Update on Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)  requirement at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). We wanted to share a few important updates about this new requirement.  

eTA is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to Canada. As of March 15, 2016, citizens of countries that do not require a visa to come to Canada, as well as lawful permanent residents of the United States, need an eTA to fly to or transit through Canada. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. 

To ensure a smooth transition to this entry requirement, the Government of Canada put in place a leniency period so that travellers caught unaware of eTA were not inconvenienced. This leniency period was originally set to end on September 29; however, following consultations with airlines, it has been extended until November 9.. This means, that starting November 10, all visa-exempt travellers to Canada (except U.S. citizens) will need an eTA to board their flight to Canada. As well, Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, will need a valid Canadian passport to travel to Canada by air

The government is now in the midst of conducting another major information blitz to advise travellers of the importance of obtaining the appropriate travel documents before booking a flight to Canada. Their goal during this communication campaign (September 25-November 9) is to reach as many affected travellers as possible; and the main message is to encourage eTA-required travellers to obtain an eTA and for Canadian citizens, including dual national Canadians, to obtain a valid Canadian passport before booking a flight to Canada. 

Marketing creatives and updated communication products are available for your use on the eTA FTP page. Here you will find products such as the eTA factsheet, an information product aimed at dual national Canadian citizens, and a social media calendar with ready-to-use posts in both official languages.