As of November 10, 2016, most foreign nationals from countries that are visa-exempt (except for Americans) will be required to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) prior to flying into Canada.
Here are some of the key points to note:
- Citizens of the United States of America, Permanent Residents of Canada, and other small exempted groups will not require an eTA to board a flight to Canada.
- If you want to enter Canada by land or sea, you will not need an eTA.
- The eTAs are normally issued for 5 years or until the expiry date of your passport. If you have to renew or replace your passport a new eTA will be required.
- Work permits and study permits issued by the visa post and at the border after July 31, 2015 may already have eTAs attached to them.
- Dual Canadian citizens must now travel on their Canadian passports unless they receive special authorization (see below).
- Individuals with any criminal history may be denied an eTA and be determined inadmissible to enter Canada. If you do have a criminal record it is strongly recommended that you consult one of our lawyers prior to making an eTA application.
Until January 31, 2017, a Canadian with dual citizenship may apply for a special authorization allowing them to travel to Canada without their Canadian passport if they:
- Have a flight booked to Canada that leaves in less than 10 days, and
- Have a valid passport from a visa-exempt country, and
- Meet one of the following conditions:
- Have previously received a certificate of Canadian citizenship;
- Held a Canadian passport in the past; or
- Were granted Canadian citizenship after having been a Permanent Resident of Canada.
This special authorization will be valid for only 4 days from the date of travel selected on the application form. If it is not used within that time, a new authorization will be required.
To find out more information about these changes, contact us at (416) 548-9101, or at inquiries@www.lmlawgroup.com.
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