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Work & skilled workersEffectiveMedium impactVerified

Canada strengthens borders while supporting economic and tourism ties with Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon

🇨🇦 CanadaBorder Security1 recorded versionLast change 4 Jun 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

Most visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by boat from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon must now obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This requirement applies to travellers arriving by ferry, private boats, and commercial vessels. Exemptions include passengers arriving by cruise ship, French citizens residing in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon who travel directly to Canada, and seafarers working on commercial vessels (such as fishing boats) when travelling by boat from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents are also exempt from needing an eTA. Entry requirements for travellers from visa-required countries remain unchanged.

Overview

Canada has implemented an eTA requirement for foreign nationals arriving by marine route from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. This measure enhances pre-screening capabilities to identify non-genuine travellers and protect the integrity of Canada's immigration and asylum systems. Exemptions apply to French citizens residing in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon travelling directly to Newfoundland and Labrador, and to cruise ship passengers.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • Visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon to Canada by ferry
  • Visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling by private boat
  • Visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling by other commercial vessels
  • Travellers using the Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon–Newfoundland and Labrador marine route who do not qualify for an exemption

What changed in the latest version

Before

Travellers on the sea route from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon to Canada did not need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before this change.

After

Most foreign people who do not need a visa must now get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). This applies if they travel to Canada by boat from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. This rule applies to travellers coming by ferry, private boats, and commercial vessels. Some people do not need an eTA. These include: * Passengers on a cruise ship. * French citizens living in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon who travel directly to Canada. * Seafarers who work on commercial vessels, such as fishing boats, when travelling by boat from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. * People from the United States (US) and lawful permanent residents of the US. The entry rules for travellers from countries where people need a visa have not changed.

This change helps Canada's border security. It allows Canada to check travellers before they arrive on a specific sea route. This helps find people who are not honest about their travel reasons. It also prevents irregular migration, which is when people enter a country without following legal rules. This change makes security stronger. It also keeps important local connections. It does this by not requiring French residents of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon to get an eTA when travelling to Newfoundland and Labrador for important services. Cruise ship passengers also do not need an eTA. This policy directly affects about 1,000 foreign people each year. They must now get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for this route, which they did not need before. This change shows that Canada keeps checking migration trends. It also shows Canada acts early to stop people misusing travel routes.

Explained simply

Canada is making it a bit tougher for some non-Canadians to enter by boat from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. They now need an online permission slip called an eTA before they even get to the border. This helps Canada check who's coming in ahead of time to keep things safe. But, if you're a French person living there and just popping over to Newfoundland, or you're on a cruise, you probably don't need one.

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v2Effective 5 Jun 2026EffectiveMedium impact
    Canada strengthens borders while supporting economic and tourism ties with Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon

    Canada now requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for foreign people who travel by sea from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon to Canada. This helps Canada check travellers before they arrive. It also helps find people who are not honest about their travel reasons. This protects Canada's immigration and asylum systems. French citizens who live in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon do not need an eTA if they travel directly to Newfoundland and Labrador. Cruise ship passengers also do not need one if they have already been checked. About 1,000 foreign people each year might be affected by this change. Canada published this change on 4 June 2026.

Timeline

  1. Takes effect

    5 Jun 2026

    Most visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by boat from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon will need an electronic travel authorisation (eTA). This applies to travellers arriving by ferry, private boats and commercial vessels.

  2. Announced

    4 Jun 2026

    Effective 5 June 2026, most visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by boat from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon will require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This measure aims to strengthen border security by enabling pre-arrival screening, addressing instances of individuals attempting to bypass existing requirements. Certain groups, including French citizens resident in Saint-Pier

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