September 21, 2016

Canadian Immigration Further Extends Leniency Period for eTA Enforcement

Canadian immigration announced today that in order to provide travelers and airlines more time to prepare for the official enforcement of the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) requirement, the leniency period has now been extended to November 9, 2016 (previously 30 September 2016). Starting November 10, 2016:

• Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, will need a valid Canadian passport to board their flight to Canada;
• Permanent residents of Canada will require a valid permanent residence card; and
• All visa-exempt travellers (except U.S. citizens) will need an eTA to board flights to Canada.

Canada introduced the eTA requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air in March 2016. The requirement was introduced under the Canada U.S. Beyond the Border Action Plan in order to develop a common approach to pre-screening air travelers entering to either country. A six-month leniency period was initially put in place, but has now been extended until November 9, 2016.

“In consultation with airline partners, we’re taking further steps to minimize any travel disruptions,”said John McCallum, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. “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 immigration confirms that close to 2 million eTAs have already been issued to date. eTAs cost $7 and are valid for five years or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

For more information on Temporary Migration to Canada, click here.

(Sources)