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IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? Canada’s new Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system for visa-waived nationals is experiencing technical difficulties that are preventing Israeli nationals from applying for an online eTA.
What does the change mean? The system becomes mandatory March 15. Until the problem is fixed, Israeli nationals may rely on their visa-waived status and travel to Canada with an Israeli passport. All other eligible nationalities are encouraged to apply for an eTA before the system becomes mandatory.
Background: The Electronic Travel Authorization will replace the visa waiver for foreign nationals currently exempt from having to obtain a visitor visa to Canada. The system launched in August and has experienced periodic technical difficulties in the transition, which has caused minor delays in applying for an eTA.
Beginning March 15, visa-waived nationals traveling to Canada by air will be required to have an eTA before boarding their flight. U.S. citizens are exempt and will be able to enter Canada with proof of citizenship.
Currently, Israeli nationals are unable to apply because of a technical system issue. According to a spokesperson for Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (formerly Citizenship and Immigration Canada), the agency is working on the problem and hopes to have it fixed by mid-February. In the meantime, Israeli passport holders planning to travel to Canada may continue to rely on their visa-exempt status.
Travelers may visit the eTA website for the list of nationals required to obtain an eTA.
BAL Analysis: The technical difficulties are a reminder to travelers not to wait until the last minute to apply for an eTA, as there may be a flood of applicants close to the March 15 deadline, and delays or technical difficulties with the new system could arise.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Canada. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
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