eTA changes extended to Nov. 10

Changes to Canada’s electronic travel authorization (eTA) program have been pushed back from Sept. 30 to Nov. 10, the government announced, allowing travellers and airlines more time to prepare for changes when flying to or transiting through Canada.

Starting Nov. 10, Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, will need a valid Canadian passport to board their flight to Canada; travellers without a valid Canadian passport may experience delays. All visa-exempt travellers (except U.S. citizens) will need an eTA to board their flight, according to a government statement.

In March 2016, Canada introduced the eTA requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada temporarily by air, a key commitment under the Canada U.S. Beyond the Border Action Plan to develop a common approach to pre-screening air travellers coming to either country. A six-month leniency period was put in place so that travellers who are unfamiliar with eTA could still board their flight to Canada.