Canada has officially confirmed that US citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States are exempt from the electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) requirement, allowing them to enter the country without a visa or eTA under specific conditions.
Who Qualifies for the eTA Exemption
According to Canada's official guidance, citizens of the United States are not required to obtain an eTA before travelling to Canada. However, they must carry valid identification, with a current US passport listed as the standard acceptable document.
The exemption also extends beyond citizens. Canada confirmed that lawful permanent residents of the United States qualify for the same eTA exemption, a provision that came into effect on 26 April 2022.
Required Documents for US Permanent Residents
US permanent residents who wish to enter Canada without an eTA must carry two specific documents. The first is a valid passport issued by their country or territory of nationality, or an equivalent travel document accepted by Canadian authorities. The second is a valid green card, or an equivalent document serving as proof of lawful status in the United States.
Both documents are required regardless of how the traveller enters Canada, whether by air, land, or sea. Travelling with only one of the two documents is not sufficient to qualify for the eTA exemption.
Impact on Other Travellers
Travellers who do not fall within these exempt categories are generally required to apply for an eTA before flying to Canada, or a visa depending on their nationality.
Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that Canada released the full list of visa-exempt countries and territories whose citizens may be eligible to apply for a work permit at a port of entry. The Canadian government said applicants must meet all the required conditions, including being from a visa-exempt country or territory.
