eTA for Vessels From St. Pierre and Miquelon

Summary#

These are final changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (SOR/2026-101) that add a travel-screening step for certain sea travellers. Starting at 01:00 Eastern Daylight Time on June 5, 2026, most visa‑exempt foreign nationals entering Canada by vessel directly from St. Pierre and Miquelon must have an electronic travel authorization (eTA) before boarding.

What it does#

• Requires visa‑exempt foreign nationals who plan to enter Canada by vessel directly from St. Pierre and Miquelon to hold a valid electronic travel authorization (eTA) before they board.
• Keeps existing eTA exemptions that already apply for air travel (for example, people who are already exempt continue to be).
• Exempts two specific marine groups from the new requirement:
  • passengers on cruise ships that have overnight accommodations for at least 100 people (excluding crew), and
  • vessel crew members who are entering and remaining in Canada solely as crew.
• Clarifies that a traveller who already has a valid eTA does not need to apply again for the same travel route.
• Comes into force at 01:00 Eastern Daylight Time on June 5, 2026.

Who's affected#

• Visa‑exempt foreign nationals who travel by vessel from St. Pierre and Miquelon to Canada — estimated to be up to 1,000 visitors per year (excluding exempt groups).
• Passengers on most cruise ships and crew members are not affected because they are explicitly exempt.
• Marine operators such as SPM Ferries may face minor extra steps, like checking documentation and denying boarding to travellers without an eTA.
• Federal agencies involved in travel screening and border control:
  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will handle communications and system updates and faces transition costs (about $77,000) plus ongoing costs (about $8,000 per year).
  • Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will validate eTAs and monitor implementation; estimated costs are about $167,000 over 10 years (transition $74,000; ongoing $9,300 per year).
• Travellers who must apply will spend about 10 minutes to complete the application and pay the application fee of Can$7. An approved eTA is generally valid for five years or until the passport expires.

Why it matters#

• Authorities say the change closes a route that was being used to avoid pre‑travel screening. In 2025, the CBSA observed an increase in irregular migration via vessel from St. Pierre and Miquelon after some people flew there from France.
• The eTA requirement lets Canadian officials screen visa‑exempt travellers before they travel. That can deter non‑genuine travellers, reduce workload at the port of entry in Fortune, Newfoundland and Labrador, and lower some downstream enforcement costs.
• The rule is narrowly targeted and keeps important exemptions (cruise passengers, crew, U.S. residents, and French residents of St. Pierre and Miquelon). The government estimates it could help avoid screening or deterring up to 100 persons of interest each year.