Visa-Exempt Nationals to Require Electronic Travel Authorization On or After September 30, 2016
April 28, 2016

Canada
Due to a relaxation of the deadline to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (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.
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 eTA prior to boarding a flight to Canada. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travelers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA.
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
Foreign nationals should benefit from the relaxation of the deadline. Fragomen will monitor the situation and advise of any further developments.
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
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