Travelsmart
OTTAWA — The federal government is extending its leniency period for the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) requirement until Nov. 9.
Starting Nov. 10 Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, will need a valid Canadian passport to board their flight to Canada. All visa-exempt travellers (except U.S. citizens) will need an eTA to board their flight.
Canada introduced the eTA requirement in March 2016 for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada temporarily by air. eTA was 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. The leniency period was set to end on Sept. 29.
“In consultation with airline partners, we’re taking further steps to minimize any travel disruptions,” said John McCallum, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. “We are extending the leniency period and doing another major information blitz in Canada and abroad to encourage affected travellers, including dual Canadian citizens, to plan ahead and get the necessary travel documents before they book a flight to Canada.”
Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, cannot apply for an eTA and will need a valid Canadian passport to board their flight, starting Nov. 10. Travellers without a valid Canadian passport may experience delays.
The government says applying for an eTA is a “simple online process” that costs $7. The government recommends travellers apply for an eTA before booking a flight to Canada.
Here are a few quick facts about the program:
Any time a country or region imposes any sort of visa stipulation – even if it’s a waiver – the travel industry sighs a collective groan, knowing the obstacles and headaches to come.
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