure a normal visa.
Canada eta is meant for air travel only and not for sea or land trips. Any Portuguese passport holder who wishes to travel to Canada using a ship or land cannot do so with an electronic travel authorization document. Secondly, visitors cannot stay with this document for more than 180 days at a time.
What You Need To Apply For Canada ETA
To apply for Canadian ETA, you need the following
Biometric Passport
A machine-readable biometric Passport that is valid for at least 6 months. The passport will be linked to the eta once your application is approved. Only use the passport you intend to travel with, not a different passport. So note that the passport's validity is counted from the arrival date, not the day you submit the application form.
Application Form
A completed eta application form with all relevant questions duly answered. Some details that will be requested of you include
Full name
Date of birth
Passport number
Expiry Date
Date of issue
Endeavor to provide accurate information; otherwise, your application may be rejected or encounter issues at the port of entry.
Debit or Credit Card
You need a debit or credit card to pay the application fee before submitting the form. Make sure your card has sufficient funds to cover the fee and transaction charges.
Email Address
An email address is required. The email address you provide is where the ETA will be sent if your application is approved, so make sure you only provide an email address you have access to.
After completing and submitting the application form, the process will take 1-3 working days to be approved. If it's approved, the Canadian embassy will send a confirmation email to your address along with the eta. Please print out a copy and bring it on your trip to Canada.
Once you arrive in Canada, the officials will ask for your passport, which they will scan with a machine reader to generate your eta. They will also ask you questions about your itinerary and reasons for visiting, after which they will approve your visit and let you into the country.
During the brief interview at the port of entry, visitors who provide false information will be discovered and deported back to Portugal. To avoid that, endeavor to provide only accurate information on your application form.
If you want to apply for a Canada visa for citizens of Portugal, kindly visit VisaHQ to complete the application form.