Reminder: Visa-Exempt Nationals to Require Electronic Travel Authorization On or After September 30, 2016
August 30, 2016

Canada
On or after September 30, 2016, visa-exempt nationals who plan to enter or exit and re-enter Canada by air must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) prior to boarding a flight to Canada. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travelers with a valid Canadian Temporary Resident Visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA.
Visa-exempt nationals who plan to enter or exit and re-enter Canada by air will be able to board their flight and enter Canada as long as they have appropriate travel documents, such as a valid passport, until September 29, 2016.
Online applications for the eTA and a full list of visa-exempt nationals is available on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.
What This Means for Foreign Nationals
Affected foreign nationals should obtain an eTA by the deadline.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
© 2016 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
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