A Quick Guide on Canada ETA from Belgium

Updated on Aug 11, 2024 | Canada eTA

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. Why? 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. It is like the thumb biometric impression on your passport that allows you to make an entry into Canada with a set of rules. Consider it a prescreening tool for your final entry ticket through air mode, including flights, helicopters, private jets, etc. However, it requires only those nationalities that the Canadian government mentioned in the visitor visa exemption. It is not presented in hard copy. ETA is an electronic chip that is linked directly to your passport.

Differences between an ETA Canada and a visa

The Canada visa and ETA both permit you to enter the Canadian border. But both are different. How?

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

Planning is the first step in any work.

The 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.

Your vision should be clear.

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.

Potential of a Passport

Passport strength matters. You must have a Belgium 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.

Still doubtful arrival

If you have approved ETA, you are welcome in Canada. Do not be surprised. Only border service officials can make a final decision upon your entry. You must be prepared with all your documents and security checks to make your trip memorable.

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

Avenue des Arts 58

1000 Brussels

Belgium

or you can contact the embassy at +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 needs a 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?

First Step

Write your personal details with a valid email ID.

  • Family/Last name
  • First or middle name
  • Gender
  • Date of Birth
  • Place of birth
  • Country of birth
  • Marital Status

Second step

Put down your passport details in the given columns, such as the type of document, country of passport, number, and date of issue.

Third Step

Please respond with your permanent address and contact details.

  • street no.
  • address
  • town or city of residence
  • home country,
  • postal code
  • state or district name

Fourth Step

Put your travel details in the given column.

  • Purpose of visit (Tourist, transit, business)
  • Date of flight booking
  • Have you ever arrived in Canada before?

Fifth step

Fill employment details in the respective blocks.

  • Your Occupation
  • Job Title or profile ( for example - HR/ Software developer, etc.)
  • Company or University Name( working place)
  • Start date(year)
  • Employment city or town name
  • Country Name of employment

Sixth Step

It's time to answer the security questions. If you say yes to any question, then you have to give the entire details with reason, place name, and years.

  • Have you ever faced a visa denial state?
  • Have you ever committed a major crime or do you have a criminal history?
  • Have you been diagnosed with tuberculosis for the past two years?
  • Have you any medical issues like untreated syphilis, mental health, etc.?

Seventh Step

Review all your form details. Cross-check it twice. Pay your fee by using a debit or credit card.

Eight step

Check your application status online. The ETA Canada application process begins within minutes after submission. It takes minutes of processing time.

Important: Read the above steps and collect all your required documents before submitting the form.

What to Do After Getting Approved

Next what? May this question come to your mind before you start packing? Let's check it out.

  • 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.

Final Words

ETA facilities increase the tourism rate in Canada. If someone is in a hurry and wants to attend a conference or business meeting, do not wait a long time for the visa process. Just click and submit your ETA application form. If you do not understand anything about Canada ETA, please contact us immediately. Our representative will contact you soon.

Remember, if your ETA or passport expires, officials can send you back to your country. It is better to extend your visit and go with a Canada visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can I get an eTA for Canada?

Just minutes 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.

Apply for Canada eTA from Belgium