Do you sell inbound travel to Canada? Are your clients bringing friends or relatives to Canada for a visit? Air Transat wants to remind you to be sure to familiarize yourself with the requirements for the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) programme from the Government of Canada.

This entry requirement, which came into effect on November 10, 2016, is mandatory for ALL visa-exempt foreign nationals (except U.S. citizens) travelling to Canada by air. The eTA program does NOT apply to holders of a valid Canadian passport, holders of a Canadian Permanent Resident Card (PRC), U.S. citizens, or citizens of any country requiring a visa to enter Canada. These travellers must present the appropriate documents for travel, including visas where applicable.

Prior to travelling to Canada, travellers must request an eTA by filling out an application form online. The resulting document must be available to be shown at the airport at departure and before boarding the plane, along with a valid passport. eTA eligible applicants must still have a valid passport, as well as an  email address and credit card (the eTA costs $7.00 CA) in order to complete the online form and receive the approved eTA document.

While most applicants get their eTA approval within minutes, it is recommended that travellers apply for their eTA well in advance of travelling. Air Transat strongly suggests that eligible travellers apply for the eTA when booking their flights, while the Government of Canada recommends applying before purchasing flights. eTAs are typically valid for up to five years and, provided the Government of Canada does not choose to cancel the eTA, can be used over and over until a traveller’s passport expires.

Air Transat also recommends that eTA travellers present themselves at Air Transat’s check-in counters at least three hours before their scheduled departure time.

For full details on Canada’s eTA programme, visit the Government of Canada’s eTA website.

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