Antigua and Barbuda: Eligible citizens now qualify for visa-free travel to Canada

St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda: Canada has recently introduced a major amendment in its visa regulations and has felt pleased to announce the addition of Antigua and Barbuda, along with some other Caribbean nations, to the electronic travel authorization (eTA).

The High Commission of Canada in Barbados has also shared eligible criteria proposed to ensure that benefit is provided to suitable and appropriate candidates. It stated that a citizen is eligible for eTA if either he/ she has held a Canadian visa in the last ten years or the one who holds a non-immigrant visa in the United States; the only condition in this is that the citizen must have a valid US visa.

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, welcomed the decision and invited the eligible Antiguan and Barbadians to travel visa-free to Canada.

While announcing this good news, the High Commissioner of Canada in Barbados highlighted that both the nations – Canada and Antigua and Barbuda are important partners. The Caribbean nation holds significance for Canada as it is a fellow Commonwealth member, it outlined.

Canada understands the importance of simplifying the travel between both countries as they share strong cultural and traditional connections. It is anticipated that the introduction of eTA or visa-free air travel will help travellers visiting or from Antigua and Barbuda can visit Canada with more ease and comfort for up to six (6) months. Travel enthusiasts can make Canada their destination for business or leisure.

This new amendment will help facilitate travellers and travel enthusiasts to travel more, either for tourism or for international business. It is anticipated that it will also strengthen the people-to-people and cultural ties between both countries.

The High Commission of Canada in Barbados also claimed that this new decision would complement the existing mobility measure, like the Student Direct Stream, for Antigua and Barbuda. Under this benefit, students can offer expedited permit procession to those who are applying to study in Canada.