What is the Canada visa for Irish passport holders?
It is a travel document that grants Irish citizens entry into Canada for
Tourism
Business
Transit
Medical care
Citizens of Ireland who wish to visit Canada for a short time don’t have to visit the Canadian embassy in Dublin to obtain a visa. Such a process is only recommended for long visits. For short visits, you need a Canada electronic travel authorization visa (Canada Eta).
Canadian ETA
In 2012 the government of Canada introduced a special visitor package called an electronic travel authorization visa. Over the course of the next 4 years, the authorities perfected the scheme. The main purpose of the ETA program was to make it easy for nationals from eligible countries to process the valid visa for short stays without burdening embassy officials in their respective countries for a normal visa.
The government visa application process has been a remarkable success, and Ireland was one of the launch members of the scheme.
ETA is obtained online by completing the online application form with your phone or computer. The document is valid for 5 years once it is approved and grants the holder multiple entries into Canada. The only limitation is that the holder cannot stay in the country at a single time for more than 6 months.
Canada ETA allows Irish passport holders into the country several times a year with permission to stay for 180 days at a time. Staying a day more will be treated as a violation and attract a fine.
ETA is obtained online by completing the online application form with your phone or computer. The document is valid for 5 years once it is approved and grants the holder multiple entries into Canada. The only limitation is that the holder cannot stay in the country at a single time for more than 6 months.
This electronic waiver is linked to the traveler’s passport, which they must present at the airport for scanning
What Can I use ETA For?
For Tourism
If you want to visit some of the tourist hotspots in Canada for your working holiday, you can apply for eta. This special waiver means you can make the trip at short notice without waiting in line at the embassy to obtain a visa.
Business
Irish citizens may also visit for business meetings, negotiations, and any economic activity that requires their presence. But do note that eta doesn’t grant the holder license to engage in paid work in the country. You need a work visa to work in Canada as an Irish citizen. Only Canadian citizens don’t require work visas in their countries.
Medical Care
Those needing medical care can fly in from Ireland to receive medical attention in any of Canada’s budding hospitals and health facilities.
Transit
If your airline requires a brief stop in Canada en route to your final destination, you can use the eta as a transit visa
Canada Visa Application Requirement
Biometric Passport
A biometric passport is required for this travel authorization document. The Irish passport must have at least 6 months of validity. The valid passport must be machine-readable.
Completed Application Form
A completed application form containing all your details is filled out accurately.
Email Address
Provide a verified email address to which your eta will be forwarded if your application is approved. Only use an email address you have access to.
Debit or Credit Card
A debit or credit card to make the online electronic travel authorization eta fee payments.
If your application is approved, a confirmation email will be sent to you along with the eta. Print it out and travel with it for reference purposes. When you arrive at the airport, the immigration officers on duty will scan your biometric passport using a machine reader. They will ask you some questions before entering Canada.
Important ETA considerations
Only For Air Travels
Note that electronic travel authorization is only for air travel. Irish citizens who plan to o make the trip by land or sea require a different type of document, not an ETA.
Not For Work
Visitors on a Canada eta document must not engage in any form of paid work in the country. ETAs don’t have work permits attached to them. Those caught engaging in paid work will be sanctioned.
Minors Cannot Apply
People below 18 years of age cannot apply for ETA. If they must make the trip, their parents or guardians should apply for them.
Don’t Overstay
Don’t overstay your welcome in the country. This document grants the holder a maximum stay of 180 days at a time. Don’t stay longer for a single day, as that would be a violation; you can visit the country as often as you want as long as your passport or eta is still valid.
Looking to apply for Canada eta? Visit VisaHQ to apply for a Canada visa for Irish passport holders