As part of Canada's Border Plan, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and its partners have strengthened screening, increased information sharing, and enhanced fraud detection to help identify non-genuine travellers and protect the integrity of Canada's immigration and asylum systems. In 2025, Canada also strengthened authorities to cancel eTAs, visas, and work or study permits in specific circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
Introducing an eTA requirement for this marine route will strengthen Canada's ability to screen travellers before they arrive at a port of entry and help identify people who may not meet Canada's entry and admissibility requirements. This will help to stop irregular migration and protect public safety, while continuing to facilitate legitimate travel. Up to 1,000 foreign nationals per year could be impacted by this change.
The Government of Canada continuously monitors migration trends, intelligence and operational data to identify emerging risks and respond quickly when travel routes are being misused. Canada worked closely with domestic and international partners, local authorities and transportation operators to assess this situation and implement screening measures.
Supporting travel and economic ties
This measure supports safe and orderly travel while maintaining important regional connections. Canada and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon share strong travel, tourism and economic ties, particularly in Atlantic Canada. We work closely on a range of shared priorities, including border management and security, marine safety, fisheries management, law enforcement cooperation, environmental protection, public health coordination, and economic and community connectivity.
French citizens who are residents of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and who travel directly to Newfoundland and Labrador rely on access to essential services in Canada and are exempt from this new requirement.
Cruise ship passengers are exempt from this requirement, because they will have already undergone immigration and border screening in the United States or Canada.
