As readers will know, we have been anticipating the implementation of the mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (“eTA”) requirement on March 15, 2016. eTAs are applications required by travellers to Canada from countries where a visa is not required. Subject to limited exceptions (notably US citizens), anyone boarding an airplane starting March 15 would require an eTA. For details about the program, its requirements, and its impact on travellers to Canada, please see http://www.kranclaw.com/2016/01/electronic-travel-authorizations-beware-the-ides-of-march/.
However, the Canadian government has just announced that the implementation of the mandatory eTA requirement is being postponed until the fall of 2016. No specific date has been provided.
Please note that, though not mandatory, it is still possible to obtain an eTA at this time, which will be valid for 5 years. Frequent travellers may still be well-advised to seek an eTA now to avoid difficulties in the future.
We will of course provide further information about the program as soon as it becomes available.
The information in this article is for general purposes only, and not intended as legal advice for any particular situation.