However, similar to other visa-exempt travellers, they would need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to board a flight to Canada. Applying for an eTA is a simple, inexpensive online process that takes minutes to complete.

Romanians and Bulgarians who already have a valid Canadian visa can continue to travel to or transit through a Canadian airport with that visa until it expires. You do not need to apply for a new eTA. As well, those who already have an eTA can continue to fly to Canada with that eTA until it expires or they get a new passport.

For more information, please click here.

The post Important Information for Bulgarian and Romanian Citizens Travelling to Canada first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

The eTA program is a key commitment of the Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness Action Plan and mirrors the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program.  Starting March 15, 2016, certain visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada via air will require an eTAs.

Although U.S. citizens will continue to not require an eTA or a visa to travel to Canada, U.S. residents will.  A list of countries whose foreign nationals will require an eTA can be found here.

How it works:

The eTA applications are made online and cost $7 (Canadian).  Submission of basic information, such as passport and biographic information will be requested.  Most applications will be processed online within minutes; however, non-routine cases will be deferred to an office inside Canada for further processing before a decision is made. Generally, eTAs will be issued for 5 years, or until the expiry of your passport, whichever is sooner.  Shorter durations could also be granted in cases where there are inadmissibility issues such as criminality or fraud.

Once issued, the eTA will be an electronic document listing your name, date and place of birth, gender, address, nationality, and passport and/or travel document information. Although you will receive an email indicating the status of your eTA, the eTA itself will be electronically linked to your passport.

Given the eTA is an electronic document, there is currently no way for airlines to determine if someone possesses the required eTA before boarding their flight. This too will change when the Canada Border Services Agency (“CBSA”) implements another new program – the Interactive Advance Passenger Information System (“IAPI”).  IAPI will allow passengers on international flights to Canada to be screened prior to boarding. This will allow the government to confirm with airlines whether travellers requiring an eTA are properly documented for travel to Canada and prevent travel for those who are not.

For foreign nationals who are approved work or study permits in Canada, starting August 1, 2015, will automatically be issued an eTA (if required) and will not need to submit a separate application or fee for this purpose.

For more information on inadmissibility, please click here and here.

The post New Month, New Rules: eTAs in Effect as of March 15! first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

Those who have been granted work or study permits on or prior to July 31st, 2015 are included as part of this new rule. The respective individuals will have to apply for an eTA if they are returning to Canada on or after March 15, 2016, via airplane. Those who have been issued a study or work permit on or after August 1, 2015, were automatically issued an eTA.

For more information, please contact us.

The post Electronic Travel Authorizations Set to Take Effect Shortly! first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.