Important changes may be on the horizon in Canada for Ukrainian citizens planning short-term trips to the country. The federal government is considering a transition from traditional visitor visas to the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)—an electronic travel authorization already used by citizens of dozens of visa-exempt countries. The idea of such a move is gaining increasing political support.
Discussion of this initiative intensified after delegates from the Liberal Party of Canada supported a resolution in the spring calling for the gradual elimination of visa requirements for short-term trips by Ukrainians and a transition to the eTA system. Although such a resolution does not automatically change the law, it sets the direction in which the party recommends the federal government move.
The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system is already familiar to many travelers. It allows citizens of visa-exempt countries to obtain electronic authorization to enter Canada without applying for a regular visa. Applications are submitted online, and decisions are typically made much faster than during the standard visa process.
For Ukrainians, this would mean a significant simplification of short-term trips—whether for tourism, family visits, or business. At the same time, the eTA does not grant the right to work or study in Canada and does not replace other immigration programs. It applies only to temporary visits.
Following the expiration of the special Canada–Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program, many Ukrainians have been awaiting new mechanisms that could facilitate travel to Canada. That is why the transition to the eTA is viewed as one of the possible next steps in the development of Canadian-Ukrainian relations. At the same time, this initiative is not related to the reinstatement of CUAET or the creation of a new humanitarian program.
It is important to understand that a final decision has not yet been made. Ukrainian citizens must still apply for a visa for short-term trips to Canada in accordance with current regulations. If the government approves the transition to the eTA, this will be announced separately, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will publish the detailed terms and the effective date of the new rules.
If the initiative is implemented, Ukraine could become one of the few countries whose citizens will be able to travel to Canada under a simplified procedure. This will be another step toward deepening relations between the two countries and will facilitate personal, family, and business contacts between Ukrainians and Canadians.