Effective November 26 2025, citizens of Qatar can travel to Canada visa-free for short stays by obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) valid for five years. The change eliminates consular visa applications for business, tourism, and transit trips of up to six months, bringing Qatar in line with several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) neighbours already on Canada’s eTA list.
IRCC officials said the decision reflects strengthened bilateral ties and Canada’s desire to boost two-way investment ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches hosted in Vancouver and Toronto. In 2024, nearly 8,000 Qatari travellers entered Canada, a figure expected to double within a year under the new protocol.
![Canada grants visa-free eTA access to Qatari nationals]()
For Canadian companies, the policy simplifies executive travel and may open doors for joint ventures in energy, infrastructure, and aviation. Travel-management teams should update booking systems to reflect that Qatari passport holders now need only an eTA—obtainable online in minutes for CA $7—rather than a visitor visa that could take weeks.
Border officials caution that the eTA is not a work permit; Qatari nationals seeking employment or long-term study must still follow standard immigration channels. Airlines have been briefed on the new rules and will integrate eTA verification into check-in procedures.
The move also aligns Canada with the United Kingdom and Schengen Area, both of which recently relaxed entry rules for Qatari citizens. Industry analysts say harmonised processes reduce itinerary friction and make multi-country business trips more feasible.
IRCC officials said the decision reflects strengthened bilateral ties and Canada’s desire to boost two-way investment ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches hosted in Vancouver and Toronto. In 2024, nearly 8,000 Qatari travellers entered Canada, a figure expected to double within a year under the new protocol.
For Canadian companies, the policy simplifies executive travel and may open doors for joint ventures in energy, infrastructure, and aviation. Travel-management teams should update booking systems to reflect that Qatari passport holders now need only an eTA—obtainable online in minutes for CA $7—rather than a visitor visa that could take weeks.
Border officials caution that the eTA is not a work permit; Qatari nationals seeking employment or long-term study must still follow standard immigration channels. Airlines have been briefed on the new rules and will integrate eTA verification into check-in procedures.
The move also aligns Canada with the United Kingdom and Schengen Area, both of which recently relaxed entry rules for Qatari citizens. Industry analysts say harmonised processes reduce itinerary friction and make multi-country business trips more feasible.
