I and my kids are getting on a plane from London to Toronto tomorrow . We are Irish passport holders going for a two week holiday. Do we need eTAs or not. advice seems confusing. Mentions March 15, 2016 as the mandatory date. But when I search under Ireland at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp it seems to say I (we) need one now as we are travelling in by air. Advice from fellow travellers appreciated????
Combie
You do NOT need an eTA until 15 March 2016 but you can apply for one now if you want to, they last for five years and cost C$7.
thanks all. visa not necy. border control people just confused when I raised. not sure if its a wee scam or not (have informed bank) but certainly no need for visa. thanks for all advice even incl the patriotic USD carrier.
Combie
Hi Combie
I am having the same problem i leave in one week and i'm unsure if i need it or not.
Do you think its just a scam ?
Did you end up purchasing it anyway ?
Did the boarder security ask for it at all ?
Sorry for all the questions this trip would be to important to miss over something as small as that.
Any reply would be great
Worried Traveler
#5 It is not a scam, it is the Government of Canada, they are rolling out their website six months before it becomes mandatory so that they can get all the bugs ironed out of it before it does become mandatory. If you are only going once to Canada then you do not need it, if you go regularly to Canada then it is good for five years or whenever your passport expires, whichever is sooner so you might want to apply now before they raise the prices (the equivalent US ESTA started out as free and now costs US$14 and only lasts for two years). The eTA is only necessary if you fly (and only after 15 March 2016), you do not need one if arriving by land or sea.
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