Qatari citizens can now travel to Canada more easily, as the country has been added to Canada’s Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program effective November 25, 2025. This means that nationals of Qatar are no longer required to obtain a traditional visa to enter Canada for tourism, business, or transit purposes. Instead, they can apply for and receive an eTA online, streamlining the travel process and boosting potential tourism from Qatar.
The announcement, made by the Qatari Ministry of Interior (MoI), marks a significant step in strengthening relations between Qatar and Canada. The move provides faster and more convenient access for Qatari travelers, mirroring agreements Canada has with numerous other countries. This reciprocal easing of travel restrictions is intended to foster greater collaboration in areas like trade and cultural exchange.
What Does This Mean for Qatari Travelers to Canada?
The eTA for Canada is a fully electronic travel document required for visa-exempt travelers before they fly to or transit through the country. According to the MoI, the application process takes only minutes to complete online. This is a substantial improvement over the often lengthy and complex visa application procedures.
eTA Details: Validity and Cost
The authorization granted through the eTA is valid for up to five years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first. This long-term validity allows for multiple trips to Canada during the specified period. Each visit, however, is limited to a maximum stay of six months.
The fee for obtaining an eTA is 7 Canadian dollars. This relatively low cost makes it an accessible option for a broad range of Qatari citizens. Travelers should apply for the eTA well in advance of their planned departure date, although processing is typically quick, to avoid potential delays.
This new regulation primarily impacts short-term travel to Canada. Individuals intending to study, work, or live in Canada long-term will still require a specific visa or permit appropriate for their intended activities. The eTA is not a substitute for these longer-term immigration options.
The decision to include Qatar in the eTA program stems from ongoing collaboration and a review of the country’s security procedures. A delegation from Canada’s Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) visited the Qatari Ministry of Interior in June 2024 to assess Qatar’s alignment with required standards. The MoI stated that the delegation positively reviewed the procedures implemented by the Ministry.
This development coincides with increasing diplomatic and economic ties between Canada and Qatar. Both countries have been working to enhance cooperation in areas such as energy, investment, and defense. The easier travel access is expected to further facilitate these efforts. The move also aligns with Canada’s broader strategy to attract international visitors and boost its tourism sector, a key component of its economy.
Beyond tourism, simplified travel could also benefit Qatari business travelers and those visiting family in Canada. Previously, obtaining a visa for business trips could be administratively burdensome. The eTA removes this hurdle, encouraging more frequent and efficient bilateral business engagements.
Meanwhile, Qatari citizens residing in Canada for educational purposes, are unaffected by this new change.
The IRCC has not yet publicly released detailed data on anticipated increases in Qatari travelers following the implementation of the eTA program. However, experience with similar agreements with other nations suggests a likely uptick in short-term visits. It remains to be seen how significantly this will impact Canada’s tourism and economic indicators.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on monitoring the implementation of the eTA program for Qatari nationals and assessing its impact on travel patterns. The Canadian government will likely track application volumes, approval rates, and potential security concerns related to the program. Additionally, further discussions between Qatar and Canada regarding reciprocal agreements and increased cooperation in other areas are expected to continue.
