Feds Extend Leniency Period for New eTA Requirement
To give travellers and airlines more time to prepare for upcoming changes when flying to or transiting through Canada, the federal government is extending the leniency period for the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) requirement until Nov. 9.
Starting Nov. 10, Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, will need a valid Canadian passport to board their flight to Canada otherwise they will experience delays. All visa-exempt travellers (with the exception of US citizens) will need an eTA to board their flight.
In March, Canada introduced the eTA requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada temporarily by air. eTA was a key commitment under the Canada U.S. Beyond the Border Action Plan to develop a common approach to pre-screening air travellers coming to either country. A six-month leniency period was put in place so that travellers who are unfamiliar with eTA could still board their flights to Canada. This leniency period, which was set to end on Sept. 29, has now been extended until Nov. 9.
Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, cannot apply for an eTA and will need a valid Canadian passport to board their flight, starting Nov. 10. Although eTA is a new requirement for travellers, applying for one is a simple online process that costs $7. It is best for travellers to apply for an eTA before booking a flight to Canada.
