New Canada Travel Restrictions for Non-US citizens

[BuzzLightyearInTampa]

I haven't seen this posted on the boards yet so I thought I'd give people a "heads up."

A new law recently went into effect concerning non-US citizens traveling to or through Canada. If you're a non-US citizen (or someone in your family is) and you are going on a DCL Alaska cruise and you fly into Canada, please take note that you will need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). There is a "leniency period" through the summer this year, but it's something to keep in mind when planning a future cruise.

Had this law been in place in 2014 when we went on the DCL Alaska cruise, my DW (who is a permanent resident, but not a citizen) would have needed an eTA.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas-all.asp

 

[Pixie Naseweis]

Thank you for the information, but this only affects flight passengers. If you travel to Canada on land- or seaway you do not need an eTA. I researched this because of the Canada ports on our WBTA later this year.

 

[TestingH2O]

But don't the Disney cruises sail out of Vancouver? I would guess that many people opt to fly into Vancouver.

 

[Pixie Naseweis]

But don't the Disney cruises sail out of Vancouver? I would guess that many people opt to fly into Vancouver.

Of course, but there where also mentioned stops .. I just wanted to clarify this part. Sorry about the confusion!

 

[BuzzLightyearInTampa]

Of course, but there where also mentioned stops .. I just wanted to clarify this part. Sorry about the confusion!

You are correct. I have edited my original post to reflect this. (BTW, I find it odd that they would have different laws for driving or taking a train into the country vs. flying). But many (if not most) DCL Alaska cruisers fly into Vancouver so this just one more thing they may have to deal with. As someone who has a non-US citizen who is permanent resident in their family, the rules are not always straightforward or obvious in situations like these.

 

[jrabbit]

Please Note: Citizens of the United States of America are EXEMPT from the eTA.

This is from the above link and it made me smile ....

eTA Exemptions
The following foreign nationals will be exempt from the eTA requirement:
​

• • • Nationals of the United States.
    • Her Majesty the Queen of Canada and any member of the Royal Family

Us Yank's are right up there with the Queen (of England). I assume that once Elizabeth passes on that they will have to change this to the King (Charles / William).

 

[mab2012]

You are correct. I have edited my original post to reflect this. (BTW, I find it odd that they would have different laws for driving or taking a train into the country vs. flying). But many (if not most) DCL Alaska cruisers fly into Vancouver so this just one more thing they may have to deal with. As someone who has a non-US citizen who is permanent resident in their family, the rules are not always straightforward or obvious in situations like these.

I only learned about this new program the other day. As a Canadian citizen, I was initially surprised. Putting up red tape around visits from visa-exempt foreign nationals seems expensive, unnecessary, and slightly absurd (my personal opinion, of course). So I did a quick Google search to figure out what it's about.

"The eTA program is a key commitment of the Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness Action Plan and will mirror the current U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program to ensure a common approach to screening travellers outside the North American perimeter." http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/acts-regulations/forward-regulatory-plan/eta.asp

In other words, it's a US government initiative. Surprise, surprise. The Canadian government capitulates to lots of things that the US government wants, in the interest of keeping the US/Canadian border open and relatively hassle-free. (See also: 3D body screeners.) Which also explains why the rules are different for flights vs land crossings - those who are crossing by land have already been screened prior to or upon US entry. The program is tied directly to passports, which is presumably why US permanent residents are subject to the eTA requirements. No US passport == need eTA.

 

[Hundredacre]

Looks like EUROPEAN union citizens need it?

 

[steveyjc81]

Sounds a bit like the esta that we have to pay ($14) to enter the US. The irony of it is that apparently it goes to fund tourism by charging those already committed to visiting the US. Feel like I need one of those Kermit memes.

 

[Flossbolna]

Looks like EUROPEAN union citizens need it?

Yup, just like we have to get ESTA for travel to the US. However, it appears that the Canadian ETA is cheaper and valid for longer (7CAN$ for 5 years vs. 14US$ for two years).

 

[Hundredacre]

Yup, just like we have to get ESTA for travel to the US. However, it appears that the Canadian ETA is cheaper and valid for longer (7CAN$ for 5 years vs. 14US$ for two years).

I guess it does not matter if you are an eu citizen but american permanent resident?

 

[uandmfan]

[QUOTE="jrabbit, post: 55439131, member: 39217"
Us Yank's are right up there with the Queen (of England). .[/QUOTE]

Sorry to be picky but in this case she's the Queen of Canada. As our head of state she gets special treatment

 

[BuzzLightyearInTampa]

I guess it does not matter if you are an eu citizen but american permanent resident?

In that case (as in the case of my DW) you will need an eTA to fly into or through Canada.

 

[jrabbit]

="uandmfan, post: 55447785, member: 525765"][QUOTE="jrabbit, post: 55439131, member: 39217"
Us Yank's are right up there with the Queen (of England). .

Sorry to be picky but in this case she's the Queen of Canada. As our head of state she gets special treatment

I was pretty sure that Elizabeth is also the Queen of Canada - but I looked it up but I also assume that most of my fellow citizens of the United States are woefully uninformed of the "world". But those here on the DIS Cruise Forums are probably more informed that the general populous. I did get my picture taken by the Canada Gate at Buckingham Palace last summer.