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ARTICLE · 11 DECEMBER 2015

Immigration Alert: Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) Requirements Coming Into Effect

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Starting March 15, 2016, visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada will require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

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Starting March 15, 2016, visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada will require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). The new eTA requirement is a result of the Canada-United States Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness Action Plan, which requires Canada and the United States to establish a common approach to screening visa-exempt foreign nationals before they travel by air to either nation. As a result of amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, the new eTA requirement becomes effective on March 15, 2016.

Who Requires an eTA?

Subject to the exceptions noted below, all visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada will require an eTA. A list of visa-exempt countries whose citizens will require an eTA is located at this link on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website.

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