Canqda is taking a major leap toward modernizing its border control systems. The federal government has officially launched a trial run for a new electronic document system, signaling a potential shift away from traditional passport stickers.
Here is everything you need to know about the new Canada digital visa pilot program and what it means for future travelers.
Moving Beyond the Physical Passport Sticker
For decades, getting a visa meant sending your passport away and waiting for a physical counterfoil (sticker) to be glued onto a page. However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is currently testing a modern alternative.
New canada digital visa allows travelers to store their entry documents directly on their smartphones. Much like a digital boarding pass or concert ticket, this visa can be saved securely in an Apple Wallet or Google Wallet on Android devices. This move is designed to streamline the experience for travelers while bolstering national security.
Who is Part of the Test?
This technology is not yet available to everyone. Officials began developing the framework in early 2024 and launched the live test last month. Specifically, the pilot is focused on a select group of Moroccan citizens.
The government is inviting approximately 7,000 Moroccan applicants to participate. To qualify for this specific Canada digital visa trial, participants must have applied for a visitor or business visa directly, without the assistance of a consultant or lawyer.
Officials chose Morocco for this initial rollout due to the frequency of direct flights between the two nations and the strong support network available through local visa application centers.
How the Canada Digital Visa Works
If a traveler is selected for the pilot, they receive instructions on how to download their document. When arriving at the airport or border, they simply present the digital record on their phone to airline staff and border officers.
However, because this is still a testing phase, the government is taking precautions. Participants will still receive a physical sticker in their passport. This ensures that if there are any technical glitches with the Canada digital visa, the traveler will not be denied boarding or entry.
Focusing on Security and Privacy
One of the primary drivers behind this initiative is fraud prevention. The Immigration Department has stated that these digital documents use advanced cryptography, making them highly resistant to forgery. This technology makes it much easier for officers to verify the authenticity of the issuer and detect if the document has been tampered with.
Furthermore, privacy remains a top priority. While the Canada digital visa is stored on commercial devices (iPhones and Androids), tech giants like Apple and Google do not have access to the personal information contained within the visa. The data is encrypted and used solely for verification purposes.
Benefits of Canada Digital Visa
If this pilot proves successful, the shift to a Canada digital visa system could revolutionize the immigration process. The anticipated benefits include:
- Faster Access: Travelers can receive their documents instantly without waiting for mail delivery.
- Cost Reduction: Reducing the need for physical printing and shipping lowers administrative costs.
- Enhanced Security: Digital signatures make it difficult for bad actors to create fake visas.
What Comes Next?
This is not Canada’s first foray into digital entry requirements. For over a decade, the country has utilized the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for travelers from visa-exempt countries. However, the new pilot targets those who currently require a full visa, adding a layer of complexity and security verification that the eTA does not require.
The current Canada digital visa pilot is scheduled to conclude by the end of January 2025. During this time, the government will gather feedback from airlines and participants to assess the user experience.
For more information on entry requirements and current border regulations, you can visit the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
As the world becomes increasingly digital, the Canada digital visa represents a logical next step in making international travel smoother, safer, and more efficient.
READ MORE: Uk Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) – Complete 2026 Guide
