New entry rules for citizens of Romania and Bulgaria
Backgrounder
As of 9 a.m. ET (4 p.m. EET) on December 1, 2017, citizens of Romania and Bulgaria no longer need a visa to travel to Canada for short stays (normally for up to six months) for visiting, business and tourism activities.
However, similar to other visa-exempt travellers, they will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport.
How the new entry rules work
Travellers should note that having an eTA does not automatically mean that travellers will be allowed to enter Canada. Romanians and Bulgarians, like all international travellers to Canada, will need to present themselves to a Canada Border Services Agency officer upon arrival in the country. Border services officers determine who can enter and for how long someone can stay in the country. Most international visitors are allowed to stay up to six months from the day they enter Canada.
| Method of travel, activity or status in Canada | Travel document you will need |
|---|---|
| Flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport after 9 a.m. ET (4 p.m. EET) on December 1, 2017, and do not have a Canadian visa or a valid eTA? | You will need to apply for an eTA. You can apply online at Canada.ca/eTA. |
| Flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport and you have a valid Canadian visa or eTA? | If you have a valid visa: You can travel with that visa until it expires. You do not need to apply for an eTA. If you have a valid eTA (for example, lawful permanent resident of the U.S. or eligible under eTA expansion): You can travel with that eTA until it expires or you get a new passport. |
| Driving to Canada from the U.S. or arriving by bus, train or boat, including cruise ship? | You will need a valid passport. As the eTA requirement only applies when you fly to Canada, you do not need an eTA when arriving by land or sea. |
| Flying to Canada to work? | You may need to apply for a work permit. When your permit is approved, you will automatically be issued an eTA, which will allow you to fly to, or transit through a Canadian airport for as long as the eTA is valid. |
| Flying to Canada to study? | You may need to apply for a study permit. If your permit is approved, you will automatically be issued an eTA, which will allow you to fly to, or transit through a Canadian airport for as long as the eTA is valid. Note: A study permit is normally not required when your studies are for less than six months. If you do not require a study permit, you will still need to apply for an eTA to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport. |
| Already in Canada and renewing your study or work permit? | You will automatically be issued an eTA once your work or study permit is renewed. |
| Already in Canada as a visitor and planning to stay longer than six months? | You will need to apply to extend your stay as a visitor. |
| Flying to Canada and you are a Canadian dual citizen? | You will need a valid Canadian passport to fly to Canada |
| Flying to Canada and you are a Canadian permanent resident? | You will need a valid Canadian permanent resident card or a permanent resident travel document. |
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