Canada’s ruling party has backed the abolition of visas for Ukrainians: what we know
13 April 10:38
Canada’s ruling Liberal Party has endorsed the elimination of visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens planning short-term visits to the country. This is stated in the final document of the party convention held in Montreal, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
According to the adopted resolution, Ukrainians will be able to visit Canada for up to 90 days without applying for a standard visitor visa.
What the Liberal Party of Canada Decided
The text of the resolution states that the Liberal Party of Canada is calling on the federal government to change entry rules for Ukrainian citizens. This involves waiving the requirement to obtain a standard visitor visa for short-term trips.
Instead of a regular visa, Ukrainians are being offered the option to apply for an electronic visa or an electronic entry permit. A similar system is already in place for citizens of European Union countries.
What is the proposed duration of travel allowed without a standard visa?
According to the adopted resolution, the new format is intended for short-term trips lasting up to 90 days within a six-month period.
In other words, this does not involve the complete abolition of all visa requirements, but rather a simplification specifically for short trips by Ukrainians to Canada.
What will replace the standard visa
The document states that instead of a standard visitor visa, Ukrainians would be required to obtain an electronic visa. This approach is already used for citizens of European Union countries and is considered a more convenient and modern mechanism for short-term entry.
In essence, this involves transitioning to a simplified system designed to replace the traditional process of obtaining a visitor visa.
Why this decision is considered important
The authors of the resolution emphasized that this approach reaffirms Canada’s leadership and its moral obligation to support Ukraine and democratic values.
Thus, the Liberal Party’s decision has not only practical but also political significance. It demonstrates support for Ukrainians at the level of the country’s ruling political force.
Where was this decision made
The resolution was adopted during the Liberal Party of Canada convention, which took place in Montreal. This party currently forms the Canadian government, so its decision carries significant political weight and may influence future government actions.
Why the issue of visa-free travel for Ukrainians to Canada is relevant again
The Liberal Party of Canada supported a visa-free regime for Ukraine as far back as 2016.
In March 2022, the Canadian Parliament voted to immediately lift the visa requirement for Ukraine.
However, despite this, such a regime has not yet been officially implemented.
That is why the new vote at the party convention has brought this issue back into the spotlight and demonstrated that the matter of simplifying travel for Ukrainians to Canada remains relevant.
Decisions regarding visa requirements fall under the jurisdiction of the government, but lawmakers can express political support and request that the executive branch consider a specific issue. Currently, Canada has a simplified travel regime for Ukrainian citizens, but they must obtain a visa before traveling to the country.
What this means for Ukrainians
If the Canadian government implements the provisions of the resolution, Ukrainian citizens will be able to travel to the country for short stays of up to 90 days without applying for a standard visitor visa. This could significantly simplify tourist, private, and other short-term trips.
For Ukrainians, this will mean fewer bureaucratic procedures and a simpler process for entering Canada.
