Passports and visas

Make sure you travel with a valid passport and relevant visa so you can have an enjoyable trip.

Canada

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), is mandatory for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to or transiting through Canada by air. Travellers must apply the eTA and receive approval prior to boarding their flight to Canada. Exceptions include US citizens and travellers with a valid visa. For more information, visit Canada.ca/eTA, Link opens in a new window operated by external parties and may not conform to the same accessibility policies as Cathay Pacific.

The United States

Depending on the purpose of your visit, you may need a visa. Visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State for full details.

Visa and visa waiver

When travelling to the United States, you are required to present the complete address of stay in the United States at airport during check-in, as required by the US Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Customs, and Border Protection.

Visa Waiver Programme

The US Homeland Security has announced that all passengers must have an e-passport to use the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) to enter the United States without a visa.

An e-Passport should have:

an integrated computer chip with personal information
an international symbol on the cover

Read the section on Digital Photographsfor exceptions to holding an e-Passport where you can still travel without a visa.

For more information, please visit U.S. Department of Homeland Security website.

Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)

Passengers holding a 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 (visitor) visa in passports issued by the People’s Republic of China must have a valid Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) enrolment, in order to travel to the United States. EVUS is the online system for them periodically to update basic biographic information to facilitate their travel to the United States. In addition to a valid visa, passengers will be required to complete an EVUS enrollment to be admitted into the United States.

For more information, please visit EVUS website.

US Secure Flight Programme

Overflight requirements (Secure Flight Data required on flights)

An overflights refers to a flight that departs outside the United States and transiting the U.S Continental en route to location outside the United States.

Which countries and flight bookings does the Passenger Secure Flight Data requirements apply to?

Flights between Hong Kong and Vancouver, and to Toronto are listed in Overflight Table provided by the Transportation Security Administration of the US Department of Homeland Security.

Information required for Secure Flight Programme

Each passenger will be required to provide the following Secure Flight data when booking when booking a flight into, out of, and over the US:

Passenger’s full name (as shown on your passport).
Date of birth
Gender
*Redress number (if available)

* Those who encounter misidentification are invited to apply for Redress number at www.dhs.gov/dhs-trip to help prevent watch list matching misidentifications in the future. Under the Secure Flight programme, individuals will use the Redress Number in future correspondence with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and when making future travel reservations.

To provide Secure Flight information, please contact your local Cathay Pacific reservations office or travel agent.

You may also provide the Secure Flight data by updating your Travel Document through Manage Booking.

Compliance Date for Aircraft Operator

Aircraft operators are requested to collect and be capable of transmitting the Secure Flight Data to TSA. Cathay Pacific has been in compliance with the rule for flights into and out of the United States since October 31, 2009.

The compliance date for Cathay Pacific Airways for the Secure Flight rule extension to Overflights to/from Hong Kong/Toronto is July 2012. Passengers flying between Hong Kong and Toronto, and between Hong Kong and Vancouver are now recommended to provide Secure Flight Data regardless date of travel.

Passengers who fail to comply with the Secure Flight Rule may result in denial of transport or denial of authority to enter the boarding area.