Qataris No Longer Require a Visa to Enter Canada
As of November 25, 2025, Qatari citizens are exempt from obtaining a visa to travel to Canada. However, they must acquire an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada by air.
Existing Visa Holders
Qatari nationals who already possess a valid temporary resident visa can continue to use it for travel to Canada until it expires or until their passport expires, whichever comes first. Those without a valid visa must apply for an eTA to travel to Canada. Travelers can visit the Canada.ca/eTA website to check their eligibility and follow the application process.
Facilitating Travel and Economic Exchange
This measure aims to facilitate tourist and business travel, strengthen bilateral ties between Ottawa and Doha, and stimulate tourism and economic exchange while maintaining a managed and secure migration process.
Statement from the Minister
"The lifting of visa requirements is an important step in our relationship with Qatar and allows eligible travelers to more easily discover all that Canada has to offer. Not only will this enhance business and investment opportunities, but it will also bring economic benefits to the country and abroad, while deepening the strong ties between our two nations," said Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
Bilateral Trade and Tourism
In 2024, bilateral trade between Canada and Qatar totaled approximately $325 million Canadian dollars. The same year, nearly 9,000 Qatari visitors traveled to Canada, representing an 11.5% increase from 2023.
What is an eTA?
An eTA is a digital travel document for most visa-exempt travelers flying to Canada. It allows agents to perform a quick check before departure. Most applications are approved within minutes and require only a valid passport, credit card, and email address.
