Canada Qatar Visa Policy Shift Removes Travel Barriers for Qatari Citizens with New eTA Access

Canada’s decision to remove visa requirements for Qatari travellers marks a major transition in the Canada Qatar visa policy shift, opening the door to easier movement for business, tourism, and diplomatic exchange. Beginning November 25, 2025, citizens of Qatar will no longer need a traditional visa to enter Canada by air, relying instead on a streamlined electronic travel authorisation.

A Turning Point in Canada-Qatar Relations

For more than 50 years, Canada and Qatar have maintained a growing diplomatic partnership. This recent policy shift deepens that relationship, making travel simpler for Qatari professionals, families, and investors. The announcement also highlights Canada’s interest in strengthening ties with Gulf nations at a time of increasing regional economic engagement.

Qatari travellers must now apply for an eTA online before boarding their flight. This digital authorisation is typically processed quickly, allowing visitors to enter Canada for short stays without the paperwork or processing delays that come with a regular visa.

Impact on Visitors and Existing Visa Holders

Those who already hold a valid Canadian visa can continue to use it until it expires. The new eTA-based system simply replaces the visa requirement for all future air travel from Qatar to Canada. This makes planning trips far more flexible for Qatari citizens, whether they are flying for business meetings, family visits, or tourism.

The updated rules also apply only to air travel. Travellers entering by land or sea must abide by existing document requirements, though the majority of Qatar-to-Canada travel occurs by air.

Why Canada Implemented This Change

The decision aligns with several strategic priorities:

• Boosting tourism and business travel: Qatar’s travel market continues to expand, and easing entry requirements creates more opportunities for two-way movement.
• Strengthening economic partnerships: Bilateral trade reached $325 million in 2024, reflecting steady growth in education, energy, technology, and investment sectors.
• Supporting international connectivity: More visitors help stimulate Canadian hospitality, transportation, and service industries.
• Encouraging stronger people-to-people ties: Visitor arrivals from Qatar increased 11.5% year over year, demonstrating rising interest in Canada.

Updating Procedures Under the Canada Qatar Visa Policy Shift

IRCC has updated its program delivery instructions to reflect Qatar’s new visa-exempt status. Policy changes include:

• Removing Qatar from the list of visa-required nations
• Adding Qatar to the list of countries eligible for the electronic travel authorisation
• Updating instructions for temporary resident visas, eTA processing, and related officer guidelines

These changes ensure that border officers, airlines, and application centres apply consistent procedures to Qatari travellers.

What Qatari Travellers Should Know

To use the eTA system, eligible visitors must:

• Hold a valid Qatari passport
• Apply online before travel
• Pay the small processing fee
• Receive approval before boarding

Once approved, the eTA is electronically linked to the passport and typically remains valid for up to five years or until the passport expires.

Business and Academic Benefits

The visa removal is expected to particularly benefit:

• Business delegations exploring Canadian partnerships
• Students considering Canadian universities or language programs
• Investors visiting Canadian provinces for economic opportunities
• Professionals attending conferences and industry events

By reducing procedural hurdles, Canada positions itself as an accessible partner for Qatari individuals and organisations.

The Canada Qatar Visa Policy Shift Opens a New Chapter in Mobility and Collaboration

With visa requirements officially lifted, the Canada Qatar visa policy shift signals a new era of cooperation, making air travel easier and strengthening the ties that have grown between both nations for more than half a century.