the CanadaVisa Team - 29 May, 2018
The visa requirement for United Arab Emirate citizens travelling to Canada for short stays will end on June 5, the Government of Canada has announced.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said the UAE meets Canada's criteria for visa exemption, a determination that was made after a "rigorous evaluation."
"The United Arab Emirates is a key strategic partner and lifting the visa requirement will help affirm the strong relationship between our two countries," Canada's Immigration Minister, Ahmed Hussen, said in a news release.
Hussen said the visa exemption will help foster new business, trade and investment opportunities, among other advantages.
The visa exemption applies to short stays for business, visits to family and friends and tourism. Short stays are defined as visits lasting no more than six months.
The visa requirement will end at 5:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time / 1:30 p.m. Gulf Standard Time on Tuesday, June 5.
UAE citizens will still have to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to, or transit through a Canadian airport.
They will be able to apply online for an eTA as soon the visa requirement exemption takes effect on June 5.
For more information on visitor visas and Electronic Travel Authorizations, visit this dedicated page.
