ETA for Canada

[111222333]

Cruising to Canada in September.  Stopping at several destinations.

Have been told by travel agent we need an ETA . But when I go online to get one it looks like a GB citizen arriving by boat doesn't need one.

Does anyone know? 

Thanks

[Heidi13]

The eTA is only valid when arriving by air. When my dad comes over, to fly into Vancouver he requires an eTA, but if he flies to Seattle and we drive him back, no eTA is required. Therefore, by ship you should not require a Visa or eTA.

 

Here is a link I found

 

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

[John Bull]

You are correct. Canadian eTA only required for arrival by air.

See this thread

It might be helpful if you would inform your TA of their error.

If it's a cruise specialist TA, shame on them. 

 

JB 

[111222333]

Thanks for your replies

[111222333]

Spoke to TA    they said that's correct but if you want to get off and move around you need one. Think I'll just get one anyway to be in safe side !!!! 

[yorkshirephil]

37 minutes ago, 111222333 said:

Spoke to TA    they said that's correct but if you want to get off and move around you need one. Think I'll just get one anyway to be in safe side !!!! 

I don't think your TA has a very good grasp of the rules,  however for the sake of $7 Canadian (£4) it is probably worth it for peace of mind, it does last 5 years or until your current passport expires. It is quick and easy to apply for, just get it the week before you travel and ensure you use the official site.

[John Bull]

18 minutes ago, 111222333 said:

Spoke to TA    they said that's correct but if you want to get off and move around you need one. Think I'll just get one anyway to be in safe side !!!! 

 

Your TA is round the twist !!!! 

 

Did you not tell him/her that on both of the Cruise Critic forums where you asked you were told that it's only required for arrival by air ?

Did you not refer him to the Canadian Govt website that was linked to you on both forums and which clearly says that?

And the UK Govt website, which says the same? 

I've got a strong feeling that if your TA actually bothered to ask Google, he/she simply clicked on the first website  - or indeed any website on the first couple of pages - which will have taken him/her to a visa agency. Most of which are none-too-worried about telling folk about exceptions/ dispensations, cos that's not good for business

 

If you're going to waste money on an unnecessary eTA, do at least waste just 7 CAD by getting it through that Canadian Govt rather than paying a very large sum to a visa agency which will simply do the same via that Govt website.

 

JB 

[Heidi13]

6 hours ago, 111222333 said:

Spoke to TA    they said that's correct but if you want to get off and move around you need one. Think I'll just get one anyway to be in safe side !!!! 

Sorry, time to get a new TA. Never heard such rubbish, as the eTA is only required for arrival into a Canadian airport.

 

 

 

[Sean_B]

On 7/12/2019 at 7:43 AM, 111222333 said:

Spoke to TA    they said that's correct but if you want to get off and move around you need one. Think I'll just get one anyway to be in safe side !!!! 

Immediately get a new TA, because they are ill-informed on the actual requirements. From the Government of Canada website:

Travellers who need an eTA:

• Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an eTA to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport. These travellers do not need an eTA when arriving by car, bus, train or boat (including a cruise ship).

Being from the UK, you are Visa-exempt

[Slugsta]

We are also cruising to Canada in September. Every time this comes up on CC I panic, go to the appropriate source and reassure myself that a visa really is not needed for Brits arriving by sea! Many thanks to those of you here who give out the correct information for the benefit of fellow cruisers.