Canada has many beautiful natural places to visit, like Lake Louise (above), as well as a number of world class urban centers.  Yes, the winters can be harsh but summers are nearly perfect.  It’s not surprising that many people from abroad want to visit Canada.

For better or worse, hopefully for the better, the Canadian government has made this a little harder for most visa-exempt travelers, except those from the USA.  Starting August 1, 2015, eligible travelers can apply online for an eTA (electronic Transfer Authorization).  On March 15, 2016, this entry requirement will become mandatory and many travelers will need an eTA before they can board a flight to Canada.  Entry requirements for other methods of travel (land, sea) have not changed and do not require eTAs.  The program mirrors that of the United States.

The intent of the eTA program is to allow better pre-screening of foreign nationals who come to Canada. The process is only supposed to take a few minutes and the traveler generally receives approval within minutes; the eTA is approved after a fee of about $5 US is paid (the program is intended to be self-funding).  Applicants found to be inadmissible to Canada will have their eTA applications deny (e.g. due to history of criminality or fraud). 

In addition to the eTA, Canada will also implement an Interactive Advance Passenger Information (IAPI) system to screen all passengers on international flights to Canada prior to boarding. This will allow the Government to confirm with airlines (i.e. commercial transporters) whether travelers requiring an eTA are properly documented for travel to Canada and to prevent travel for those who are not.