SFA Statement on Canada's Announcement of PHL inclusion in Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) Program

MANILA, 07 June 2023 – The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs welcomes the announcement of the Honorable Sean Fraser, Minister for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, of the Philippines’ inclusion in its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) Program [announced on 6 June 2023 (1130H Winnipeg time) and 7 June 2023 at 0030H Philippine time)] that will allow Filipino citizens to engage in business or visit Canada for leisure provided they have either: (1) a Canadian visitor’s visa issued in the past ten (10) years or (b) a valid US non-immigrant visa. Eligible Filipino citizens from the Philippines may travel to Canada with an ETA in lieu of a visa.

The Philippines’ inclusion, coming soon after the official visit of Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, is an important milestone and a striking indication of Canada’s growing friendship and trust in the Philippines as well as the great value it attributes to the Filipino community that has contributed to its diversity and dynamism. The new policy is expected to spur travel, stimulate more business opportunities, and foster greater interest for family reunification efforts.

The Philippines considers Canada as a close partner due to its well-established people-to-people ties and looks forward to charting a new era of engagement under this new policy. END