6 June 2023 - The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) welcomes the relaxation of visa requirements for Filipino citizens, following the announcement of Honorable Sean Fraser, Minister for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship today on the inclusion of the Philippines in Canada’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) Program. The announcement was made at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport in Manitoba. 

Starting 6 June 2023, Filipino citizens who have either (1) a Canadian visitor’s visa for the past ten (10) years or (b) a valid US non-immigrant visa may now travel to Canada with an ETA in lieu of a visa. The Philippines is one of the 13 additional countries whose eligible citizens may now benefit from visa-free travel. Other countries include Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Costa Rica, Morocco, Panama, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay.

Minister Fraser was joined by Hon. Kevin Lamoureux, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg North, Manitoba and Former Chairperson of the Canada-Philippines Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group (CPIPFG), and Hon. Rechie Valdez, a Filipino-Canadian Member of Parliament for Mississauga—Streetsville, Ontario and current Chairperson of the CPIPFG. 

The DFA notes that the new policy “manifests Canada’s growing engagement and interest in the Philippines. It is a recognition that the Filipino community has contributed to its diversity and dynamism. The new policy is expected to spur travel, stimulate more business opportunities, and facilitate family reunification.” The announcement follows the official visit of Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly in the country last month. -End