If you want to travel to Canada, you need a valid passport. You also need to meet the requirements for the visa you are applying for.
There are many types of visas available for travellers to Canada. Some are short-term, while others allow you to stay for a longer period of time.
ETA
If you are travelling to Canada from Japan or Singapore, you will need to apply for an ETA. This is an electronic travel authorization that will be linked to your passport and will allow you to travel to Canada for up to five years or until the validity of your passport expires, whichever comes first.
This type of visa is designed to make it easier for the Canadian government to screen travellers before they arrive at Canada’s airports, ensuring that only people with valid travel documents are allowed to enter the country. It’s an online process that takes just a few minutes to complete and costs CAD $7.
The ETA is linked to your passport number and is a way for the Canadian government to check that you have a valid passport and that you are not a threat to Canada’s security or national interests. Once you’ve received your ETA, you will need to show it to the airline staff at the airport to confirm your travel documents are valid.
You can get an ETA by visiting the eTA website and entering your passport number. You will then need to answer a few questions. You will then receive an email with your eTA approval.
Once you’ve got your ETA, it’s important to remember that you must always carry it with you when you travel to Canada. If you don’t have it, the airline will not let you board the flight.
When you’re applying for a ETA, you will need to include the dates that you plan on travelling. It’s also important to include the flight numbers and times that you want to fly to and from Canada. This is to help the Canadian government know how many people will be travelling and to ensure there’s enough staff at the airport to process all of the requests.
In addition, it’s a good idea to include a print out or screenshot of your proposed flight schedule. This can show the airline that you have a valid ETA and that you’re planning on travelling to and from Canada, and it can help to reduce queues at the airport.
You can also include the airline’s contact information if you’re unsure how to find it. This will ensure that your ETA is processed as quickly as possible and will allow you to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare.
If you’re traveling from Singapore, you can include a copy of your current valid work permit or study pass in the application for a Canada visa from Singapore. This will be checked against the applicant’s passport to verify that the validity of the permit is still valid and that it has not been expired for more than two months at the time of submission of your application for a Canada visa.
It’s also a good idea to provide a valid proof of medical insurance that covers you during your stay in Canada. This will give the Canadian government peace of mind and can be a big help to your application for a Canada visa.
ESTA
For most countries, including Canada, ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is required before entering the United States. The ESTA process helps to streamline procedures and reduce wait times at border crossings. You can apply for an ESTA online via the official ESTA website.
If you plan to visit the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, you’ll also need an ESTA. To get an ESTA, you’ll need to provide proof of citizenship and a valid passport. You may need to pay a fee, but the amount is usually waived for travelers from the United States and Canada.
The ESTA application process is quick and easy, but it’s important to remember that you should still check your ESTA status before travelling. If your ESTA doesn’t show that you’re eligible to enter the United States under the VWP, you may not be able to board your flight or ship in the United States.
You may need to provide proof of a valid vaccination against rabies, particularly if you’re travelling with a child. Vaccines can be purchased at most pharmacies, and you can also get an immunization certificate from the health department in your home country.
A Covid vaccine is also recommended for people who plan to visit Japan. If you don’t have a Covid vaccine or are not vaccinated with a booster shot, you will need to have a negative Covid test within 72 hours of boarding your flight to Japan.
Currently, only 68 countries are eligible for visa-free travel to Japan. The list of those eligible is available on the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, and the number of visa-free countries will increase over time.
Citizens of these 68 countries will not need to obtain a Japan visa prior to arriving in Japan, but they will need to supply evidence that they’ve received a Covid vaccination and a negative test before departing for Japan. You can also use the Visit Japan Web app to find out if you’re eligible to travel to Japan under the visa-free regime.
However, if you’re not on the 68 visa-free countries list and are traveling to Japan for a shorter period of time, you will need to obtain a visa before you arrive in Japan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists a few exceptions to the visa-free policy, but most will require a visa to be obtained in advance.
As of May 8, 2023, you no longer need to provide proof of a Covid vaccination or a negative Covid test before you can travel to Japan. Here’s a great summary from the Japanese Ministry of Health on why this is so.
There are many other factors to consider when applying for a Canada visa from Japan. For example, you should make sure that you have enough funds to support yourself and your family while in Japan or Singapore.
It is also very important to check the laws and regulations of your destination. The rules and regulations are different in each country, so you’ll want to read them carefully and be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.
