Starting today March 15, 2016, visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). The only exceptions will be US citizens and travellers with a valid visa.
Checks will be conducted to ensure that all air travellers have the appropriate documents to enter Canada before they board the flight.
These changes could affect you or a member of your family even if you are Canadian citizens. For example, if you have dual citizenship, such as:
a) A Canadian citizen and a citizen of a visa-exempt country, or [Japan is visa exempt, but the eTA is required]
b) A Canadian citizen and a citizen of a visa-required country
You will need to make sure that you travel with a valid Canadian passport. Your Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted identification document that proves that you have a right to enter Canada. If you do not have a valid Canadian passport and present a foreign passport or other document during check in, you may experience delays or be prevented from boarding your flight to Canada.
United States - citizens. You do not need a visa or an eTA to visit or transit Canada.
Japan - Starting March 15, 2016, you need an eTA to visit or transit Canada by air.
Find out if you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa