Visum eller eTA: Vad gäller för svenskar som vill resa till Kanada?

Today we present a guest article

Travelling to Canada is a popular choice for many Swedes, whether it's to experience the country's magnificent nature, visit vibrant cities like Toronto or Vancouver, experience world-class sport or visit friends and family.

However, before packing your bags, it is important to know the necessary travel documents. If you are unsure about the requirements for your trip, you may want to check your requirements via visanet.se to get help and information on the latest rules and application processes.

Being prepared and having all the necessary travel documents in order will make your trip to Canada both smoother and more enjoyable.

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Visas to Canada for Swedes

Normally, Swedes do not need a traditional visa to Canada to visit Canada for short stays. If the trip is shorter than six months and the purpose is tourism, business or transit, a different type of travel document is required, a so-called eTA to Canada.

This system is a simplification for many, but it does not mean that you can travel without having some form of authorisation. Although Swedes do not need a traditional visa to Canada for short visits, they are still required to apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), which is an electronic travel authorisation linked to your passport.

What is ETA?

ETA to Canada is a digital system introduced by the Canadian government to facilitate the entry of citizens from visa-free countries, such as Sweden. This system works similar to the US ESTA programme and allows authorities to check travellers before they arrive in Canada. Applying for an eTA is easily done online and the process is both quick and smooth.

Once approved, your eTA application is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This means that if you have an approved eTA, you can travel to Canada several times during this period without having to reapply. However, it is important to note that an approved eTA does not guarantee that you will be allowed to enter Canada - the final decision is always taken by border control when you arrive.

How to apply for an eTA?

Applying for an eTA to Canada is a relatively simple process and can be done online in just a few minutes by following the steps below:

Go to the official eTA application website and make sure you are using reliable services to ensure that the process is carried out correctly.
Fill in the application form with personal details such as name, date of birth, passport number and other necessary information.
Pay the application fee, which is currently around 7 CAD (Canadian dollars).
Wait for your approval, which usually comes within a few minutes to a few hours. In some cases, it may take up to a few days if additional documentation or review is needed.

Once approved, your eTA is linked to your passport, which means you do not need to carry any physical documents to prove your right to travel to Canada.

Does everyone need an eTA to enter Canada?

It is important to understand that a visa to Canada eta only applies to persons entering Canada by air. If you arrive by car or boat (including cruise ships), you do not need an eTA, but you must still fulfil the entry requirements, such as a valid passport and other relevant documents. In addition to tourism, the eTA also covers business travel and transit through Canada. However, if you plan to study or work in Canada, you may need a visa to Canada depending on the length and purpose of your stay.

When is a visa for Canada required?

For longer stays or specific purposes, such as working, studying or participating in longer exchange programmes, a visa to Canada is often required. This application process is more extensive than the eTA and involves submitting more detailed information and possibly attending an interview at Canadian Embassy.