Canada Visa for German Citizens

What is Canada eTA for German citizens?

The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an automated system introduced by the Government of Canada to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries like Germany into Canada. Instead of obtaining a traditional visa, eligible travelers can apply for the ETA online, making the process quick and straightforward. The Canada eTA is linked electronically to the German passport and remains valid for upto 5 (five) years, allowing them to enter Canada multiple times during its validity.

Do German citizens Need to Apply for Canada eTA (Online Canada Visa)?

To enter Canada for short-term visits (up to six months) for purposes such as tourism, busienss, or transit, German citizens need to apply for and obtain a Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This mandatory travel document is designed to expedite the border clearance process and strengthen Canada's security measures. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date.

Are Permanent Residents of Germany Eligible for a Canada eTA?

If you are a permanent resident of Germany, you cannot apply for a Canada eTA. Only German citizens with a valid German passport are eligible for this pre-travel authorization.

Strong ties between Canada and Germany

Germany and Canada are compatible global partners who share a common commitment to strengthening multilateralism and an international order based on rules. As longstanding members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) which is world's largest military alliance, they work closely on matters of security and defense . Both nations are also active participants in the G7, G20, the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the OECD.

German-Canadiansᅳindividuals who identify their ethnic origin as solely or partially Germanᅳconstitute one of Canada's largest European ethnic groups. Approximately 3 million Canadians claim at least partial German ancestry, and around 400,000 Canadians visit Germany each year. Similarly, a comparable number of Germans travel to Canada annually.

Germany maintains a strong diplomatic presence in Canada. In addition to the embassy in Ottawa, Germany operates consulates in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Conversely, Canadian Embassy to Germany is located in the center of Berlin where the Berlin Wall once divided Germany into eastern and western parts.

Working Holiday Program

The Working Holiday program is designed for German citizens seeking to travel to Canada while obtaining temporary paid employment to support their trip (up to 12 months).

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The world's largest Oktoberfest is held annually in Munich, Germany but Oktoberfest is also quite popular around the world and Canada hosts the world's second largest Oktoberfest in Kitchener-Waterloo.

What are requirements of eTA Canada Visa for German citizens?

The requirements for German citizens to obtain a Canada eTA are straightforward:

Valid German Passport

German citizens must have a valid and current Passport to apply for a Canada eTA. German citizens with dual nationality should ensure they apply using the same passport they will travel with, as the Canada eTA will be linked to the passport used during the application process.

Online Payment

A credit or debit card is needed to pay for the Canada eTA application.

Working Email Address

Applicants must provide a valid email address to receive the eTA approval.

No Prior Criminal History

If you have previous criminal history or previous immigration issues, you are unlikely to be successful in obtaining Canada eTA approval. Instead you will need to apply for traditional Canada Visitor Visa.

How can I apply for a Canada Visa from Germany?

Canada eTA Application Process for German citizens:

How Long Can German citizens stay on Canada Visa Online?

German citizen's departure date must be within 6 months of arrival. German passport holders are required to obtain a Canada Electronic Travel Authority (Canada eTA) even for a short duration of 1 day up to 6 months. If the German citizens intend to stay for a longer duration, then they should apply for a relevant Visa depending on their circumstances. Canada eTA is only valid for 5 years. German citizens can enter multiple times during the 5 year validity of the Canada eTA.

Can German citizens extend their stay in Canada on Canada eTA?

By law, Canada eTA allows you to visit Canada for upto six months or upto the date authorised by CBSA(Canada Border Security Agency) officer. You can extend your stay in Canada but you must apply to extend your stay using Visitor Record. It is important to note that a Visitor Record is not an Visa or an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). Visitor Record includes a new expiry date before which you must leave Canada, so it extends the time limit of existing Visa or Canada eTA. You must apply for it before the existing allowed stay period expires.

Applying Early for Canada eTA for German Citizens?

German citizens seeking to obtain a Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) are advised to submit their applications at least 72 hours (or three days) prior to their intended departure to Canada. While most eTAs are processed within 24 hours, allowing for a longer processing time can help mitigate potential delays.

It is important to note that Canada eTAs once issued are valid for up to five years (unless your Passport expires earlier). This allows for advance planning and application, even if flight details have not yet been confirmed. In rare instances, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may request additional documentation.

Additional documents could include:

• A Medical Examination - A medical examination, which may be required for certain individuals.
• Criminal record check - A criminal record check, if the applicant has a previous conviction. The Canadian Visa office will determine whether a police certificate is necessary based on the specific circumstances.

By adhering to above guidelines, German citizens can increase their likelihood of a successful eTA application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Canada eTA Application Form?

While Canada eTA Application process is extremely straightforward, it is worthwhile to understand the essential requirements and avoid common mistakes listed below.

• Passport numbers are almost always 8 to 11 characters. If you are entering a number that is too short or too long or outside of this range, it is quite likely that you are entering a wrong number.
• Enter information without hyphens, spaces, or special characters (like shown below)
• Another common error is swapping letter O and number 0 or letter I and the number 1.
• Name related issue like
  • Full name: Name put in Canada eTA application must match the name exactly as given in the Passport. You can look at MRZ strip in your Passport information page to make sure you have entered the full name, including any middle-names.
  • Do not include previous names: Do not include any part of that name in brackets or previous names. Again, consult the MRZ strip.
  • Non-english name: Your name must be in English characters. Do not use non-English characters like Chinese/Hebrew/Greek alphabets to spell your name.
  • Learn more at How To Enter a Name On the Canada eTA Application

Enter passport number as shown without spaces and name as given on MRZ strip

What is the summary of Canada ETA for German Citizens?

Canada ETA Visa for German Citizens is valid for the following reasons:

• Sightseeing
• Visiting Tourist Spots
• Business events and meetings
• Passing or Transit via Canadian Airport
• Medical treatment

Benefits of obtaining Canada eTA

• Canada eTA or Online Canada Visa is valid for upto 5 Years.
• It allows multiple Trips to Canada and stays of upto 180 days per trip
• Valid for travel by Air
• Does not require you to get a stamp on the passport or visit Canadian Embassy
• Sent to your electronically by email instead of a stamp on passport

German citizens should take advantage of ArriveCAN app

For several Canadian international airports, the advanced declaration may be made online via the ArriveCAN service. The ArriveCAN app lets you submit your customs and immigration declaration electronically up to 3 days before your flight, so you can use the express lane and get through customs faster

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany

Please apply for a Canada eTA application 72 hours before your flight to Canada.