Canada, while making a major announcement on Tuesday has added the island nation of St Kitts and Nevis among 5 Caribbean nations along with eight other nations, providing them with visa-free travel programme. The overall list of the Caribbean nations include St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, St Vincent and Grenadines, Saint Lucia, as well as Trinidad & Tobago.
The list further includes eight other nations such as Argentina, Costa Rica, Morocco, Panama, Phillipines, Seychelles, Thailand and Uruguay.
Noting to which, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada, Sean Fraser added that, “The following expansion is aiming on facilitating the easier access for travelers from these nations, promoting tourism , fostering cultural exchange, and empowering international ties.”
He mentioned that, as per the recently released guidelines, people who held the visa of Canada in the last 10 years or hold a valid US Non-Immigrant visa are eligible for Electronic Travel Authorization instead of a prior visa to enter Canada by air.
In the statement, Minister Fraser added that, “Those candidates who are eligible can apply for the eTA online through the website (www.eta-apply.ca). And in majority of the cases, the approval is sent directly on the same day. The partial visa waiver take effect immediately from the date of its announcement, which is 6-06-2023.
Exciting news! Individuals from 13 new countries can now embark on unforgettable adventures, explore our diverse landscapes, reunite with family and friends, and immerse themselves in our vibrant culture without the hurdle of visa requirements. 🇦🇬🇦🇷🇨🇷🇲🇦🇵🇦🇵🇭🇰🇳🇱🇨🇻🇨🇸🇨🇹🇭🇹🇹🇺🇾 pic.twitter.com/ws7onPHxk5
— Sean Fraser (@SeanFraserMP) June 6, 2023
Whereas, the very first-time candidates who are not having US visa or never held a Canadian visa in the last past 10 years are still required on applying for a earlier visa to enter Canada.
At the same time, the Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance of Canada, Randy Boissonnault, said that, “Canada has what the world wants, and we are looking ahead on welcoming everyone back to our shores. Expanding the eTA for Canada is significant initiative towards helping our tourism industry reaching new heights.”
He added that, “with making it more smooth process of the entry process for the international travellers, Canada is expressing strong message that it has opened its windows for business, adventures as well as unforgettable experiences. It’s not just attracting visitors; it is about showcasing the breath taking landscapes, diverse cultures, & warm hospitality that define Canada.”
While referring to the above mentioned statement, the Prime Minister Office of St Kitts and Nevis, has also released a statement, mentioning that the partial visa waiver clears the path for easy movement of people between the two nations.
Antigua and Barbuda’s foreign minister, E Paul Chet Greene also extended pleasure over this step, adding that it enables people of Antigua and Barbuda to travel more easily travel to Canada.
At the same time, the High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis along with the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Arif Keshani- Canadian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago Canadian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago added, “Great news that further supports the strong people to people connections between our countries,”.