Is there a Canada visa for Swiss?
Yes, Swiss citizens can apply for a visa if they want to visit Canada. However, not all Swiss citizens require a visa. This is because visitors for short visits enjoy visa waivers. A visa waiver allows citizens of eligible countries to enter a host country without holding a visa, but there are certain conditions the applicant must meet to qualify for such waivers.
If you are a Swiss passport holder, keep reading this post to know more about the Canadian electronic travel authorization permit and the requirements to fill out the one blank visa page.
Canada ETA Permit
Have you heard of the Canadian electronic travel authorization program? It was established in 2012 by the Canadian government to facilitate trips of foreign nationals comings to Canada for short visits. The process of screening applicants is done online using their biometric passports, and as of today, there are more than 50 countries eligible for the ETA program.
ETA is valid for five years and allows the holder to stay in Canada for up to six months per visit. The application is done online so you don't have to visit the Canada embassy. Furthermore, only a few documents are required. Successful applicants don’t have to wait too long since the process takes only a few hours but not more than 72 hours to approve.
This makes it the ideal travel document for emergency trips like attending business meetings, medical trips and visiting family. Once you get it, it will remain valid for a long time (5 years) unless your passport expires before the Eta’s due date
ETA is valid for five years and allows the holder to stay in Canada for up to six months per visit. The application is done online, and only a few documents are required. Successful applicants don’t have to wait too long since the process takes only a few hours but not more than 72 hours to approve.
Canada ETA Facts
For Air Travel Only
This travel permit is valid for only air trips. However, all Swiss citizens with a biometric passport qualify and visitors who intend to travel by sea or enter Canada through the Southern US border should apply for a different permit or visa for the trip. ETA is solely for flight trips, not for land or sea trips.
Minors Should Not Apply
A minor cannot apply for ETA. Anybody below 18 years of age must rely on their parents or guardians to apply for it on their behalf. Extra proof may also be required to prove their guardianship.
Not For Extended Stays
This travel document is not for extended stays beyond 6 months. If you intend to stay in the country for a long time, you should apply for a temporary or permanent residency visa. Visit the Canadian embassy in Zurich to do so.
Not For work
Another important thing to note is that this permit does not give the holder the legal right to engage in paid work during their stay. This is because Eta does not qualify a holder for a work visa. Engaging in paid work will be a violation and will attract a fine.
It May Expire Before Five Years
Many eta permit holders are confused about the possibility that their Eta may expire before the fifth year. This is a possibility because the permit is attached to their passport. So if the passport expires, the permit expires as well. To enjoy the extended validity of your Eta, consider applying with a new passport.
ETA Requirements
To apply for Canada eta, you need the following.
Biometric Passport
You need a Swiss biometric passport valid for six months at least. Normal passports that a biometric machine cannot read are not accepted. Make sure you travel with the actual passport you used for the application form.
Email Address
A valid email address is required to receive the Eta once it is approved. Only use an email you have access to.
Personal Information
You need access to provide accurate information to validate your information. Ensure that the details you provide in the application form are the same as what is on your documents. Some vital details include your name, occupation, nationality, passport number, date of issue, and expiry date.
Debit or Credit Card
You need a debit or credit card to pay the application fee. Master or Visa Card will work just fine. Ensure the card contains sufficient funds.
After completing the form and attaching all necessary documents, pay the application fee and submit it for approval.
You should receive feedback in a few hours or within the next 3 days, so endeavor to check your email inbox or spam folder regularly.
Print out a copy for your trip if your application is approved and the ETA is sent to your email. Present your passport at the immigration stand so they can scan the passport pages and review and review other details once you arrive in Canada.
You can apply for a Canada visa for Swiss from the comfort of your home. Simply log onto VisaHQ to fill out the online application form.