Canada has tightened entry requirements for most visa-exempt travellers arriving by sea from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, requiring them to obtain an electronic travel authorization before entering Canada.
The new eTA requirement applies to sea arrivals by:
- Ferry.
- Commercial vessel.
- Private vessel.
The change took effect at 1:00 a.m. EDT on June 5, 2026.
Who Is Exempt
The following travellers are exempt from the new eTA requirement:
- Passengers arriving by cruise ship.
- Seafarers working on commercial vessels, such as fishing boats.
- U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents.
- French citizens who are residents of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and are travelling directly to Canada.
There are no changes for travellers from visa-required countries.
Why Canada Introduced the Change
The policy was introduced in response to foreign nationals attempting to avoid Canada’s pre-arrival screening requirements by travelling by boat between Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and Fortune, Newfoundland and Labrador.
How eTAs Usually Work
Electronic travel authorizations are typically required for foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries who arrive in Canada by air or transit through a Canadian airport.
Travellers apply for an eTA online. Once issued, often within a few minutes, the authorization is linked to the traveller’s passport and is usually valid for up to five years.
Source article: www.cicnews.com
