The Electronic Traveller Authorisation (eTA) scheme was due to come into force next week but according to The Independent, it has been put on hold following IT difficulties.
Now the department of Immigration, Refugees and Canadian Citizenship has updated the country’s stance on the matter, giving no official U-turn on the policy.
It said: “Travellers are expected to have an eTA to travel to Canada, starting March 15, 2016. That said, leniency will be shown to travellers who are caught unaware over the months following eTA implementation.
“This leniency period is to make sure travelling to Canada remains easy and stress-free, including during Canada’s busy summer travel season.”
The government has also made its criteria clearer saying: “From March 15, 2016 until fall 2016, travellers who do not have an eTA can board their flight, as long as they have appropriate travel documents, such as a valid passport. During this time, border services officers can let travellers arriving without an eTA into the country, as long as they meet the other requirements to enter Canada.”
The authorisation, which has similar requirements to the Esta system used by the US, remains valid for five years.
Currently, Canada’s government does not allow visitors who are considered a security risk, have been convicted of a serious crime, or who possess financial or health problems.
