Canada adds eTA rule for some Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon arrivals

Canada has introduced a new electronic travel authorization requirement for most visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by boat from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.

As of 1:00 a.m. Eastern Time on June 5, 2026, the eTA requirement applies to travellers arriving in Canada by ferry, private boat and commercial vessel.

The federal government says the change follows monitoring of migration patterns that found some people were attempting to bypass Canada’s pre-arrival screening requirements by travelling by boat between Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and Fortune, N.L.

The change does not apply to cruise ship passengers, French citizens who are residents of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and travelling directly to Canada, or seafarers working on commercial vessels, such as fishing boats.

U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents also do not need an eTA. Entry requirements for travellers from visa-required countries have not changed.

The government says the change is part of a whole-of-government effort involving Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency, Public Safety Canada and other partners.

Canada and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon have a unique relationship influenced by geography, trade, shared history and strong regional ties. 

These measures will help strengthen the security and integrity of our border while supporting the safe movement of people and the local economies that depend on these connections. They also demonstrate that our government is serious about securing our border," said The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, minister of immigration, refugees and citizenship.

Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon is a French overseas collectivity located about 25 kilometres off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The islands have close travel, tourism, fishing and economic ties with communities in Atlantic Canada.

Approximately 6,000 visa-exempt foreign nationals travel between Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and Fortune, N.L., by passenger ferry each year.

An eTA allows Canadian officials to pre-screen travellers before they arrive. Once approved, it is electronically linked to a traveller’s passport and is valid for five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

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