The federal government is tightening border security for travelers arriving by boat from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon to close a loophole that has allowed some individuals to bypass mandatory pre-arrival screening. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the new measures require most visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling by water to obtain an electronic travel authorization, which links directly to the traveler’s passport and remains valid for five years.
Why the change is occurring
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada reported that some travelers have been intentionally avoiding pre-arrival screening requirements by utilizing boat travel between the French islands and Fortune. By implementing this requirement for ferry, private boat, and commercial vessel passengers, the government aims to ensure that all foreign nationals undergo the necessary oversight before entering the country.
Who is exempt from the new rules
The updated travel requirements do not apply to all travelers in the region. The exemptions include passengers arriving by cruise ship, seafarers working on commercial vessels such as fishing boats, and French citizens who reside in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and are traveling directly to Canada.
What happens next
As these new requirements take effect, travelers who do not fall under the exemption categories will likely need to ensure their electronic travel authorizations are processed prior to their departure. It is possible that border officials will increase monitoring of small-vessel traffic arriving from the French islands to ensure compliance with the tightened security protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is affected by the new travel authorization requirement?
Most visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by ferry, private boat, or commercial vessel from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon are now required to have an electronic travel authorization.
Are there any exceptions to this rule?
Yes. The rule does not apply to passengers arriving via cruise ship, seafarers on commercial vessels like fishing boats, or French citizens who live in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and are traveling directly to Canada.
Why did the government implement this change?
The change was introduced to close a loophole where some individuals were bypassing pre-arrival screening requirements by traveling by boat between the French islands and Fortune.
How do you think these new screening measures will impact travel between the French islands and the mainland?
