Latvian nationals interested in travelling to Canada are eligible to obtain the CANADA VISA FOR LATVIAN CITIZENS. The Canadian government introduced the eTA in 2015 to reduce the bureaucracy previously required for a traditional visa. It is available to selected countries whose nationals (including Latvians) can travel to Canada for short-term visits for tourism, business, or transit.
The Canadian eTA is an online multiple-entry visa-waiver. It is valid for 5 years and allows Latvian visitors to stay in the country for 6 months during each visit. The Electronic Travel Authorisation is linked to the travellers’ passport and is not transferrable to a new document. This means that if a passport expires before the allowed 5 years of the Canadian eTA, then this travel permit expires as well.
DO LATVIANS NEED A VISA FOR CANADA?
Latvian nationals travelling to Canada for short term-visits for the reasons mentioned previously can do so just with the eTA. Latvia is one of the countries that do not need a standard embassy to enter Canada. Those visitors who want to stay for more extended periods in Canada or wish to pursue long-term employment or complete academic studies must contact the Canadian embassy in Riga for further details.
REQUIREMENTS LATVIAN TRAVELLERS MUST MEET FOR THE CANADIAN ETA
Before they proceed to the application form, Latvian citizens must confirm they meet the Canadian eTA requirements. These conditions are standard for most electronic travel authorisations and are listed below:
- Having a biometric passport compatible with the Canadian eTA
- Use a frequently used email address
- Possess a debit or credit card
The biometric (also known as electronic) passport is a secure travel document. It grants authorisation to enter Canada. It facilitates the arrivals with quicker queues at border controls. Latvians with a biometric passport must confirm that it is valid for 6 months on their arrival in Canada.
They must also ensure that the email id they submit is one they frequently use. All communications, including the confirmation of the issuance of the eTA, will be done by email. Lastly, Latvian applicants must confirm they use a debit or credit card previously authorized for online payments.Apply for the Canada eTA
APPLICATION FORM FOR THE CANADIAN ETA CANADA FOR LATVIAN NATIONALS
Latvians who meet the requirements can proceed to the eTA application form for Canada. This form is a simple questionnaire that takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Latvian requesters will have to have the following information ready before beginning:
- Full name
- Country of birth
- City of birth
- Marital status
- Gender
- Current Residence
- Profession
- Email address
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Passport expiry date
Latvians who have already obtained their travel tickets will also be required to provide their arrival dates and ticket details. Whilst completing the form, they should ensure that all the information they share is accurate and true. Any mistake or mismatch could delay the granting of the eTA or even its rejection.
Latvian minors applying for the Canadian eTA
Minors travelling to CANADA VISA FOR BULGARIAN CITIZENS must obtain their individual Electronic Travel Authorisation to enter the country. The parents or legal guardians of underage visitors from Latvia can fill submit their application on their behalf with the same email address without any problems.
Urgent eTA’s for Canada for Latvian nationals
Latvian travellers can request an urgent eTA for Canada for exceptional reasons and have not had sufficient time to complete the application. It is usually granted in an hour and is available for the following situations:
- Last-minute business meetings
- Unexpected or recent changes to a travel booking
- Personal emergencies
- Spontaneous tickets purchased with a last-minute airline offer
Latvians at the airport before their departure can request the Urgent eTA. The Canadian government nevertheless discourages this option since it entails for the Latvian traveler to wait 60 minutes (sometimes longer) for the eTA to be issued to their passport before being allowed to travel.
Payment of the Canadian eTA from Latvian travellers
Latvian nationals complete the Canadian eTA application form by paying the processing fee. As mentioned previously, Canadian authorities recommend checking that the cards are authorized for online payments and carry sufficient funds to cover the costs.
EVALUATION PROCESS OF THE CANADIAN ETA FOR LATVIAN PASSPORT HOLDERS
The Canadian government evaluates all the requests received and usually replies with the approved eTAs within 24 hours. The Canadian eTA is automatically issued to the Latvian nationals’ passports. They are not obliged to print out a copy for border controls or when boarding their flights. Once they reach Canada, they must simply submit their passports for inspection before being granted entry.
Canadian eTA extension for Latvian visitors
Latvian travellers who wish to stay for a more extended time than initially granted on their travel authorisation can request an extension for the Canadian eTA. They must simply ensure they complete their application a month before their current eTA expires, and within 24 hours, they will receive a renewed eTA.
