The Canada Visa for Dutch Citizens is easy to apply for online.
The Electronic Travel Authorization (or eTA) was launched by the Canadian authorities in 2015 as a way to assess foreign travelers more efficiently before they entered the country.
It is not necessary for Dutch citizens to apply for a visa to visit Canada. This is because the Netherlands is one of the 50 visa-exempt countries whose citizens can enter Canada by just presenting their passport at the border to gain entry.
CANADA ETA PROGRAM FOR THE NETHERLANDS
The eTA Canada application form can be filled in from the applicant’s home or office which removes the need for in-person visits.
To be eligible for the eTA, applicants need to meet all the eTA requirements for Dutch Citizens. One of these requirements is that they have an electronic passport which is machine-readable.
All Dutch passports issued in recent years are machine-readable. However, Dutch citizens who are concerned about this should check their passports are electronic before applying for the eTA.
The Canada Electronic Travel Authorization is intended for visitors who are traveling to Canada for the purposes of:
- Tourism (short stays)
- Business (such as work trips)
- Transiting (through Canada to another destination)
- Medical treatment (short-term)
ETA CANADA REQUIREMENTS FOR DUTCH CITIZENS
Travelers must enter Canada via airport in order for the eTA to be valid. Those crossing the border by land or arriving on cruise ships do not qualify for an eTA, and should check if they need a visa in addition to their identification and travel documents.
There are several other requirements necessary in order to apply for the Canada eTA.
All applicants must have:
- A Dutch passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
- A valid credit or debit card to pay the fee.
- A current email address to receive the eTA.
Another of the Canada Visa for Portuguese Citizens is that dual nationals must apply for their eTA using the same passport they intend to travel with. The reason for this is that the eTA is linked to the passport number used in the application.
Citizens must be over 18 at the time of application. If they are not, an adult is permitted to apply on their behalf. Adults applying on behalf of a minor must fill in all the same details as a full application but may also need to provide some basic personal information about themselves as the minor’s parent or guardian.
All travelers must leave the airport before the date specified in their passport. If a Dutch citizen wants to extend their stay in Canada, they can apply for an extension from within Canada by filling in an application at least 30 days before their travel authorization expires.
HOW LONG IS THE CANADIAN ETA VALID FOR DUTCH NATIONALS?
The eTA is valid for a period of five years from the date of issue and allows the holder to enter Canada multiple times, which is much more convenient than the previous single-entry visa system. Individual visits can last for up to six months and will be decided by immigration officials at the border and recorded in the visitor’s passport.
The eTA can also be used instead of a transit visa for Dutch visitors who are transiting through Canada. Travelers simply need to apply for the eTA as usual and enter and leave Canada via the airport.
The eTA for Dutch Citizens is a huge improvement on the previous visa process for Canada. The application form can be filled in quickly and easily and is available to use on desktop, tablet or mobile. The authorization is delivered online to the applicant’s email, usually within 3 days of application.
ETA APPLICATION FORM FOR CITIZENS OF THE NETHERLANDS
Dutch nationals eligible for the eTA need to complete the simple online application form and provide some basic personal details, including:
- Name
- Nationality
- Occupation
- Passport details, including passport number
- Passport issue date and expiry date