If you’ve been dreaming of a white Christmas or a cool autumn escape and are already planning your 2026 travels, I have a wonderful reminder for you! For many Filipinos, the long, tedious, and expensive process of applying for a standard Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for Canada is a thing of the past thanks to the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) program.

While the program originally launched in 2023, it has remained active and consistent ever since. It’s the perfect time to highlight this, especially for those wanting to experience a true winter wonderland or finally reunite with family members.

If you’re wondering how you can skip the traditional visa application, here is the lowdown on the Canada eTA eligibility for 2026:

1. Check Your Eligibility

• You can skip the standard visa if you meet one of these two conditions: You have held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years.
• OR You currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa.

2. Mode of Travel

The eTA is strictly for those arriving by air. If you plan to drive across the border from the US or arrive via a cruise ship, you will still need a regular visitor visa.

The “How-To” Process

The process is entirely digital and much faster than the old way:

• Go to the Official Site: Visit the Government of Canada (Canada.ca) website.
• Have Your Documents Ready: You’ll need your valid passport, your US visa (or info from your old Canadian visa), and a credit/debit card.
• Pay the Fee: It only costs $7 CAD (roughly ₱300+). Compare that to the old ₱4,000+ fee!
• Wait for Approval: Most eTAs are approved via email within minutes, though some can take a few days. Once approved, it’s electronically linked to your passport and is usually valid for 5 years (or until your passport expires).

I’ve always wanted to visit the land of maple leaves and stunning landscapes, and now it feels more reachable than ever. Luckily, both Coco and I have valid US visas, which is our “golden ticket” to this simplified entry! Now it is no longer a “maybe”, the question is “when?”.

So, check your passport, apply for your eTA, book those tickets, and start packing! I hope we all get to make these dreams a reality very soon. Canada is waiting, and so are the people who have missed us for far too long.