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6 ways to enter

Canada visas

Canada tourist visa

Your passport and how you travel determine whether you need a visitor visa, an eTA (an online travel permit), or neither.

Ways to get a Canada tourist visa

  1. Temporary resident visa

    Visa needed

    Visitors who need a visa and do not qualify for another entry option can apply.

    Stay
    Usually 6 months from entry, unless a border officer sets another departure date.
    1. Apply online or submit a paper application through a visa application centre.
    2. Give fingerprints and a photograph at the required collection location, unless exempt.

  2. Visa-free travel without an eTA

    No visa needed

    U.S. citizens and lawful U.S. permanent residents do not need a visitor visa or an eTA. French citizens who live in Saint Pierre and Miquelon also qualify when entering directly from that territory. Holders of a valid Canadian refugee travel document are exempt from both requirements.

    Stay
    Usually up to 6 months, subject to the border officer's decision.

    Passports that qualify (2)

  3. Visa-free entry by land or sea

    No visa needed

    Holders of ordinary passports from the listed visa-exempt countries and territories, all European Union member states, and all European Free Trade Association member states can generally enter by land or sea without an eTA.

    Stay
    Up to 6 months, unless a border officer sets a different limit.

  4. eTA (online travel permit) for visa-exempt travellers

    eTA needed

    Visa-exempt travellers generally need an eTA to fly to Canada. This includes eligible passport holders from all European Union and European Free Trade Association member states, as well as the countries and territories listed here, unless an exemption applies.

    Stay
    Usually up to 6 months per visit, subject to the border officer's decision.
    Valid for
    Up to 5 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
    Entries
    Multiple entries
    Fee
    CA$7
    1. Apply through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.
    2. Enter your personal details, passport information, other citizenships, available money, employment and contact details.
    3. Answer questions about your health, immigration history and criminal convictions.
    4. Pay CA$7.

  5. Conditional eTA instead of a visitor visa

    eTA needed

    Citizens of the listed countries can apply if they held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years or currently hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa, which is a visa for a temporary stay.

    Stay
    Usually up to 6 months per visit, subject to the border officer's decision.
    Valid for
    Up to 5 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
    Entries
    Multiple entries
    Fee
    CA$7
    1. Check that you meet the Canadian visa history or current U.S. visa requirement.
    2. Apply through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.
    3. Provide passport, personal and background information.
    4. Answer the health, immigration history and criminal conviction questions, then pay CA$7.

  6. CAN+ visitor visa application

    Visa needed

    Some visitors who have travelled to Canada in the past 10 years or hold a valid U.S. visa can use CAN+. Availability depends on their nationality or visa office.

    Stay
    Usually 6 months from entry, unless a border officer sets another departure date.
    1. Check whether CAN+ is available for your nationality or at your visa office.
    2. Submit your visitor visa application with proof of travel to the United States or Canada.

Who needs it

Citizens of most countries need a temporary resident visa to visit Canada unless they qualify for an exemption or an eTA.

Who doesn't

Citizens of the listed visa-exempt countries can usually visit for up to 6 months without a visa. Most need an eTA when flying.

How to apply

  1. Apply online or on paper through a visa application centre.
  2. Provide fingerprints and a photograph if required.

What to bring

  • Passport or travel document
  • Fingerprints and photograph, unless exempt
  • A medical exam or invitation letter, if requested

Good to know

  • Be in good health.
  • Show that you have ties, such as a job, home, money or family, that will bring you home.
  • Have enough money for your stay.
  • Leave before the departure date set by the border officer.
  • Apply to extend your stay at least 30 days before your permission expires.
  • Permission to travel does not guarantee entry. Border officers decide whether to admit you.
  • Most travellers using a United Nations refugee travel document need a visitor visa.
  • Fingerprints and photographs are generally collected once every 10 years. A fee applies, but the amount is not stated.

Questions

Do I need a tourist visa for Canada?

Citizens of most countries need a temporary resident visa to visit Canada unless they qualify for an exemption or an eTA. Citizens of the listed visa-exempt countries can usually visit for up to 6 months without a visa. Most need an eTA when flying.

What are the ways to get a tourist visa for Canada?

There are 6 options: Temporary resident visa (a visa from an embassy); Visa-free travel without an eTA (no visa at all); Visa-free entry by land or sea (no visa at all); eTA (online travel permit) for visa-exempt travellers (an online travel permit); Conditional eTA instead of a visitor visa (an online travel permit); CAN+ visitor visa application (a visa from an embassy).

Who can go to Canada without a tourist visa?

U.S. citizens and lawful U.S. permanent residents do not need a visitor visa or an eTA. French citizens who live in Saint Pierre and Miquelon also qualify when entering directly from that territory. Holders of a valid Canadian refugee travel document are exempt from both requirements. Holders of ordinary passports from the listed visa-exempt countries and territories, all European Union member states, and all European Free Trade Association member states can generally enter by land or sea without an eTA.

Can I apply online for Canada?

Yes: eTA (online travel permit) for visa-exempt travellers and Conditional eTA instead of a visitor visa. Visa-exempt travellers generally need an eTA to fly to Canada. This includes eligible passport holders from all European Union and European Free Trade Association member states, as well as the countries and territories listed here, unless an exemption applies.

How long can I stay on a Canada tourist visa?

Usually 6 months from entry. A border officer can set an earlier departure date.

What documents do I need for a Canada tourist visa?

Passport or travel document; Fingerprints and photograph, unless exempt; A medical exam or invitation letter, if requested.

How do I apply for a Canada tourist visa?

1. Apply online or on paper through a visa application centre. 2. Provide fingerprints and a photograph if required.

What rules do I have to follow on a Canada tourist visa?

Be in good health. Show that you have ties, such as a job, home, money or family, that will bring you home. Have enough money for your stay. Leave before the departure date set by the border officer.

Does my passport change whether I need a tourist visa for Canada?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Canada visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a tourist visa for Canada be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

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