Qatari citizens can now enter Canada visa-free using eTA, valid five years, multiple six-month visits/Image: X
For Qatari travelers, reaching Canada is now a much easier process. The country has been added to Canada’s eTA list, which means no more visa paperwork and no long waiting periods. A quick online form now does the job, making travel plans more flexible and cutting out one of the biggest hurdles to visiting or transiting through Canada.
New policy
Qatar’s Ministry of Interior confirmed that nationals of Qatar no longer need a traditional visa to visit Canada. Instead, they can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization known as an eTA. The announcement took effect on 25 November 2025 following coordination between the two governments.The eTA is designed for travelers from countries that Canada already considers visa exempt. Qatari applicants can secure their approval within minutes since the process is fully electronic. Once issued, the authorization remains valid for five years or until the traveler’s passport expires. It can be used repeatedly during its validity period without the need to reapply each time.
Each visit under the eTA allows a stay of up to six months. The application cost is 7 Canadian dollars.
How the eTA works
The system allows travelers to complete a short online form, submit basic passport and personal information, and receive automated clearance for their trip. Canadian authorities use the authorization to screen travelers before they board a flight, which speeds up entry procedures once they arrive in the country.For Qatari citizens, this replaces a more complex visa process and offers a quicker way to plan business trips, vacations or transit stops through Canadian airports.
Why Canada approved Qatar’s inclusion
The Ministry of Interior highlighted that this change followed steady cooperation between Qatar and Canada. A key step in the process was a visit by a delegation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, known as IRCC. The delegation visited Doha from 4 to 6 June 2024.During that visit, officials reviewed Qatar’s internal procedures related to travel documentation and security checks. The goal was to confirm that Qatar’s systems met the standards required for countries participating in the eTA programme. According to the ministry, the assessment verified that Qatar complied with these requirements, paving the way for its inclusion.
Significance
The announcement reflects a broader effort to deepen cooperation between both countries. For travelers, it means fewer administrative steps and a more predictable experience when flying to or through Canada. For both governments, the update signals closer coordination on immigration and border processes.The Ministry of Interior described the eTA approval as one of the outcomes of their ongoing collaboration with Canadian authorities, marking an important milestone in easing movement between the two countries.
