In a significant development for Qatari citizens, Canada has officially exempted them from visa requirements, allowing them to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online. This announcement was made by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior on November 25, 2025, marking a milestone in the bilateral relations between the two nations. The eTA programme, designed for citizens of visa-exempt countries, enables travelers to obtain electronic approval for entry or transit through Canada in just minutes. The application process costs a mere 7 Canadian dollars and is exclusively applicable to air travel. This initiative stems from ongoing collaboration between Qatar and Canada, highlighted by a visit from Canada’s Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) delegation to Qatar in June 2024. The Qatari Ministry has also shared a QR code to facilitate the eTA application process for its citizens. The eTA programme is part of Canada’s broader effort to streamline travel for nationals of visa-exempt countries, which includes over 50 nations such as the UAE, Australia, Japan, and most European Union member states. This move is expected to enhance travel convenience and strengthen diplomatic ties between Qatar and Canada.
