Canada now requires ETA for travel or transit
 

As a Canadian this doesn’t affect me but I’m sure there are some Fodorites who need to be aware of the new requirements, effective March 15. First I heard of it was an email from Cathay Pacific. Note: this does not apply to US citizens. Details here:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp

If the system works as smoothly as the one for acquiring an Australian ETA it shouldn’t be a problem. Also, in the news today, an announcement that work is underway to streamline border crossings between Canada and the US. Sounds like this is intended mainly to facilitate commercial traffic, but anything that reduces lineups is good.

The Canadian eTA is only for those who are from visa exempt countries and even then, they do not have to get the eTA if they have a valid passport with them and meet all other entry requirements. Those who need a visitor visa follow a different process.

It already is not working smoothly -- the introduction of this so-called electronic extension of the passport has been delayed until fall at least.

what is an ETA?

Electronic travel authority.