It is necessary for any Italian citizen interested in visiting Canada for a short or long visit. This document can be obtained directly from the Canadian embassy or via online platforms depending on the type of visa in question.
This post contains valuable information about visa application requirements and the steps to apply for one. Read until the end to know more.
Traveling To Canada
Italian valid passport holders who wish to travel to Canada require a valid visitor visa or permit to do so. Just like citizens of other countries, Italians will not be allowed into the country without showing an approved travel document issued by Canadian immigration or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the port of entry.
Situated on the northern side of the US border, Canada’s economy has grown in leaps and bounds over the last two decades, and this growth is driven by immigration programs that attract talents from all over the world.
Today, millions of people visit for short or long stays depending on their visa type.
How To Apply For A Canada Visa For Italians
There are two ways to apply for a Canadian visa for Italians; a direct embassy or an online application.
The direct embassy application involves submitting a completed application form attached to the necessary documents to embassy officials for review and approval. This process is often protracted and requires different review stages. However, it is the only way to get a visa for long stays in Canada above 6 months.
The second method for Italian passport holders is to apply for a short-term visa online. This method is recommended for emergency trips, and Italians are among the list of foreign citizens who can apply for an online visa.
Electronic Travel Authorization
The electronic travel authorization ETA is valid re entry permit that was introduced by the Canadian government in 2012 to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals who want to visit Canada. This machine readable immigrant visa document is not a visa per se but a permit that allows the holder to enter Canada. Canadian ETA applications are done online, and the document is sent to the emails of successful applicants.
This document guarantees fast entry into Canada but is only used for air trips, not land or sea trips. It has a validity of five years and allows the holder to stay in the country for up to 90 days per visit. Italian citizens can apply for it with their computers and laptops, so they don’t need to visit the Canadian embassy in Rome or any of the consular offices.
The electronic travel authorization ETA was introduced by the Canadian government in 2012 to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals into the country. This document is not a visa but a permit that allows the holder to enter Canada. ETA applications are done online, and the document is sent to the emails of successful applicants.
Applying For ETA
Before applying for an electronic travel authorization, you must possess a biometric passport first. Canada only issues this permit to biometric passport holders because the eta is linked to the passport and can only be generated by biometric readers.
Secondly, the passport must have at least three months of validity, counting from the due date of arrival. Without a biometric passport valid for at least three more months, an ETA application is not possible.
The applicant must also complete the online application form with accurate details such as their full name, date of birth, nationality, profession, travel Itinerary, and other information. The passport section also contains fields for a passport number, date of issue, and expiry date.
Before submitting the form, there is an application fee that must be paid. This fee is paid with a debit or credit card, after which the form can be submitted.
ETAs take 1-72 hours to be approved; if successful, your visa will be forwarded to the email address you provided. Ensure you upload all the acceptable status documents required.
Key Considerations
Kindly note that eta is only issued to Italians for tourism, medical care, business trips, or transit purposes. These activities require only a short time, after which the visitor must return to Italy. If you are likely to stay for a much longer time, you’ll need a normal visa with a temporary or permanent residency.
Also, note that minors below 18 years of age cannot apply for ETA. If a minor must make the trip from Italy, their parents or guardian must apply for ETA on their behalf.
On or before the 90th day, the eta holder must exit the country, or they may be sanctioned for violating their stay.
Applying for a Canada visa for Italians online is quite easy. Simply visit VisaHQ to complete the online application form.