NBAA is advising travelers to be prepared for Canadian immigration policy, warning that offenses such as a conviction for driving while under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol could prevent admission into the nation. Heather Healy, manager of the FAA-funded Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program, recently told the association that people too frequently learn of Canada’s “criminally inadmissible” policy at the border. DUI can be included among criminally inadmissible offenses, depending on when it occurred. 

If the offense occurred 10 years ago or longer, then a person will be permitted to enter. If the offense occurred between five and 10 years from the completion of a sentence or probation, affected people can apply for “criminal rehabilitation” documenting that they are no longer a safety threat. Such documentation, however, can cost up to $1,000, Healy said. If the event occurred within the past five years, people can apply for a temporary resident permit, but the ability to use the option might be at the discretion of the border official.

Canada also has ended the leniency period for its requirement for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) requirement. The period ended on November 9. From now on, travelers must have eTAs if they have passports from a visa-exempt country, except the U.S.

The Canadian government introduced the eTA requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals in March 2016 as part of the Canada U.S. Beyond the Border Action Plan, which is designed to develop a common approach to pre-screening air travelers coming to either country, the Canadian government said.