Long-haul, sometimes via the US
Canada eVisa (eTA): rules for Emirati travellers
From the United Arab Emirates, the trip to Canada is long-haul. Some routes connect in the United States, which adds a US formality to the Canadian eTA.
- Nationality
- Emirati
- eTA
- Required for air travel
- Official IRCC fee
- CA$7
- Flying time to Canada
- About 14 hr to Toronto nonstop
- Time difference
- Toronto is 8 hr behind Dubai in summer, 9 hr in winter
- Currency at departure
- AED
From the United Arab Emirates
What to check before departure
Your flights to Canada
Nonstop flights from Dubai to Toronto, and many connections via Europe.
Schedules and routes from the United Arab Emirates can change. Check the full itinerary with the airline, including the formalities of every connecting country.
- Departure airports
- Dubai · Abu Dhabi
- Airlines flying to Canada
- Emirates · Air Canada
High season: the summer months and the Eid holidays. Book early during these busy periods.
Your passport
A valid Emirati passport. The eTA is electronically linked to it: if you get a new passport, you must apply for a new eTA.
Health
No vaccination certificate is required to enter Canada from the United Arab Emirates. Travel insurance is still strongly recommended: healthcare is expensive for visitors.
Point to watch
Emirati citizens are not eligible for the US ESTA: a connection in the United States requires a US visa in addition to the eTA. Prefer a nonstop flight or a European connection.
US connection: one more formality
A connection on US soil requires a US authorization (ESTA or visa, depending on nationality) in addition to the eTA. A nonstop flight avoids it.
Mind the time difference
Booking dates follow local time: an evening departure can land in Canada on the same day, or even the day before.
Good to know
Travelling to Canada from the United Arab Emirates
Trip idea from the United Arab Emirates
From the UAE, the nonstop flight to Toronto is the simplest option. Many travellers use it to visit Niagara Falls, about an hour and a half away by road, and enjoy the Canadian summer, much cooler than the Gulf, ideal for Ontario's parks and lakes.
Combining with the United States
If you combine Canada and the United States, note that Emirati citizens are not eligible for the ESTA: entering the US requires a US visa, obtained in advance from a US embassy or consulate.
Electricity
Canada uses type A and B sockets at 120 V. Bring an adapter for the three-pin plugs used in the UAE and check the voltage your devices accept.
Language
English is the everyday language in most of the country. In Quebec the majority language is French: a few words will help, although English is widely understood in Montreal.
To prepare
The application of a Emirati national
A passport from a visa-exempt country
The eTA is electronically linked to this passport. It must be valid, and it is the passport you will show when boarding.
A valid email address
The answer and any request for additional documents arrive by email. Check the spelling and keep an eye on your spam folder.
Your personal details
Names, date and place of birth, nationality, address and phone number, as shown on your documents.
A payment card
Payment is made online by card, securely.
Frequently asked questions
What Emirati travellers often ask us
Do Emirati travellers need an eTA for Canada?
Yes, for air travel. Emirati nationals are visa-exempt but must obtain an eTA before boarding a flight to or through Canada. By land or sea, it is generally not required.
How long is the flight from the United Arab Emirates?
About 14 hr to Toronto nonstop. Nonstop flights from Dubai to Toronto, and many connections via Europe.
Which airlines fly from the United Arab Emirates to Canada?
From Dubai and Abu Dhabi, flights to Canada are operated by airlines including Emirates and Air Canada. Routes change, so check the full itinerary with the airline.
Do I need a vaccination to enter Canada from the United Arab Emirates?
No vaccination certificate is required to enter Canada from the United Arab Emirates. Travel insurance is still strongly recommended: healthcare is expensive for visitors.
What should I watch out for during the connection?
Emirati citizens are not eligible for the US ESTA: a connection in the United States requires a US visa in addition to the eTA. Prefer a nonstop flight or a European connection.
What is the time difference between the United Arab Emirates and Canada?
Toronto is 8 hr behind Dubai in summer, 9 hr in winter. Canada spans six time zones: check the one for your arrival city.
When are seats hardest to find from the United Arab Emirates?
Busiest period for departures from the United Arab Emirates: the summer months and the Eid holidays. Apply for the eTA as soon as the trip is decided, even before booking.
Which passport do I need to apply for the eTA?
A valid Emirati passport. The eTA is electronically linked to it: if you get a new passport, you must apply for a new eTA.
What to see in Canada when travelling from the United Arab Emirates?
From the UAE, the nonstop flight to Toronto is the simplest option. Many travellers use it to visit Niagara Falls, about an hour and a half away by road, and enjoy the Canadian summer, much cooler than the Gulf, ideal for Ontario's parks and lakes.
Can I combine Canada and the United States from the United Arab Emirates?
If you combine Canada and the United States, note that Emirati citizens are not eligible for the ESTA: entering the US requires a US visa, obtained in advance from a US embassy or consulate.
Do I need a plug adapter for Canada?
Canada uses type A and B sockets at 120 V. Bring an adapter for the three-pin plugs used in the UAE and check the voltage your devices accept.
What language is spoken in Canada?
English is the everyday language in most of the country. In Quebec the majority language is French: a few words will help, although English is widely understood in Montreal.
Go further
Guides to plan your trip
- Trip planning
When to visit Canada, season by season
Summer, autumn colours, snowy winter: a calendar for choosing the best time for your trip.
6 min read - Formalities
Getting your eTA application right first time
Passport number, dual nationality, email address: the details that derail an application and how to avoid them.
6 min read - On the ground
Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver: choosing your city
What each major city offers, how to travel between them and how many days to plan.
7 min read
Other nationalities
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- EuropeFranceCanada eTA: requirements and steps for French travellers.View the page
- EuropeBelgiumCanada eTA: requirements and steps for Belgian travellers.View the page
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