Canada Plans Facial Biometric Requirement for eTA Applicants

The Canadian government has outlined plans in its 2026 federal budget to expand biometric data collection, specifically for its electronic travel authorisation programme. Visa-exempt foreign nationals seeking an eTA for air travel to Canada could soon be required to provide a facial image remotely.

Approximately CA$90 million has been proposed over four years, beginning in the 2027–2028 fiscal year, for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This funding aims to enhance biometric screening, including the collection of fingerprints and facial images from a wider range of travellers.

The stated objective of this new requirement is to strengthen identity verification processes and mitigate risks associated with document fraud and identity theft. The change means travellers would need to capture or upload a photograph during the online eTA application, in addition to submitting personal and passport details.

While the proposal for expanding biometric screening for eTA applicants is not entirely new, its inclusion in the latest budget indicates significant progress toward implementation. The exact technical specifications, such as how facial images will be collected or compared, are yet to be finalised by Canadian authorities.

This initiative will affect travellers from countries whose citizens are currently visa-exempt for Canada, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, France, and Germany. These individuals currently complete their eTA applications entirely online, primarily using passport information, with an official fee of CA$7.

Regulatory changes are anticipated to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to facilitate the collection and use of facial biometric data. This change is intended to be coordinated with other modernisations to the eTA process, including the digital capture of passport information.

Beyond the eTA, Ottawa is also developing a broader national traveller biometrics strategy. This separate initiative, led by Transport Canada with CA$4.3 million funding from 2026–2027, aims to streamline air travel and border processing, though it is distinct from the eTA biometric requirement.