The Canadian government unveiled a new immigration policy that grants visa-free travel to visitors from several countries, including Morocco and Seychelles.

This expansion also encompasses 11 other countries across Asia, Africa, Central, and South America.

Ghana did not secure a spot in this extended privilege. The countries benefiting from the new policy include Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts-Nevis, Panama, Argentina, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Morocco, Seychelles, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, explained that the expansion of the electronic travel authorization (eTA) programme aims to facilitate the seamless entry of "known travelers" from the aforementioned countries, whether for leisure or business purposes.

This development not only enhances convenience but also promotes increased travel, tourism, economic benefits, and stronger global connections among the 13 countries involved.

Minister Fraser emphasised the financial advantages for "known travelers" from these nations, as the visa exemptions can result in substantial cost savings. Currently, a visitor visa costs $100 per person or $500 for a family of five or more. In contrast, an eTA only costs seven dollars per person and remains valid for up to five years.

The introduction of visa-free air travel by Canada is aimed at streamlining and expediting the process for thousands of visitors who intend to spend up to six months in the country for leisure or business purposes.

This initiative is expected to make traveling to Canada faster, easier, and more affordable for individuals from the 13 selected countries, promoting stronger ties and facilitating increased exchanges between Canada and these nations.