'Random' medical tests and a non-existent bout of syphilis – reader's trip to Canada ends in costly farce

Rose Warner writes

My husband and I booked a holiday to British Columbia this year, travelling on Sept 7. We duly applied for our Canadian eTA travel authorisations on Aug 10. I received my eTA approval within minutes. My husband received a message saying “At this time you are not considered to hold a valid eTA. You should not plan or undertake any travel to Canada by air.”

After some days of trying to get more information, we finally managed to retrieve his application. It said he needed a medical check-up which could only be performed at one of four clinics in England and would cost £330. At the London clinic, my husband was told by several staff that he had been chosen at random. We were told that the results would take four days. Six days later, my husband received a phone call saying that more tests were needed as a shadow had been found on his lung indicating possible TB. (My daughter, who is a doctor, says this is highly unlikely).

We were told the test results would be sent to Canada and we would hear in due course. Despite daily attempts to get a response – we were never able to speak to an actual human being – we have been forced to abandon our prepaid holiday. Two days after our departure date, my husband was told he had to undergo more tests at a cost of £135 and would not get the results for at least six weeks. As you can imagine, the frustration and disappointment have been immense. Please can you help us get answers?

Gill Charlton replies

Another reader, Ian Jenkins, wrote to me in April after finding himself in a similar situation. His eTA application was refused and he was asked to undertake a medical at one of the approved clinics. I argued his case and an eTA was issued a few days later. The response from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in Ottawa said: “eTA applicants do not require a medical examination unless they identify a medical condition on their application that requires a medical assessment prior to receiving their eTA. This is to protect the health and safety of Canadians and other travellers.” At the time I thought it was a one-off but your husband’s experience suggests otherwise. I asked IRCC what had happened this time. Its first response was to refuse to divulge any specific information, even though your husband had signed an official IRCC agreement allowing it to discuss his case with me.

It continues categorically to deny that there is any form of random testing. When pressed, it said that your husband had admitted to having untreated syphilis on the application form. This is one of several tick-box health questions which also cover untreated TB, drug addiction and mental health issues.

When I put this to Mrs Warner she and her husband were incredulous. He is a scientist and meticulous about checking detail. Why would he admit to untreated syphilis? Why didn’t the clinic or IRCC give the reason for the refusal so it could be corrected – even if a test was necessary?

What happened remains a mystery but one thing is clear: visitors to Canada should apply for an eTA entry permit before booking travel arrangements (it is valid for five years) and not a few weeks before departure as many are wont to do.