Electronic Travel Authorization and Canadian Visas

Canadian government: Americans are exempted, as are those with valid Canadian visas, according to Huffington Post Canada. The eTA requires would-be travellers to apply online days before boarding their flight. The Electronic Travel Authorization is a new mandatory entry requirement for almost all foreign nationals who don’t normally have to get a visa to come to Canada, such as French, Norwegians and British citizens, who fly or pass through Canada. They must pay a $7 fee and provide the Canadian government with passport and personal information, such as marital status and funds available for the trip, as well as details about any possible criminal records, health problems and any past immigration issues. French Ambassador Nicolas Chapuis took particular issue with the matter, taking his concerns to high-ranking officials in the Canadian government. The eTA, which is in line with similar requirements for the United States, was announced last summer with a long phase-in until becoming mandatory on March 15. But foreigners and dual-nationals complained. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.