Canada: Visa Policy for Romania and Slovakia Citizens
The Canadian government has established a new policy which will allow citizens of Slovakia and Romania access to the country without visas. The change comes as a result of Canada’s new Global Commerce Strategy.
What is a Visa?
A visa is a document that permits a person to enter a country and stay there for a specific amount of time. When you apply for a visa, you will need to provide your passport information, as well as the dates and purpose of your visit. CANADA VISA FOR ROMANIA CITIZENS
If you are visiting Canada for business purposes, you will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The ETA is required if you are travelling to Canada for more than 90 days and will be staying in Canada for more than six months. If you are travelling to Canada for tourism purposes, then you do not need an ETA.
To apply for a visa, you must submit your application at the Canadian Embassy or Consulate in your home country. You can also apply through the Canadian Visa Application Centre (CVAC) if you have a valid passport and are traveling on official business.
Once your application has been processed, the embassy or consulate will send you an email notification with the next steps in processing your application. You will usually need to pay the fee associated with your visa before it can be issued.
Visa requirements may change from time to time, so always check with the embassy or consulate before traveling to confirm what is required.
Canada Visa Requirements
If you are a citizen of Romania or Slovakia, and you plan to visit Canada for tourism or business purposes, you do not need a visa. However, if you are travelling to Canada as part of your job, you may need a work permit. If you are travelling to Canada on vacation, you may only need a passport and visa if your destination is Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, or South America. CANADA VISA FOR SLOVAKIA CITIZENS
If your citizenship is not Romanian or Slovakian, but you have a valid visa from one of these countries, you can still travel to Canada by using the “Temporary Resident Visa” process. This process allows citizens of certain countries who have visas that will expire within six months to stay in Canada until their visa expires without having to apply for an extension. You must first apply for a temporary resident visa at the Canadian embassy or consulate in your home country.
Countries whose citizens require visas to enter Canada
Canada has a visa policy for Romanian and Slovak citizens. Both countries are part of the European Union, which means that their citizens do not require visas to enter Canada. However, if you are from one of these countries and want to visit Canada for tourism or business purposes, you will need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). TRVs can be issued for up to six months and must be applied for at the Canadian embassy or consulate in your home country.
Romania and Slovakia citizens’ visa validity
Romania and Slovakia citizens can stay in Canada for a maximum of six months as of January 1, 2017. This visa policy change allows these countries to be considered part of the European Union, which has allowed these countries to further improve their relations with Canada.
As of September 30, 2016, Romania had a population of 19 million people and Slovakia had a population of 5 million people. According to the website Canadaland, while Romanian and Slovak citizens are not eligible for permanent residency in Canada, they are able to work and study in Canada on a temporary basis. Citizens of both countries must have a return ticket and valid passport to enter Canada.
Processing times for Canadian visas
The Canadian government has announced that it will be processing visa applications for citizens of Romania and Slovakia within 72 hours. This is a change from the current policy which requires applicants to wait up to six months for a response to their application.
The new policy was introduced in an effort to increase tourism and business investment in both countries. In 2016, bilateral trade between Romania and Canada totaled $1.1 billion, with an estimated growth of 10% annually over the next five years.
We would recommend applying as soon as possible if you are interested in traveling to Canada as the wait time is only going to get shorter
Other Quebecois options for travel to Canada
If you are a Romanian or Slovak citizen and want to visit Canada, you will need a visa.
Romanian citizens must apply for a visa in advance through the Canadian Embassy in Bucharest.
Slovak citizens must apply for a visa at a Canadian embassy or consulate outside of Slovakia.
Processing times vary, but most visas can take up to two months to be issued.
Once you have your visa, be sure to bring your passport, confirmation number, and passport-sized photograph with you when travelling to Canada.
