Canada is preparing to introduce a new requirement for travelers who need an Electronic Travel Authorization. The government of Canada has outlined a plan to collect facial biometrics from eTA applicants, a step officials say will improve the accuracy of identity checks and close security gaps in the current system.
If adopted, the measure would apply to millions of visa-exempt air passengers from countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, France, and Japan. The proposal is now moving through the regulatory process, and its final version could change how many travelers apply to enter Canada in the coming years.
Details of the proposed regulation
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has outlined amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations that would add facial biometric collection to the Electronic Travel Authorization process. Under the proposal, applicants would be required to submit a compliant facial photograph when applying for an eTA, in addition to the standard passport and personal information currently collected.
The measure would apply to all visa-exempt foreign nationals who require an eTA to board a flight to Canada. This includes travelers from countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, France, and Japan. The requirement would not replace other entry criteria but would serve as an additional identity check before travel.
Government officials have stated that the goal is to improve the accuracy of traveler identification, reduce the risk of fraudulent applications, and strengthen border integrity. The proposed change would bring the eTA process into closer alignment with biometric systems used internationally and with Canada’s existing fingerprint and photo collection procedures for other visa categories.
According to IRCC, expanding biometric collection to eTA applicants would help close a gap in the current screening framework, which does not currently capture biometric information for the majority of visa-exempt travelers.
Background on the eTA System and Biometrics in Canada
The Electronic Travel Authorization was introduced in 2015 as a screening tool for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. It is linked electronically to a traveler’s passport and is typically valid for up to five years or until the passport expires. The application process is completed online and normally takes only a few minutes, though some cases require additional documentation or review.
Currently, eTA applicants are not required to provide biometric information unless they are applying under another immigration category that includes such requirements. Canada already collects fingerprints and facial photos for most visa-required travelers, work permit holders, study permit holders, and permanent resident applicants.
Extending biometric collection to eTA applicants would expand the scope of identity verification to cover nearly all categories of foreign nationals entering Canada. The proposed regulatory amendments also encompass other IRCC programs, including temporary resident, permanent resident, and refugee protection applications, as part of a broader biometric expansion.
Biometric information, according to federal policy, is used to confirm a person’s identity and to check against immigration, law enforcement, and security databases. It is also shared with certain partner countries under existing agreements to detect identity fraud and prevent individuals with serious criminal records or security concerns from entering Canada.
Implementation Timeline
The proposed facial biometric requirement for eTA applicants is not yet in effect. First included in IRCC’s Forward Regulatory Plan on July 16, 2025, it must go through Canada’s federal regulatory process, which includes pre-publication in Canada Gazette, Part I, public consultation, final approval, and official publication. The following stages outline how and when the change could be implemented.
Pre-publication and Public Consultation
The proposed regulation must first appear in the Canada Gazette, Part I, which is the official publication for proposed federal laws and regulations. This stage allows the public, stakeholders, and industry groups to review the details and submit feedback. The consultation period usually lasts 30 to 75 days, during which IRCC may receive comments on technical feasibility, privacy considerations, and potential impacts on travelers.
Finalization of the Regulation
After the consultation period, IRCC will review submissions and determine whether revisions are necessary. The final text of the regulation would then be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, making it legally binding. Once published in Part II, the regulation has the force of law, and IRCC can proceed with implementing the requirement.
Estimated Implementation Window
The Forward Regulatory Plan indicates the new facial biometric requirement for eTA applicants could take effect between 2025 and 2027. The timeline will depend on the results of the consultation, the development of secure systems to collect and store biometric data, and the training of staff to process applications under the new rules.
The government has not yet indicated if there will be a transition period for travelers who applied before the rule comes into effect.
Impact on Travelers
The introduction of a facial biometric requirement for eTA applications would change the way many visa-exempt travelers prepare for entry to Canada. While the application process would remain online, additional steps would be necessary to provide biometric information before approval is granted.
Additional Application Step
Applicants would need to capture and submit a compliant facial photograph as part of the eTA process. This could involve using an online photo capture tool or visiting an authorized location if the system requires in-person verification. The exact method will be defined when the regulation is finalized.
Potential Processing Time Changes
Collecting and verifying biometric data may increase application review times, especially during the initial rollout. Travelers who apply close to their intended departure date could be affected if processing takes longer than the current standard of minutes or hours.
Impact on First-Time and Frequent Travelers
First-time eTA applicants would be required to provide facial biometrics with their initial submission. Frequent travelers from visa-exempt countries may also need to provide biometrics when renewing their eTA, depending on the government’s final policy on renewals.
Privacy and Data Security Considerations
Biometric data would be stored under federal privacy regulations and could be shared with partner countries under existing agreements. Travelers may wish to review how their data will be used and retained once final implementation details are published.
Conclusion
The proposed facial biometric requirement for eTA applicants represents a significant change in Canada’s entry process for visa-exempt travelers. It is intended to strengthen identity verification and reduce the risk of fraudulent applications. Final details will be confirmed after the federal regulatory process is complete.
Travelers planning future trips to Canada should monitor updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Understanding the new requirements before applying will help avoid delays. Preparing in advance will ensure a smoother application experience once the rule takes effect.