Canada has introduced a new Canada eTA requirement for most visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling by boat from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. The measure took effect on June 5, 2026, and is designed to strengthen border security while preserving important tourism and economic links between Atlantic Canada and the French overseas collectivity.

Under the new rules, most visa-exempt travellers arriving by ferry, private vessel, or commercial boat must obtain an electronic travel authorization (eTA) before entering Canada. The government says the change addresses concerns that some individuals were using maritime routes to avoid Canada’s pre-arrival screening process.

For travellers, tourism operators, and immigration stakeholders, the announcement represents another example of Canada’s growing focus on border integrity and advanced traveller screening.

Why Canada Introduced the New eTA Requirement

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), ongoing monitoring revealed instances where travellers attempted to bypass Canada’s standard entry screening requirements by travelling between Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and Fortune, Newfoundland and Labrador by sea.

The Canada eTA requirement helps authorities assess travellers before they arrive at a Canadian port of entry. Similar to airline travellers from visa-exempt countries, maritime travellers will now undergo an additional level of screening before departure.

Government officials emphasized that the goal is not to restrict legitimate travel but to improve border management and security.

Who Must Obtain an eTA?

The new requirement applies to most visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by:

• Passenger ferries
• Private recreational boats
• Commercial vessels
• Maritime transportation services operating between Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and Canada

Travellers should obtain approval before departure to avoid delays or denied boarding.

Source: Canada eTA Requirement 

Who Is Exempt from the New Rule?

Several groups remain exempt from the requirement:

• French citizens residing in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon
• United States citizens
• U.S. lawful permanent residents
• Cruise ship passengers
• Commercial seafarers and fishing crews

Entry requirements for travellers from visa-required countries remain unchanged.

Impact on Tourism and Regional Travel

Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon sits approximately 25 kilometres off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador and maintains close economic and cultural ties with Atlantic Canada.

Each year, approximately 6,000 visa-exempt foreign nationals travel between the islands and Newfoundland using passenger ferry services. Tourism operators had raised concerns about potential disruptions, but federal officials stated that the system is designed to maintain smooth travel while strengthening border oversight.

Because an approved eTA is electronically linked to a traveller’s passport and generally remains valid for up to five years, most visitors will only need to apply once.

What Travellers Should Do Before Visiting Canada

Individuals planning maritime travel to Canada should:

• Verify whether they need an eTA
• Apply before making travel arrangements
• Ensure passport validity
• Review current entry requirements before departure

Since immigration and travel rules can change quickly, travellers should always check the latest government updates before travelling.

How ImmigCanada Can Help

Understanding Canada’s travel and immigration requirements can be challenging, particularly when new rules are introduced.

At ImmigCanada, RCIC Eivy Joy Quito (R512178) and our experienced team help visitors, workers, students, and permanent residence applicants navigate Canada’s immigration system confidently.

For additional guidance, you can also check out our Visitor Visa Canada page to learn more about visitor entry requirements, eTAs, visas, and travel documentation.

Planning a trip or immigration journey to Canada? Contact ImmigCanada today for professional immigration advice tailored to your situation.