Canada is a popular destination for UAE citizens, whether it’s for tourism, business, or visiting family and friends. Fortunately, the process for obtaining a Canada visa from Dubai or other cities in the UAE is relatively straightforward. Here we will cover everything you need to know about applying for a Canada visa from UAE.
How to Apply for Canada Visa from Dubai, UAE
If you are a UAE passport holder, you do not need a visa to travel to Canada for a short-term visit. Canada allows visa-free access to any traveler that holds a UAE passport. The only document that you need is an electronic travel authorization (eTA) for Canada, which is quick and easy to obtain. All Emirati nationals are able to apply for this type of travel document, provided they meet the visa requirements for UAE citizens.
Documents required for Canada visa from UAE
When applying for a Canada visa from UAE, it is important to ensure that you have all the necessary documentation. The following documents are required for a Canada visa application:
- Valid Passport: You must have a valid passport that is not set to expire within six months of your planned departure date. Your passport must also have at least one blank page for the visa.
- Photographs: You must provide two passport-sized photographs that are not more than six months old.
- Application form: You need to fill out and submit the appropriate Canada visa application form. This can be done online or in person at a visa application center.
- Proof of financial support: You need to provide evidence that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay in Canada. This can include bank statements, employment letters, and proof of assets.
- Travel itinerary: You must provide a detailed itinerary of your travel plans, including your intended dates of arrival and departure, accommodation details, and any planned activities.
- Purpose of travel: You must provide a letter explaining the purpose of your trip, including details about your intended activities and the length of your stay.
- Health and character certificates: You may be required to provide a medical certificate or a police clearance certificate as part of your application.
In addition to the above documents, you may also be required to attend an interview as part of your visa application process. During the interview, a visa officer will ask you questions about your travel plans, your financial situation, and your ties to your home country.
It is recommended that you start your application process well in advance of your planned travel dates and that you seek the assistance of a professional visa service provider. The Visa Guy is one such provider that understands your needs and easy visa procurement.
FAQs Related to Canada Visa
1. What Is the Canada eTA for UAE Citizens and What Does It Do?
The eTA is an electronic travel authorization which gives UAE visitors the ability to enter Canada without the need for a visa. The document is a visa waiver, which bypasses the requirement to apply for a visa before entering the country. Holders of an eTA can visit Canada for up to 6 months at a time with multiple entries. This means they can exit and return numerous times, using the same eTA. A UAE national with this visa waiver is permitted to enter the country for tourism, business, or transit, depending on their individual needs.
2. Do I Need an eTA to Travel to Canada as a UAE Citizen?
All UAE travelers wishing to visit Canada must be in possession of an eTA before entering. The visa waiver is mandatory, and without it, you will be refused entry. You must apply for this type of electronic travel authorization if you intend to travel to Canada for less than 6 months, and for one of the following reasons: tourism, leisure, business, visiting family and friends, or transit. Those who intend to stay in Canada for longer than 6 months will need to apply for a visa instead, as the eTA will not be sufficient.
3. Who Is Exempt From the Canada eTA Requirement?
All short-term visitors to Canada from the UAE are required to have an electronic travel authorization. Exceptions are made for those who have intentions to work or study for more than 6 months, a Canadian visa, Canadian citizenship, or permanent residency. If you are an Emirati citizen and one of these exceptions applies to you, you will need to apply for a Canadian visa instead of the visa waiver.
4. How Can I Apply for the Canada eTA from the UAE?
The visa waiver is quick and easy to apply for. The application process is completely online; all you need is access to the internet and your personal details. The form asks some basic questions about the applicant, which only take a few minutes to complete. It asks for information such as personal details (name, date of birth, etc.), contact information (phone number, email address, etc.), and passport details (passport number, expiry date, etc.). You will then be asked some questions about your travel plans (itinerary, accommodation, etc.). UAE applicants should ensure that all the given information is accurate and true. Any discrepancies could cause delays, or even a rejected application. Always double-check your answers before submitting.
5. Do I need a visa to visit Canada as a tourist?
If you are a United Arab Emirates passport holder, you do not need a visa to travel to Canada for a short-term visit. All you need is an electronic travel authorization (eTA) for Canada, which is quick and easy to obtain. If you plan to stay in Canada for longer than 6 months, you will need to apply for a visa instead.
6. What types of visas are available for travel to Canada from Dubai?
The types of visas available for travel to Canada from Dubai include visitor visas, student visas, work visas, and permanent residence visas. The type of visa you need will depend on the purpose of your visit and the length of your stay.
7. How do I apply for a Canada visa from Dubai?
To apply for a Canada visa from Dubai, you need to visit the official website of the Government of Canada, create an account, and complete the visa application form. You will also need to provide supporting documents, such as your passport, proof of funds, and travel itinerary. After submitting your application, you will need to pay the visa fee and wait for the application to be processed.
8. What documents do I need to provide when applying for a Canada visa?
The documents you need to provide when applying for a Canada visa from Dubai will vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. However, common documents include your passport, proof of funds, travel itinerary, and a letter of invitation (if applicable). You may also need to provide medical and police clearance certificates.
9. How long does it take to process a Canada visa application from Dubai?
The processing time for a Canada visa application from Dubai can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the volume of applications being processed at the time. Generally, the processing time for a visitor visa can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
10. Can I extend my stay in Canada if I have a visitor visa?
If you are in Canada on a visitor visa and wish to extend your stay, you may apply for an extension. However, you must apply for an extension at least 30 days before your current status expires. The extension is not guaranteed and will depend on various factors, such as the purpose of your visit and your financial situation.
11. How long can I stay in Canada on a tourist visa?
If you are a United Arab Emirates passport holder, you do not need a visa to travel to Canada for a short-term visit. You can stay in Canada for up to 6 months with a visitor visa or an eTA. If you wish to stay longer, you will need to apply for a visa extension or a different type of visa.
12. How much does it cost to apply for a Canada visit visa from Dubai?
The cost of a Canada visit visa from Dubai will depend on the type of visa you are applying for and the processing time. The fee for a visitor visa is CAD 100, while the fee for an eTA is CAD 7. You may also need to pay additional fees for biometrics and other services.
13. How long does it take to get a Canada tourist visa from Dubai?
The processing time for a Canada tourist visa from Dubai can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the volume of applications being processed at the time. Generally, the processing time for a visitor visa can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. You can check the current processing times on the official website of the Government of Canada.
14. What’s the cost of a Canada visa?
The cost of a Canada visa varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s nationality. Fees are subject to change, so it is best to check the latest information on the official Canadian government website.
15. What is a Canadian tourist visa?
A Canada tourist visa is a type of temporary visa that allows visitors to enter Canada for tourism or leisure purposes. It is also known as a visitor visa or temporary resident visa. This visa is valid for a specific period, and the visitor is not permitted to work or study while in Canada on this visa.
16. How fast can you get a Canadian visa?
The processing time for a Canada visa application can vary depending on the type of visa, the applicant’s nationality, and the time of year. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to process a Canada visa application. However, some applicants may be eligible for expedited processing, which can significantly reduce the processing time. It is best to check the latest information on the official Canadian government website for the most up-to-date information on processing times.