New Canada Entry Step for Passengers From Qatar

What This Shift Means for Visitors Heading to London, ON

Canada has announced a significant shift in travel rules for citizens of Qatar, creating a new route that removes the need for a traditional visa. This update reshapes how travellers plan trips to cities across the country, including London, ON—a town known for its mix of education, culture, and community life. With the new approach now active, it is worth exploring how it works, who can use it, and whether some visitors may still need a Visitor Visa depending on their travel purpose.

This article explains the essentials, highlights the new process introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and outlines how these adjustments may influence travel patterns for those heading to London, ON.

Background: Canada’s Adjustment to Entry Rules for Qatar

On November 25, IRCC announced that Qatari citizens no longer need a visa to enter Canada. The update took effect immediately at 5:30 a.m. on the same day. Instead of completing a Visitor Visa application, eligible travellers now only need an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before boarding their flight.

This change removes the long wait many travellers previously faced. The earlier process involved submitting a Visitor Visa application, gathering documents, paying fees, and waiting several weeks for approval. The move to an eTA significantly shortens the timeline.

What Travellers Need Instead of a Visitor Visa

The eTA is now the key document for Qatari nationals travelling to Canada by air. Unlike a Visitor Visa, which undergoes a more detailed review, you can apply for an eTA quickly, and authorities generally process it within minutes.

The basic requirements include:

• A valid passport
• A card for online payment
• An email address to receive updates

Applicants must have all information ready before starting because the digital form is straightforward and does not allow saving mid-way. After submitting the form and paying the $7 fee (about 18 Qatari Riyals), most applicants receive confirmation shortly after.

The eTA is linked electronically to the traveller’s passport. It stays valid for up to five years or until the passport expires. Travellers may enter Canada multiple times during this period, provided they continue to meet entry rules at the border.

Who Still Needs a Visitor Visa?

Even though the new system applies to most short-term visits, some travellers still require a Visitor Visa depending on their travel plans.

You may still need a Visitor Visa if:

• You plan to travel to Canada by car, bus, or ship rather than by plane.
• You previously held a Visitor Visa, and your circumstances require a reassessment.
• You are not eligible for an eTA due to specific travel history or documentation issues.

In these cases, the Visitor Visa remains part of the process, and applicants must complete the traditional steps.

Why Canada Updated the Rules

Canada’s relationship with Qatar has expanded in multiple areas, from economic ties to aviation agreements. The two countries signed the Canada–Qatar Air Transport Agreement in 2011, establishing direct air service. The airline updated this agreement in 2024 to increase flight frequency between Toronto and Doha to seven flights per week.

Trade activity has also grown. In 2024, bilateral trade surpassed $325 million CAD. The removal of the visa requirement supports smoother movement between the two nations. It aligns with Canada’s broader plans to strengthen ties in travel, business, and tourism.

IRCC’s announcement emphasized that this measure promotes more effortless movement for those who meet the criteria and supports various forms of travel, including tourism, education planning, and exploration of Canadian cities such as London, ON.

Visiting London, ON, Under the New Rules

London, ON often attracts international travellers for its cultural events, local markets, sports attractions, and university-centred community. With the updated rules, Qatari travellers arriving by air can reach the region more quickly via Toronto or other major airports, completing only the eTA rather than a Visitor Visa.

For travellers planning extended stays, study opportunities, or family visits, it is still essential to determine whether an eTA is sufficient or whether their plans fall under categories that require a Visitor Visa or other permits.

This is where a careful review of travel purpose becomes essential. Although the eTA covers tourism, short stays, and transit, some travellers may still need a Visitor Visa for family visits, document renewal, or non-air entry routes.

Step-by-Step Process for Qatari Citizens Applying for an eTA

Here is a clear walk-through of the eTA process:

Prepare Documents

Have your valid passport ready, along with payment details and an email address. Review instructions on the official IRCC website before starting.

Fill Out the Online Form

You must complete the application in one session. Ensure that all required information is accurate before submitting.

Pay the Fee

After you complete the form, the system will prompt you to pay the $7 fee.

Check Your Email

Most applicants receive confirmation within minutes. In a small number of cases, IRCC may ask for additional information within 72 hours.

Once issued, the eTA remains linked to your passport and allows multiple entries to Canada.

How This Change Influences Travellers and London, ON

Removing the need for a Visitor Visa for most air travellers significantly shortens the planning timeline. For London, ON, this may encourage more regular travel from Qatar, whether for tourism, family visits, university visits, or short-term stays.

More direct travel pathways can also encourage first-time visitors who may have previously found the Visitor Visa process lengthy or inconvenient. By streamlining the entry system for eligible travellers, Canada aims to support smoother cross-border movement.

Moving Forward

Travellers should double-check whether their travel plans qualify for an eTA or whether they still require a Visitor Visa. The type of transportation, the purpose of the visit, and personal documentation all determine which path applies.

Canada continues to refine its travel systems, and this change marks an essential update for Qatari citizens planning visits to cities such as London, ON. For those travelling by air for tourism or short stays, the process has become far simpler. For others, the Visitor Visa remains part of the travel plan, depending on the circumstances.

If you need help reviewing your options or preparing your next step, reach out to Neev Immigration Services for guidance.