- Northwood Tours
eTA, visa and customs checks for group travel
Entry planning begins with each traveller's circumstances. A shared itinerary is useful for coordinating the trip, but document checks and packing decisions still need individual attention. Work through the requirements before departure, then explain the arrival process separately so that everyone knows what to prepare.
IRCC's eTA application guidance says visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization to fly to Canada or transit through it by air. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA. A group organiser should therefore avoid sending the same application instruction to every participant.
The fee is $7 CAD, and approved eTAs are valid for up to five years. Applying requires a valid passport from a visa-exempt country, a valid credit card and an email address. The cardholder's name need not match the applicant's name. Keep the fee, the documents needed and the traveller's eligibility as separate checks; being able to make a payment does not establish which document is appropriate.
Handle each person's application separately, even when one organiser is helping several people. IRCC's instructions for helping another applicant say to answer "yes" when asked whether you are applying on behalf of someone. For a child under 18, also answer "yes" to the question about applying on behalf of a minor child.
IRCC directs helpers to enter the applicant's email address in the Contact Details section so it can communicate directly with that person. Review whose details are being entered before moving through the form. An organiser's role is to support the process while keeping each traveller's information distinct.
According to IRCC's official-website guidance, the Government of Canada website is the official place to apply. Even authorised third parties must use that website. Companies charging to provide information or submit applications are not operating on behalf of the Government of Canada. The questions at the start of the official application form help determine whether an eTA is needed.
Use that official route for the traveller's requirement check and application. Make the source clear in any departure instructions so participants can distinguish government guidance from paid assistance.
The Canada Gazette regulation took effect at 11:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on February 29, 2024. Mexican nationals require a temporary resident visa, also called a visitor visa, subject to the air-travel eligibility described in the regulation. Those travelling by air who held a Canadian visitor visa in the previous 10 years or hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa are eligible to apply for an eTA.
The regulation invalidated existing Mexican nationals' eTAs except those held by valid study or work permit holders, whose authorisations remain valid until expiry. Do not assume an earlier authorisation still applies. Use the IRCC guidance above to check the individual's circumstances; eligibility to apply should be distinguished from having an approved application.
CBSA's airport declaration guidance lists kiosks at Toronto Pearson Terminals 1 and 3, Billy Bishop, Ottawa, Montreal-Trudeau, Quebec City and Hamilton airports. It lists eGates at Pearson Terminal 1. Travellers verify their identity and make an on-screen declaration. At airports without a kiosk or eGate, a declaration card is provided on the flight or on arrival and presented to a border services officer.
Explain the process for the group's arrival airport rather than assuming every terminal has the same equipment. Keep the entry-document discussion separate from the customs declaration about what each person is carrying.
CBSA's visitor packing rules require declarations of food, plant and animal products, including pets, and all alcohol, tobacco and vaping products. Undeclared food or related products can be seized and can lead to a penalty of up to $1,300. Check snacks and gifts as carefully as larger purchases.
The minimum alcohol age is 18 when entering Alberta, Manitoba or Quebec, and 19 elsewhere. CBSA lists alcohol quantities of 1.5 litres of wine, 1.14 litres of spirits or 8.5 litres of beer or ale, and tobacco quantities of 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars. Treat the alcohol options as alternatives.
Gifts must be declared. Eligible gifts under $60 each are free of duties and taxes; alcohol, tobacco, vaping products and advertising matter are excluded. For gifts above $60, applicable duties and taxes apply to the amount over $60. Review the official guidance before packing rather than relying on a group's shared shopping list.