Finally the wait is over on Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)… The date for the implementing Canada’s new pre-screening system for visa-exempt visitors has been announced.
Starting September 29, 2016, travelers to Canada from certain countries must have an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before they enter Canada even if they are flying through. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and persons with a valid Canadian visa.
Until then, travelers will be able to board their flight as long as they have appropriate travel documents, such as a valid passport. During this leniency period, border services officers can let travellers arriving without an eTA into the country, as long as they meet the other requirements to enter Canada.
About eTA
The system, which came into operation on March 15, 2016, is similar to the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) currently in use by the United States of America.
The requirement for Canadian pre-approval system will only be for TRV-exempt individuals seeking to enter Canada by air to visit on a temporary basis. There is a fee of $7.00 Canadian dollars for processing. Electronic travel authorization will be valid for a period of 5 years from the day on which it is issued to the applicant or until the earliest of the following days, if they occur before the end of that period:
- The day on which the applicant’s passport or other travel document expires,
- The day on which the electronic travel authorization is cancelled, or
- The day on which a new electronic travel authorization is issued to the applicant.
The ETA will include the applicant’s name, date and place of birth, gender, address, nationality, and passport and/or travel document information. If the applicant is unable to make the application by means of the electronic system because of a physical or mental disability, it may be made by another means, including a paper application form.
In 2012–2013, the total number of visa-exempt foreign nationals who arrived in Canada and were deemed inadmissible for entry at air ports of entry was 7,055. This resulted in significant expense, delay and inconvenience for these foreign nationals, other travellers, the airlines and the Canadian government.
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A number of exemptions according to CIC are:
- nationals of the United States,
- individuals already in possession of a Canadian temporary resident visa,
- certain foreign diplomats,
- commercial air crew,
- citizens of France who are residents of St. Pierre and Miquelon,
- individuals in possession of a visa to enter the United States on a flight bound for that country in transit through Canada, where the sole purpose of the flight stopping in Canada is for purpose of refuelling,
- individuals transiting through Canada as a passenger on a flight who are in possession of any visa required to enter the country of destination;
- individuals carrying out official duties as a member of the armed forces of a country that is a designated state for the purposes of the Visiting Forces Act,
- study or work permit holders re-entering Canada following a visit solely to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon, and
- Her Majesty in right of Canada and any member of the Royal Family.
Which Country National need eTA?
Citizens of the following countries must obtain an eTA in order to enter Canada as of September 29, 2016:
| Andorra | Anguilla | Antigua & Barbuda |
| Australia | Austria | Bahamas |
| Barbados | Belgium | Bermuda |
| Chile | Croatia | Cyprus |
| Czech Republic | Denmark | Estonia |
| Finland | France | Germany |
| Greece | Hungary | Iceland |
| Ireland | Israel | Italy |
| Japan | Korea (South) | Latvia |
| Liechtenstein | Lithuania | Luxembourg |
| Malta | Monaco | Netherlands |
| New Zealand | Norway | Poland |
| Portugal | San Marino | Singapore |
| Slovakia | Slovenia | Spain |
| Sweden | Switzerland | Taiwan |
| Turks and Caicos | United Kingdom | United States of America |