Canada has officially published a list of 17 countries whose citizens can now apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a full visa when flying to Canada. Among these, three African nations—Morocco and Seychelles—are confirmed, with Comoros notably absent despite earlier speculation. The list, released on the Canadian government's official website, marks a significant shift in travel access for nationals of these countries, streamlining their entry into Canada by air.
Full List of 17 eTA-Eligible Countries
The Canadian government's official website confirms that citizens from select visa-required countries may be eligible for an eTA as an alternative to a traditional visa for air travel. The 17 countries are: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Indonesia (new addition), Malaysia (new addition), Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Philippines, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay.
Indonesia and Malaysia are highlighted as new entries to the programme, bringing the total number of eligible nations to 17. This expansion reflects Canada's ongoing efforts to facilitate travel for visitors from a broader range of countries while maintaining security protocols.
African Representation and Caribbean Presence
Morocco and Seychelles are the confirmed African countries on the list, marking a notable shift in travel access for their nationals. The Caribbean region is well represented, with Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago all included. The list also features Latin American nations like Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, and Uruguay, alongside Asian countries such as the Philippines and Thailand.
For nationals of these listed countries, the eTA offers a more streamlined path to travelling to Canada by air compared to a full visa application. The eTA is a digital authorization that is typically processed quickly, reducing the administrative burden and wait times associated with traditional visas.
Impact on Non-Listed Countries
Citizens of countries not featured on the list, including most African nations such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa, must continue applying through the traditional visa process at Canadian consulates or embassies. This means that travellers from these countries will still need to submit detailed applications, attend interviews if required, and wait for processing, which can take weeks or months.
The decision to include only three African countries—two confirmed and one absent—has drawn attention to the disparity in travel access across the continent. While Morocco and Seychelles benefit from the eTA system, other African nations continue to face visa requirements, potentially affecting tourism, business travel, and family visits.
In a related development, Legit.ng recently reported that Canada published the official list of people who may qualify for an open work permit in 2026, allowing eligible foreigners to work for almost any employer without first securing a job offer. The categories include certain students and graduates, family members, refugees and asylum claimants, vulnerable workers, permanent residence applicants, and other eligible groups. This move, alongside the eTA expansion, signals Canada's broader immigration and travel policy adjustments, with the eTA list expected to facilitate smoother air travel for eligible nationals starting immediately.
