A Quick Guide on Canada ETA from Belgium
Are you planning to see Niagara Falls on your coming vacation? Do you have a Belgium nationality and plan to shop at St. Lawrence Market? Wait, Canada ETA approval is required on your passport, which is mandatory. Your country has been listed as a visa-exempt country since 2016. It means you can plan your trip for a short-term stay (6 months) in Canada with ETA Holding.
What is a Canada ETA?
ETA's full form is Electronic Travel Authorization. Canada eTA or Online Canada Visa is a necessary travel permit for Belgian travelers visiting Canada for business, tourism or transit purposes. This online process for Electronic Visa for Canada has been in effect since 2015.
Differences between an ETA Canada and a visa
The Canada visa and ETA both permit you to enter the Canadian border. However there are some differences.
| Canada eTA | Canada visa |
|---|---|
| The ETA application form can be accessed online, and its process only takes a few minutes. | While the visa has taken much more time and its form filling is complex as compared to ETA forms |
| ETA is valid for a maximum of five years. Its validity also depends on the passport's validity. | Visa validity depends on various types of visas issued. |
| ETA is generally issued for short-term stays for business, tourism, or transit. | A Canada visa can be used for different purposes, like study, work, or a permit. |
Considerations for Applying Canada eTA from Belgium
Provide personal and travel details
The Canada eTA form needs your travel details, especially your flight booking date for Canada. It is suggested that after booking your flight, fill out the ETA application form instantly. Its approval takes minutes. But if there is any issue, you will have time to resolve it.
Reason to visit Canada
ETA is valid for three purposes of visits, including business, sightseeing, or transit. Make your mind clear about your motive for coming to Canada. If you have another objective, then you must go for the full Canada visitor visa form.
Passport eligibility
You must have a Belgian passport in your hand at the time of the ETA application as well when you stand out at the airport in front of the authorities. It must be effective for the next six months of your stay.
Stay calm about ETA rejection.
The ETA application is not usually rejected, but it may have slight reasons to be disapproved by the authorities. Reasons may differ, but the good thing is that ETA will describe you with refusal intentions. You will have another opportunity to apply. Or you may contact a nearby Canadian Embassy or consulate for the Canada visitor visa process.
Canadian Embassy in Beligum
Address: Avenue des Arts 58, 1000 Brussels Belgium
Phone: +32 (0)2 741 06 11
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Foreign nationals can apply for the eTA for Canada for different and varying purposes, such as for a layover or transit, or for tourism and sightseeing, or for business purposes, or for medical treatment . The Canada eTA would serve as the Travel Authorization Document for the visitor to Canada in all of these cases.
Who is eligible for Canada eTA?
If thinking of applying for ETA, then must check these eligibility pinpoints.
- First of all, you must be a citizen of Belgium, which means Belgian passport holders. You intend to travel to Canada exclusively by air.
- Your passport should be valid as per your stay limits in Canada (6 months). Make sure it is valid until your ETA validation date.
There are some exceptions after you air travel from Belgium to Canada for ETA.
- If you have a US Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) along with your Belgian passport, you do not need an ETA.
- If you are coming by road or sea transport, an eTA is not necessary. But yes, at the border, you have to show your valid Belgian passport along with other additional documents.
- You do not need to hold ETA if you have permanent Canada residency
How to Apply for a Canada ETA?
- Have a passport scanned copy to verify your eligibility for ETA.
- Now it's time to complete the application form. Click on Apply Online.
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Personal Details |
|
| Passport Details | Put down your passport details in the given columns, such as the type of document, country of passport, number, and date of issue. |
| Address Details |
|
| Travel Details |
|
| Employment Details |
|
| Security and Health Details |
|
| Receive Approval | Check your application status online. The ETA Canada application process begins within minutes after submission. It takes minutes of processing time. |
What to Do After Getting Approved
Do not require a printout of ETA approval. It is digitally linked to your passport. You also have an approval mail copy on your mail ID.
At the time of entrance, Canadian officials will check your passport for ETA approval and ask you: some security questions, financial proofs, Canada accommodation address, purpose of your visit, etc. If everything is found to be correct, you are allowed to enjoy it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I get an eTA for Canada?
Within 48 hours after submitting your ETA application.
Do I need a paper copy of my eTA for Canada?
No, it is not needed. It is attached to your passport electronically.
How do I know if my eTA is approved?
Check your eTA status online.
Can ETA be rejected?
Yes, your application may be rejected if there are mistakes in the form if the entered details don't match your passport, or if the purpose of your visit is unclear.
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British Columbia is also home to some of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada and is the Canadian province that is most visited by tourists from all over the world.