The Canadian eTA, also known as Canada Electronic Travel Authorization, was implemented by the CANADA VISA FOR CHILE CITIZENS government in 2015 to pre-screen travelers, strengthen border security, and allow faster entry to the country.
Once passengers from Chile arrive in Canada, they are advised to follow the Canadian custom requirements at the airport to enter the country without any issues.
DO CHILEAN CITIZENS NEED A VISA FOR CANADA?
In order to be eligible for obtaining an eTA Canada, Chilean citizens must:
- Intend to stay in Canada for 3 months or less
- Travel for short-stay purposes such as tourism, family visit, business, medical treatment, or transit
- Enter the country by air through one of the Canadian international airports
- Be in possession of an electronic Chilean passport that is machine-readable
For Chilean citizens who are not eligible for an CANADA VISA FOR TOURISTS, there are several visa requirements for Canada.
Chilean passport holders who wish to remain in Canada for longer periods and work, study or live in the country, have to apply for any of the visa types to Canada available from Chile. This can be either a tourist or working visa, or residence permit, depending on the purpose of their stay.
In addition, candidates who have their eTA application denied can apply for a full visitor visa. The same applies to everyone who does not hold an electronic passport. Also, in some cases, it can be mandatory to submit an invitation letter to Canadian authorities.
Note that travelers entering the country by sea or land do not need to apply for an eTA, as they can travel simply using their passport or another valid travel document.
Access to Canada ETA Application
CANADIAN ETA DOCUMENTATION FOR CHILEAN PASSPORT HOLDERS
Travelers need to meet a number of requirements before they can apply for an eTA Canada from Chile. First of all, they must have a Chilean passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the travel date to Canada.
Chilean applicants also need to have full Chilean citizenship. That means that travelers holding a passport or travel document with a different status, such as refugees, are required to apply for a Canada visitor visa. They are not eligible for obtaining an electronic travel authorization.
All eTA applicants must be over 18 years old. Minors must have a parent/guardian to complete the application on their behalf.
Additionally, applicants must have a good internet connection and a valid email address. The entire eTA application process is electronic and the eTA approval is sent to the applicant’s email.
Lastly, candidates need to have a credit or debit card for paying the eTA processing fee online. Chilean nationals who meet all the above requirements can proceed with the application.
HOW TO APPLY FOR ETA CANADA FROM CHILE
To apply for a Canada visa from Chile, Chilean passport holders simply need to access the application form through the official Canada Online Visa website, pay for the eTA processing fee, and submit their application. The entire process takes no more than 30 minutes from start to finish.
Online application
Fill out the online eTA application form and upload documents in electronic format
Apply for Canada ETA
Receive ETA Canada
Receive Approved ETA by email
Candidates do not need to reside in Chile at the time of application and can apply from anywhere in the world. They are advised to apply at least 72 hours before the travel date in case there are any delays.
Applicants are asked to provide several personal and passport details in the application form, such as:
- First and last names
- Gender
- Place of birth
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Occupation
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Passport country
- Passport number
- Passport issue date
- Passport expiry date
They also need to answer several questions related to their health and criminal record history. It is of utmost importance that all the information provided is fully correct and truthful. If this is not the case, the application may be delayed or denied.
Once approved, Canadian eTA is valid for 5 years from the date of the issue. It can be used for multiple entries under 180 days of duration each. Travelers who wish to extend their stay in Canada must apply for a new eTA, provided they do so at least 30 days in advance and from outside the country.
Since the Canadian eTA is linked to the traveler’s passport, there is no need to print the eTA authorization. However, it is essential that the traveler presents the passport used on the Canadian eTA application to the immigration officer. This is particularly relevant for dual citizens who want to obtain an eTA.
It is important to keep in mind that it is the border services officer who determines how long a traveler can stay in Canada. This period will be indicated on the passport. Furthermore, an eTA does not guarantee entry to Canada, and the final decision on entering the country is made by Canada Immigration.