Visa-exempt travellers will need electronic authorisation to visit canada

Visa-exempt travellers will soon need electronic authorisation to visit Canada.

From 15th March 2015, visa-exempt travellers will need electronic authorisation to visit Canada.

Similar to the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) currently used by the USA, the new system will be required for TRV-exempt individuals seeking to enter Canada by air to visit on a temporary basis. Previously, visa-exempt foreign nationals have not been screened for admissibility until they have arrived at a Canadian port of entry.

"In 2012–2013, the total number of visa-exempt foreign nationals who arrived in Canada and were deemed inadmissible for entry at air ports of entry was 7,055. This resulted in significant expense, delay and inconvenience for these foreign nationals, other travellers, the airlines and the Canadian government," says Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

A fee of CAD $7.00 will be required for processing the eTA, which will valid for five years.