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Canada delivers online visas

Online visas are becoming more accessible for Australian travellers as Canada becomes the latest nation to deliver electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).

Online visas are becoming more accessible for Australian travellers as Canada becomes the latest nation to deliver electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).

The Canadian eTA officially became available this week, giving Australian citizens the ability to obtain their visas online before flying to Canada.

This new requirement is mandatory from 15 March 2016, however, travellers are encouraged to apply ahead of time as they plan their trip.

Canada’s latest initiative was introduced by Citizenship and Immigration Canada to make it easier for Australians heading to the North American country.

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To apply, Aussies simply need to visit the visa website and provide basic personal information similar to what is currently collated when they arrive in Canada. The application process is convenient and paperless and can be done within minutes.

Once approved, the eTA is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport.

It costs around CA$7 per individual and is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires.

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Last minute applications can be made on any device with an internet connection, including mobile phones. Most applicants can expect an email response within minutes of applying.

In addition, the new eTA system means travellers to Canada can expect a faster service upon arrival at the border.

Canada’s eTA is the latest in a series of destinations that have moved their visa process online.

Others include Kenya and Oman which rolled out evisas in June this year; as well as India, which added Australia to its evisa system in November last year.

What destinations would you like to see bring the visa process online?