IBNS-CMEDIA/Ottawa: Canada lifted the visa requirement for citizens of Qatar, the federal government announced Tuesday, allowing Qatari nationals to travel to Canada for business or tourism without a visa.
Qatari citizens who do not already hold a valid Canadian visa will be required to obtain an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) for air travel.
Existing temporary resident visas will remain valid until they expire or until the traveller’s passport expires.
“Lifting visa requirements is an important step in our relationship with Qatar and makes it easier for eligible travellers to experience all that Canada has to offer,” Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab said in a statement.
“Not only will it strengthen opportunities for business and investment, it will deliver economic benefits at home and abroad, while also deepening the strong ties between our two countries.”
She said the move will expand opportunities for business and investment and deepen ties between the two countries.
Bilateral trade between Canada and Qatar reached an estimated CAN$325 million in 2024.
Canada also welcomed about 9,000 visitors from Qatar that year, an increase of 11.5 per cent from 2023.
The shift comes amid growing cooperation between the countries in areas including artificial intelligence, clean energy, agribusiness and critical minerals.
Air services between Canada and Qatar have expanded since an updated air transport agreement came into effect in late 2024.
Travellers can consult the federal government’s website to determine eTA eligibility and application requirements.
