Canada Visa for Hong Kong Citizens

What is Canada eTA for Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong passport and remains valid for upto 5 (five) years, allowing them to enter Canada multiple times during its validity.

Do Hong Kong 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, Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong Eligible for a Canada eTA?

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

What are requirements of eTA Canada Visa for Hong Kong citizens?

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

Valid Hong Kong Passport

Hong Kong citizens must have a valid and current Passport to apply for a Canada eTA. Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong?

Canada eTA Application Process for Hong Kong citizens:

How Long Can Hong Kong citizens stay on Canada Visa Online?

Hong Kong citizen's departure date must be within 6 months of arrival. Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong 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. Hong Kong citizens can enter multiple times during the 5 year validity of the Canada eTA.

Can Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong Citizens?

Hong Kong 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, Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong Citizens?

Canada ETA Visa for Hong Kong 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

Hong Kong 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

Consulate General of the P. R. China

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