Canada Eliminates Visa Requirement for Qatari Citizens

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Ottawa, Canada (VisasAndTravels) — Canada has removed the visitor visa requirement for citizens of Qatar, effective 5:30 a.m. EST on Monday, November 25, 2025. The decision allows eligible Qatari nationals to travel to Canada for short stays using only an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced the policy change on Tuesday, describing it as a significant milestone in bilateral relations. “Removing the visa requirement strengthens the partnership between Canada and Qatar,” Minister Diab said. “It will facilitate business, investment, and tourism while delivering measurable economic benefits to both countries.”

Qatari citizens planning air travel to Canada must now obtain an eTA before boarding. The online application process typically takes minutes and costs CAD 7. Once issued, the authorization remains valid for five years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever occurs first. It permits multiple entries for stays of up to six months per visit for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

Travelers holding a valid Canadian temporary resident visa issued before November 25, 2025, may continue using it until expiry.

The decision follows an expanded air transport agreement signed in 2024 and reflects growing cooperation in sectors including artificial intelligence, clean energy, critical minerals, and agribusiness. Bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries reached CAD 325 million in 2024.

In 2024, approximately 9,000 Qatari visitors arrived in Canada, an increase of 11.5% over the previous year. Officials expect the streamlined entry process to further boost tourism and business travel.

All standard admissibility requirements remain in place. Travelers must satisfy border officials that they have sufficient funds, intend to leave Canada at the end of their stay, and pose no security or health risks.