Flying To Canada? Electronic Travel Authorization Becomes Mandatory On November 10, 2016

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) initiative to pre-screen visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to or transiting through Canada by air. The eTA was introduced in March 2016. The mandatory implementation of the eTA has been delayed a number of times, as indicated in our September and October bulletins. However, effective November 10, 2016 all visa-exempt nationals, with limited exceptions, must have an eTA in order to travel to Canada by air.

What is an eTA?

The eTA initiative is similar to the ESTA program in the United States. An eTA must be obtained prior to travelling to Canada by air. It is automatically linked to the foreign national's passport. The application process is quick and simple.