Visiting Friends and Family May Need Preapproval to Enter Canada

05/03/2015

Visa-exempt foreigners need to have an “electronic travel authorization” (ETA) starting March 15, 2016 to enter Canada. This new security measure by the government of Canada will pre-screen visitors before they arrive in order to identify “high-risk” travellers.

What is the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?

The ETA only applies to those arriving by air, which will cover a majority of visitors arriving from countries other than the US. It costs $7 and is valid for 5 years—not bad as long as the application process is simple enough. Visitors will be able to apply for the ETA by August 1, 2015.

The ETA will also save visitors the trouble of getting turned away once they arrive; 7,000 people were turned away after arriving at Canadian airports in 2012 and 2013.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) Exemptions

There are, however, visitors exempted from the ETA. Those exempted are:

  1. US nationals
  2. Those who have a Canadian temporary resident visa
  3. Commercial air crew
  4. Certain foreign diplomats
  5. Citizens of France who are residents of St. Pierre and Miquelon
  6. 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
  7. Individuals transiting through Canada as a passenger on a flight who are in possession of any visa required to enter the country of destination
  8. 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
  9. Study or work permit holders re-entering Canada following a visit solely to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon
  10. Her Majesty in right of Canada and any member of the Royal Family

Travel Underwriters

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