Implementation of the electronic travel authorization (eTA)

Circular note no. NMD-0001 of April 30, 2015

Most recent update: February 1, 2016

The Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development presents its compliments to Their Excellencies the Heads of Diplomatic Missions and notified Chargés d’affaires, a.i. accredited to Canada, as well as to the Heads of International Organizations and Special Representative Offices in Canada, and has the honour to provide updated information regarding the implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) and related links.

Canada's eTA, a new electronic document requirement for visa-exempt travellersFootnote * seeking to enter Canada by air, unless otherwise exempted, will be mandatory as of March 15, 2016. Affected travellers may apply online for the eTA.

In the event that foreign missions, international organizations and special representative offices have questions relating to the eTA, they should contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada at CIC-eTA-AVE@cic.gc.ca. Additional information on the eTA is available on Canada Gazette website

The Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development avails itself of this opportunity to renew to Their Excellencies the Heads of Diplomatic Missions and notified Chargés d’affaires, a.i. accredited to Canada, as well as to the Heads of International Organizations and Special Representative Offices in Canada, the assurances of its highest consideration.

OTTAWA, April 30, 2015

Footnotes

Footnote *

Note: Foreign representatives who intend to travel to Canada to take up their diplomatic or official assignment, and their accompanying family members, must apply for the appropriate temporary resident visa (TRV) if they are a citizen of a country that requires a visa. Nationals of countries that do not require a visa should nonetheless apply for one. This, more than the eTA, will facilitate their entry at Canadian ports of entry and ensure the right processing upon arrival, thus minimizing the risks of irritating incidents.

Return to footnote * referrer