Easy travel to Canada by eTA, shares Canada’s High Commissioner Arif Keshani

Canada’s High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago – Arif Keshani introduced visa-free air travel, which will make it easier for travellers to travel to Canada. He is encouraging T&T citizens to use the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for affordable travel.

Citizens can apply for an eTA if they have obtained a Canadian temporary resident visa within the last 10 years or if they have a valid United States non-immigrant (visitor) visa.

According to Keshani’s statement, Canada is the first choice for Trinbagonians to expand their business or reunite with family and friends, so now T&T citizens are able to apply for an ETA for a quick response.

“When we look at nationals from T&T, historical data shows that up to 40 per cent of former visa applicants are now able to apply for an eTA instead of a visa, making it quicker and easier to come to Canada”, remarked Canada’s high commissioner.

Noting this, by visiting or travelling to a foreign country will not only foster the economy of Canada but also it will improve and strengthen the partnership between the two countries.

Moreover, Keshani acknowledged that Trinidad and Tobago is an important ally for Canada because their cooperation is based on mutual interests and shared benefits. Their bilateral and multilateral cooperation strengthens economic ties between the two.

Furthermore, he said that the dimension of bilateral relations between the two countries is a result of their commercial relations.

For example: Trinidad and Tobago is Canada’s largest trading partner in CARICOM.

As per sources, it has been said that approximately 98 per cent of all exports from T&T to Canada are value-free (Tariff-free) under the Caribbean- Canada Trade Agreement. The accord is also called as ‘CaribCan.’

“You don’t have to look far to see evidence of Canada’s commercial presence in Trinidad and Tobago as prominent Canadian companies are household names, spanning all sectors. As an example, in the financial sector, Canadian banks have been present here for over a century. In addition, Canadian companies like Touchtone, Methanex, and Nutrien are all world-class companies with a well-established presence in TT”, remarked High Commissioner Keshani.

Required documents

1. The passport should be valid and hasn’t expired
2. Credit or debit card
3. Number of Canadian or US visa

Additionally, in June 2023, Canada announced five Caribbean Countries, including T&T, are eligible to access electronic travel authorization (eTA).