Mark your calendars — the date for the full implementation of Canada's new pre-screening system for visa-exempt visitors has been announced. As of September 29, 2016, travellers to Canada from certain countries must have an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and persons with a valid Canadian visa.

Until September 29, 2016, travellers who do not have an eTA can board their flight, as long as they have appropriate travel documents, such as a valid passport.

The government of Canada had initially set a date of March 15, 2016 for full implementation of the system. However, a leniency period was announced in early March. At that time, it was announced that this leniency period would end in Autumn/Fall of 2016.

We now know that the end date for the period will be September 29. Travellers to Canada have been able to apply for and obtain an eTA since August, 2015, though it has not been mandatory to do so in order to be granted entry to Canada.

About electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

The system is similar to the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) currently in use by the United States of America. The Canadian pre-approval system will only be required for TRV-exempt individuals seeking to enter Canada by air to visit on a temporary basis. A fee of CAD $7.00 is required for processing. Electronic travel authorization is valid for a period of five 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 includes 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.

A number of exemptions from the requirement to obtain pre-approval to travel are in place, including:

• 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.

Who needs an eTA?

Unless otherwise exempt, citizens of the following countries must obtain an eTA in order to enter Canada as of September 29, 2016:

To learn more, review our comprehensive electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) FAQ.