Starting March 15, 2016, Canada will begin rolling out an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) requirement for visa-exempt foreign travelers who fly to or through Canada. U.S. citizens and foreign travelers with valid visas will not need eTAs.
But affected travelers will have a leniency period until November 9, 2016. During that time, travelers who ultimately will need eTAs can board flights without eTAs, as long as they have appropriate travel documents such as a valid passport. During this time, Canadian border officers will let these travelers enter the country as long as they meet other requirements for entry.
BCD Travel is notifying clients’ affected travelers about the eTA requirement. Since late January, a message has appeared on relevant itinerary confirmations and ticket receipts for trips scheduled March 15 or later. The notifications provide a link to a Canadian government website where travelers can check whether they need an eTA and find out how to apply.
