Canada is changing its entry rules for citizens of the United Arab Emirates

Backgrounder

As of 5:30 a.m. ET (1:30 p.m. GST) on June 5, 2018, citizens of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will no longer need a visa to travel to Canada for short stays (normally for up to six months) for visiting, business, and tourism activities.

Similar to other visa-exempt travellers, they will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to, or transit through a Canadian airport once the visa requirement is lifted.

How the new entry rules will work

BEFORE THE VISA LIFT: Before 5:30 a.m. ET (1:30 p.m. GST) on June 5

METHOD OF TRAVEL TRAVEL DOCUMENT

Travelling to Canada by plane, car, bus, train or boat and do not have a valid Canadian visa?

You need a valid Canadian visa to travel to Canada.

To note, if you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States, you need an eTA to fly to, or transit through a Canadian airport.

Coming to Canada for the first time to study or work temporarily?

You may need to apply for a study or work permit.

If your permit is approved, you will automatically be issued a visa, which will allow you to travel to Canada for as long as the visa is valid.

In Canada and renewing your study or work permit?

You will need to apply for a visa if you plan to travel outside Canada or the U.S. and then wish to return to Canada.

AFTER THE VISA LIFT: After 5:30 a.m. ET (1:30 p.m. GST) on June 5

METHOD OF TRAVEL TRAVEL DOCUMENT

Flying to, or transiting through a Canadian airport and do not have a valid Canadian visa or a valid eTA?

You will need to apply for an eTA.

You will be able to apply online at Canada.ca/eTA as of 5:30 a.m. ET (1:30 p.m. GST) on June 5, 2018.

Flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport and you have a valid Canadian visa or eTA?

If you have a valid visa: You can travel with that visa until it expires. You do not need to apply for an eTA.

If you have a valid eTA (for example, lawful permanent resident of the U.S.): You can travel with that eTA until it expires or you get a new passport. Note: you need to fly to Canada with the passport you used to apply for your eTA.

Driving to Canada from the U.S. or arriving by bus, train or boat, including cruise ship?

You only need a valid passport. The eTA requirement only applies when you fly to Canada; you do not need an eTA when arriving by land or sea.

Flying to Canada to work?

You may need to apply for a work permit. If your permit is approved, you will automatically be issued an eTA, which will allow you to fly to, or transit through a Canadian airport for as long as the eTA is valid.

Flying to Canada to study?

You may need to apply for a study permit. If your permit is approved, you will automatically be issued an eTA, which will allow you to fly to, or transit through a Canadian airport for as long as the eTA is valid.

Note: A study permit is normally not required when your studies are for less than six months. If you do not require a study permit, you will still need to apply for an eTA to fly to, or transit through a Canadian airport.

In Canada and renewing your study or work permit?

You will automatically be issued an eTA once your work or study permit is renewed.

In Canada as a visitor and planning to stay longer than six months?

You will need to apply to extend your stay as a visitor.

Important reminder for Canadians, Canadian permanent residents and former residents of Canada

  • Canadian citizens, including dual Canadian-UAE citizens, cannot apply for an eTA and will need a valid Canadian passport to fly to Canada.
  • Canadian permanent residents (PRs) are not eligible to apply for an eTA and need a valid Canadian PR card or a permanent resident travel document to travel to Canada.
  • Note for former residents of Canada: permanent resident status does not expire. If you once lived in the country, you may still have permanent resident status. Find out what options are available to avoid travel delays.

Emirati citizens should note that having an eTA allows you to fly to, or transit through a Canadian airport. It does not guarantee that you will be allowed to enter Canada. All persons seeking entry to Canada must present themselves to a Canada Border Services Agency officer who will make the final determination on entry. Individuals who are improperly documented will experience delays and could be denied entry to Canada.

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