Online Canada Visa for Spanish Citizens
Are you a citizen of Spain and need to visit Canada for business, transit, or tourism? If you just said yes, you have a convenient way to get your visa, apply for a Canada ETA or Electronic Travel Authorization. Canadian Immigration made the Canadian ETA mandatory in 2016. The reason for the introduction of ETA was to increase the safety and security of the country and the people.
Spain are on the list of eligible countries for Canada ETA, which makes it much easier for you to travel to the country. ETA makes traveling much easier as the whole application process takes place online and the approval is also sent via email. This means you have no need to pay a visit to the Canadian embassy or consulate. This is extremely cost-effective and saves a lot of time.
Do Spanish Citizens Need ETA to Visit Canada?
Being eligible for the Canadian ETA means citizens of Spain need to apply for the ETA when they need to travel to Canada for short-term visits. The ETA of Canada is only valid for specific purposes: tourism, business trips, meeting family or friends, transit, medical care, or treatment.
If you need to visit Canada for a longer trip or you have another reason to visit the country, you will have to apply for a regular visa by going to an embassy or consulate office. Also, ETA is only allowed for people entering the country by air. If you're entering Canada via ship or car, you do not need an ETA, but you must have a valid passport.
It is also important to know that an ETA does not allow you to work or get a job in Canada. It only lets you remain in the country for a short visit. For employment, you'll have to apply for a standard work visa.
For What Length of Time Is a Canada ETA Valid?
A Canada ETA for Spain is valid for 5 years from the day your application is approved. But your ETA's validity is also dependent on the validity of your passport. If your passport expires, so will the ETA.
Even though the ETA is valid for five years, you are only allowed to spend a maximum of six months in Canada during a single visit. You can visit the country multiple times with the 5-year validity period.
Canada ETA Requirements for the Spanish Citizens
To apply for a Canada ETA and enjoy a smooth application process, you must be aware of all the requirements of the ETA and ensure that you are ready with all the documents needed.
A Valid Passport
The first thing you need is a valid Spanish passport that is good to use for more than or equal to 6 months from the day you enter Canada. Although, if you plan to visit Canada multiple times using this ETA, try that your passport has longer validity because if your passport expires, so will the ETA.
A Recent Passport Style Photograph
You must submit a passport-style photo in your application. This photo needs to be recent and no older than 6 months. Read all the photo requirements carefully.
A Valid Email
You must enter a valid email address in the application. Be careful to fill in an ID that you use regularly, have access to, and get notified when you receive an email. Your ETA approval or any other information related to it will be sent through this email ID.
A Working Credit/Debit Card
The purpose of this is to pay the visa fee online. This is an important step to submit your application.
A Return Ticket
A return ticket is important to show when you're planning to leave the country and if it aligns with the ETA.
Other than these basic requirements, you will also need to present some documents before you enter the country:
- The printout of your Canada ETA approval
- If you're staying with your friends or your relatives, you'll need to present an invitation letter from them.
- If you're visiting Canada for a business meeting or related work, you'll need to present an invitation letter or document that proves your relationship to the company.
How to Apply for the Canada ETA?
Applying for a Canada ETA is a very easy process once you have gathered all the documents needed.
- Got to Canada ETA website.
- Fill the ETA form carefully. Make sure to double-check all the information because any mistakes can lead to a delay in approval or even rejection of the application.
- Pay the visa fee. Once you have cross-checked everything, you will reach the payment page. You will need a credit/debit card or depending on the website, you might have other payment options as well.
- Submit your application.
The processing time for Canada ETA is usually 2-5 business days. But a lot of the time, it is approved within 24 hours.
Advice for Spanish Citizens When Visiting Canada
- It is best to submit your Canada ETA application form at least 72 hours before your planned arrival date.
- Make sure that you carry the same passport that you used while applying for the Canada ETA because the ETA is linked to that specific passport. This ETA will be good for five years. So also make sure that your passport has a long validity.
- Plan your stay in a way that you do not overstay your six months, as it can lead to legal actions against you.
- Canadian ETA doesn't guarantee that you can enter Canada. During the entrance, you need to convince Canadian immigration about your eligibility, so carry all the documents that are mentioned above.
- In case there is any emergency, contact the embassy for help.
FAQ Related to Canadian ETA for Spanish Citizens
What should I do if I make a mistake on my ETA form?
If you've made a mistake on your online Canadian ETA application, your application will either be considered invalid or simply rejected. You’ll have to re-apply for a new Canada ETA, which is why it is very important to double-check the information you have filled in.
How long can a Spanish citizen stay in Canada with an ETA?
Although your ETA is valid for five years, you're allowed to stay in Canada for six months at a time. This means that each time you enter Canada, you can only stay for 180 days. If you need to stay in Canada continuously over a six-month period, you will have to apply for a standard visa rather than an ETA.
When is it not needed to have a Canada ETA for a citizen of Spain?
If you already have a Canadian visitor visa, Canadian citizenship, or have permanent resident status in Canada, you don't need an ETA.
How old should I be to apply for a Canada ETA as a Spanish citizen?
You need to be older than 18 years to be able to apply for a Canada ETA on your own. You will require a parent or legal guardian to apply for the ETA on your behalf if you are under eighteen (18).
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