Major Update: Canada Grants Visa-Free Travel to Qatari Citizens
- What changed? Canada has lifted the temporary resident visa requirement for all citizens of Qatar.
- Who is affected? Qatari citizens travelling to Canada by air must now obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a visa.
- When is it effective? This new policy went into effect on November 25, 2025.
On November 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a significant policy update that grants visa-free travel to citizens of Qatar. This change, which took effect immediately, is designed to streamline travel for business, tourism, and family visits. The new rules mean that eligible Qatari nationals will no longer need to go through the lengthy visitor visa application process, making travel to Canada faster and more accessible.
Who Does This Affect?
This policy change directly impacts several groups of travellers from Qatar:
- Citizens of Qatar: Individuals holding a valid Qatari passport no longer need to apply for a temporary resident visa for short stays in Canada.
- Air Travellers: An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is now a mandatory requirement for Qatari citizens who are flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport.
- Current Visa Holders: Qatari citizens who already possess a valid Canadian visitor visa can continue to use it for travel until its expiry date. They do not need to apply for an eTA while their visa is valid.
Detailed Breakdown of the Changes
The core of this announcement is the transition from a mandatory visa to a simpler electronic authorization system for air travel.
From Visitor Visa to eTA
Previously, Qatari citizens required a temporary resident visa (TRV) for any visit to Canada. The new policy replaces this requirement with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for those arriving by air. The eTA is a digital travel document linked electronically to a traveller's passport. The application is completed online and is typically approved within minutes, a significant improvement over the visa application timeline.
Key Facts About the eTA
The eTA system allows Canadian officials to conduct light pre-travel screening of visa-exempt foreign nationals. To apply, travellers need a valid passport, a credit card, and an email address. Most applications are processed quickly, making last-minute travel planning much easier. It is important to note that an eTA is required only for air travel; entry requirements for arriving by land or sea have not changed.
For Those with Existing Visas
IRCC has confirmed that Qatari citizens who already hold a valid Canadian temporary resident visa can continue to use it to travel to Canada. The visa remains valid until its expiry date or until the holder's passport is no longer valid. Once the visa expires, they will need to apply for an eTA for future air travel to Canada.
Context and Implications (The "Why")
This policy change is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the relationship between Canada and Qatar. The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, stated that the move "underscores the strength of our bilateral cooperation, and helps boost growth in tourism, business, and investment."
The decision reflects over 50 years of diplomatic relations and growing economic ties. In 2024, bilateral trade between the two nations was approximately CAN $325 million, and Canada welcomed around 9,000 visitors from Qatar. This visa-lifting measure is expected to further enhance these connections, supported by an expanded Canada-Qatar Air Transport Agreement from late 2024 that increased flight connectivity.
How to Prepare
If you are a Qatari citizen planning to travel to Canada, here are the essential next steps:
- Apply for an eTA: If you plan to fly to Canada, you must apply for an eTA before your trip. The official application is available on the Government of Canada website at .
- Check Your Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your intended stay in Canada.
- Confirm Existing Documents: If you already have a valid Canadian visitor visa, you do not need an eTA. Simply present your passport with the valid visa upon arrival.
This announcement marks a positive development, making it significantly easier for Qatari citizens to visit Canada. By replacing the visa requirement with the more efficient eTA system, Canada aims to foster stronger economic and personal ties, welcoming more tourists, business travellers, and families from Qatar.