The Canadian government has officially added the Philippines to its list of countries eligible for visa-free entry starting in 2026, significantly reducing travel costs for eligible Filipino citizens.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that travelers from the Philippines and 12 other nations may now use the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system. Instead of the standard $100 CAD ($75 USD) visitor visa fee, eligible travelers will pay $7 CAD or approximately P300.

The program is limited to “known travelers” who meet specific criteria: they must have held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years or currently hold a valid non-immigrant visa for the United States.

The eTA applies only to those entering Canada by air. A regular visitor visa is still required for those arriving by cruise ship or other sea and land crossings.

In addition to the Philippines, the expanded list includes Thailand, Argentina, Costa Rica, Morocco, Panama, Seychelles, Uruguay, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Applicants must have a valid passport, an email address, and a credit or debit card to complete the online application. Once approved, the authorization is electronically linked to the traveler’s passport and is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires.

Canadian officials said the move is intended to make travel more efficient and affordable while maintaining security standards.