Filipino travelers have been hearing that the Philippines is now visa-free for Canada. But "visa-free" can be vague — what’s actually changed, what exactly you need, and what’s still required?
Quick answer: Yes — the Philippines is included in Canada’s expanded Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program. Filipino passport holders can now travel to Canada by air using an eTA instead of a traditional visa — if they meet certain conditions. It’s not a blanket waiver for everyone. Ottawa PE+1
This guide breaks down everything you need to know — eligibility, how to apply, visa comparison, travel tips, and best practices.
What Is Canada’s eTA Program?
Canada’s eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a pre-screening system that lets eligible travelers from certain countries enter Canada by air without a traditional visa. It’s a digital travel authorization linked to your passport. Canada
Unlike a visa — which you apply for through an embassy or visa center — an eTA is:
- Online only — no consulate visit needed
- Cheap — about CAD 7
- Fast — often approved in minutes
- Valid for up to five years or until your passport expires
You only need an eTA if you are flying to Canada or transiting through a Canadian airport. Arriving by land, train, bus, or cruise ship does not qualify. Canada
What Changed in 2023 (That Still Applies)
On June 6, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the expansion of the eTA program to include 13 additional countries, one of which is the Philippines. This was part of Canada’s strategy to make travel easier, boost tourism, and strengthen global ties. Canada
The full list of the new countries includes:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Costa Rica
- Philippines
- Morocco
- Panama
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Seychelles
- Thailand
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Uruguay Ottawa PE
This doesn’t mean Filipinos can just show up without any travel authorization — it means they can apply for an eTA instead of a traditional visa under specified conditions. Ottawa PE
Visa vs eTA — What’s the Real Difference?
Understanding the difference between a visa and an eTA is key so you don’t book a flight only to be turned away at the airport.
| Feature | Visitor Visa (TRV) | eTA |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Through Canadian Consulate / Visa Centre | Online only (automated) |
| Cost | Usually over CAD 100+ | CAD 7 |
| Processing Time | Weeks to months | Minutes to days |
| Validity | Varies (often 1–10 years depending on passport) | Up to 5 years or until passport expires |
| Border Entry Guarantee? | No (still subject to CBSA review) | No (still subject to CBSA review) |
| Transportation Type | Any (air, land, sea) | Only air (or air transit) |
If you don’t qualify for an eTA, you still must apply for the visitor visa the traditional way. Canada
Who From the Philippines Can Apply for an eTA?
Here’s the catch: being on the expanded eTA list doesn’t automatically make every Filipino eligible. Canada calls this the “known traveler” requirement:
You may apply for an eTA (instead of a visa) only if both of the following are true: Canada
- You’re flying into Canada by air, and
- You either
- Have held a Canadian visitor visa (TRV) in the past 10 years, OR
- Currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa (e.g., B1/B2)
This condition does not apply if you already have a valid Canadian visa. In that case, you don’t need an eTA. Canada
If you don’t meet these criteria, you still need to apply for a visitor visa the regular way.
Who Still Needs a Visa?
Even with the expanded eTA, the following travelers from the Philippines must still get a traditional visitor visa:
- People entering Canada by land, sea, or cruise ship
- People without a U.S. visa and who haven’t held a Canadian visa in the last decade
- Travelers planning to stay longer than typical short visits (like work, study, or immigration programs) Canada
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an eTA
Applying for an eTA is straightforward — and mostly automated. Here’s how you do it: Canada
- Get your passport ready — must be valid for the next several months
- Have a credit/debit card and email address — to pay and receive confirmation
- Go to the official Canada eTA page on Canada.ca
- Fill out the online form — enter your personal and passport info
- Pay the fee (CAD 7) — payment is required before submission
- Wait for the email — most are approved within minutes, but some may require more documents
Important: Make sure the passport you use to apply is the one you fly with. If you change passports, you must reapply. Canada
What Happens After You Get Your eTA?
Once approved:
- The eTA is linked to your passport electronically
- You can use it for multiple visits (usually up to 5 years, or until your passport expires)
- You can stay in Canada for up to six months per visit (at the discretion of Canadian Border Services) Canada
Remember: an eTA does not guarantee entry. Border officers can still refuse entry if they think you won’t leave on time, don’t have enough funds, or present other risks. Canada
Do You Need a Visa for Work, Study, or Longer Stay?
Yes — the eTA only covers short visits (tourism, family, business meetings). If you’re going to:
- Work
- Study
- Immigrate
- Extend your stay beyond six months
You’ll still need specific permits or visas designed for those purposes.
Top Reasons This Change Matters
Why is the Canada eTA expansion a big deal for Filipinos?
1. Lower Cost and Faster Approval
A visa application session often costs over CAD 100 and can take weeks. An eTA costs only CAD 7 and is usually processed quickly. TripZilla
2. More Predictable Travel Planning
Since eTAs are approved quickly, travelers can plan trips with more certainty and less waiting time.
3. Boost in Tourism and Cultural Exchange
Canada is signaling that it wants more international visitors — and Filipinos are part of that vision. Canada
Top FAQs About Philippines and Canada eTA
Q: Can I enter Canada by land with an eTA?
No. The eTA is only for air entry. You’ll need a visitor visa if entering by land, train, vehicle, or boat. Canada
Q: Do I need a visa if I have a U.S. Green Card?
U.S. lawful permanent residents are exempt from needing an eTA — they travel with their Green Card and passport. Canada
Q: Can families travel together on eTA?
Yes — but each person must apply separately, including children. Canada
Q: Does eTA let me work or study?
No. For work or study, you need the appropriate permit or visa. Canada
Tips to Avoid Problems at the Border
Even with an eTA, border officers need to be satisfied you aren’t immigrating illegally. Bring these to the airport:
- Proof of funds (bank statement)
- Return ticket
- Accommodation plans
- Ties to the Philippines (job letter, family proof)
What This Means for Filipino Travelers
This change doesn’t mean complete visa-free access for everyone, but it does remove a big barrier for many Filipino travelers heading to Canada by air.
Eligible Filipinos can now apply for an eTA (cheaper, faster, easier) instead of a traditional visa — if they meet the “known traveler” test. Canada
For most tourists and short-term visitors with a U.S. visa or past Canadian visa, this is a huge win. For others, the regular visa still applies, but the eTA route opens new possibilities and simplifies travel planning.