Been PR in Newfoundland for 12 months, fortunate to be able to visit our place in Florida as much as I can. Applied for Nexus, told hadn't spent enough time in Canada to get one (fair enough). Told to apply for Global Entry, got code from UK applied to US but rejected again as I am PR.

Can no longer check in online to return to Canada now as I have to show my PR card at checkin. Had heated telephone debate with Westjet customer service yesterday who insisted that I had to obtain an ETA before I could fly. Told her was PR and therefore unable to get one. She was adamant I was wrong.

Sorry for moan but just wondering if anyone had heard of this situation changing. Have ESTA for US, no problem checking in as all on their system. Why has Canada not reached this stage yet. They've had plenty time having delayed ETA coming into force for several months.

Find out if you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa

New entry requirement now in effect: visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada. Exceptions include U.S. citizens, and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA.

I couldn't check in online on my way back from the UK for the same reason. I called BA and they were able to fix it over the phone. I hope it's not going to be the norm from now on.

This is exactly what I quoted to Westjet, she was still insisting when I finally said we will have to agree to differ!

Check in lady at Orlando yesterday said they are hoping that problem should be solved soon. Husband travelled back with Air Canada and had the same problem. You cant even select your seat online with Westjet now, just keeps sending you back to apply for ETA page! Fortunately last couple of times I have resorted to social media to remedy problem re seat and have been given allocated seats at no extra cost.

Westjet customer service lady who insisted I needed an ETA also insisted as I couldn't check in online I'd have to pay to select seat.

Perhaps you should get the email address of the Westjet person(s) you are dealing with and send them this from the official website

I am a permanent resident of Canada. Do I need an eTA if I leave and want to return to Canada by air?
No, you do not need an eTA if you are a permanent resident of Canada.

However, you must travel with a valid Permanent Resident Card or a Permanent Resident Travel Document. Otherwise, you may face delays or be prevented from boarding your flight to Canada.

If you do not currently have a Permanent Resident Card, find out how to apply.

If you are a Canadian permanent resident outside of Canada and do not have a Permanent Resident Card or your card is expired, find out how to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document.
I am a permanent resident of Canada. Do I need an eTA if I leave and want to return to Canada by air?

I haven't followed this ETA roll out, but did the Canadian Government advertise it well, and did they send clear directions on who does and doesn't need one to airlines, travel agents etc?

Seems to be a lot of complaints online especially from permanent residents who are being denied by airlines because the airlines feels they need an ETA.

Fingers crossed they fix it. It's all a bit silly. As soon as I'm eligible I'm becoming a citizen, then all this PR lark can naff off.

:

Couldn't agree more.

I agree too.

S

luckily my parents knew about it as their travel agent told them that they didn't need a visa for Canada
i know its not technically a visa but they do need something

Yes, they do.

Moving from PR to citizen also means that you have to get a Canadian passport. Duals can't get the eTA.

Talking of cat-herding, I'm still badgering London to make a frikkin decision regarding March.

yeah the travel agent seemed adamant that just a passport was required until, my mom insisted she look it up and was quite surprised to find out about the ETA.

As for March , reg won't be an issue but hotels may be. still I'm sure you can crash at our place , seeing as, ironically I'm booked into a hotel for the duration

No worries. There still seem to be hotel rooms available. I can commute, if necessary. Probably as cheap as staying in TO.

Are your numbers up on last year?

new reg system is making comparisons difficult . there seems to be an upturn in everything else though, including the number of people approaching me for speaking slots