Canada announces visa free travel for “known travelers” of a number of CARICOM countries; Guyana not included

Canada announces visa free travel for “known travelers” of a number of CARICOM countries; Guyana not included

Canada has announced that it will allow visa-free travel to “known travelers” from 13 more countries, including a number of Caribbean countries.

The visa-free travel has been extended to Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts-Nevis, Panama, Argentina, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Morocco, Seychelles, Thailand and the Philippines.

Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, said that the “known travelers” will be allowed entry into the country after obtaining an electronic travel authorisation.

A known traveler is someone who currently holds a Canadian visa, obtained one over the last 10 years or holds a valid United States visa. The electronic travel authorisation will be valid for five years, or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

The Canadian Government has described Tuesday’s announcement as “very good news” that will facilitate more people visiting Canada.

The minister said that the expanded programme will facilitate opportunities for people to be able to visit their relatives in Canada, saying that Canada is a draw to people around the world, and his country wants to make it easier for people to visit.

He said that visitors to Canada contribute to the local and national economy and enrich the social fabric.

Fraser said the digital document will allow holders to transit through or visit Canada for up to six months and will allow Canada officials to conduct “very light touch” screening, adding that the authorisation is “almost automatic”.

Guyana has been pressing Canada to follow the lead of the British Government and introduce visa free travel for Guyanese. However, there has been no move in that direction by the Government of Canada. (CMC)

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