While different rules apply to varying nationalities, planning a trip to Canada has become much easier. In fact, due to a series of convenient online tools, applying for a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) can be done on the government’s website.
Do you need a visa to travel to Canada?
As mentioned, different rules apply for different nationalities, but generally speaking, visa requirements for Canada are easy to get. However, citizens of 53 countries can travel visa-free including Australia, most EU member nations, New Zealand, the UK and the US. Citizens of these countries can visit Canada for up to six months with no problem. Find out if your country is on the visa-free list by visiting the Canadian Government website here.
Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport with no less than six months remaining before expiration. Meanwhile, visitors from visa-exempt countries (except for the US) must also purchase an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) (CAN$7) before leaving home. This is similar to the US’s ESTA visa waiver scheme. The ETA is valid for five years, or until the passport expires. Moreover, the permit is normally granted within minutes, but it is always better to apply at least 72 hours prior to travel, just in case.
Meanwhile, visitors from non-visa-waiver countries are required to apply for the appropriate class of visa before arriving in Canada. However, travelers should beware of scam websites that claim they process eTAs for higher fees. It is always safer to apply for ETAs on the Canadian Government website.
How can you check if you need a visa?
Visit the Canadian Government website to check visa requirements for different nationalities here. To get a rough idea, citizens of more than 140 countries, including China, India and other nations in Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Middle East need to apply.
Moreover, some countries have specific geographical and passport requirements to qualify for a visa, including Taiwan and Israel. For those unsure of their status, an online tool is available to check. You need to input your details to find out what documentation you need to visit Canada.
How do you apply for a visa for Canada?
In the case of visitor visas (Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs)), these can now be applied for online. Meanwhile, a single-entry visa costs CAN$100 and is normally valid for a maximum stay of six months from the date of arrival. Bear in mind that in most cases, a traveler’s biometric data (such as fingerprints) will be required.
As mentioned before, avoid scam websites and so-called “immigration specialists” offering barrier-free visitor visas for Canada for a higher fee. It is recommended to always visit the Canadian government website.
Do US travelers require a passport to visit Canada?
While most international travelers do require a passport to enter Canada, US citizens do have other options if arriving by land or sea. On the list of approved identity documents are enhanced driver’s licenses, Free and Secure Trade (FAST) cards, permanent resident cards, or NEXUS cards. Meanwhile, US citizens do not require an Electronic Travel Authorization to visit Canada.
The Canada Border Services Agency has a full list of approved identification documents on its website here. However, American travelers should note that questioning may be more intense while entering Canada via land border crossings.
Before planning a trip, it is recommended to check the US State Department website and the Citizenship & Immigration Canada website for full details.
COVID-19 restrictions
While most restrictions have been dropped in Canada, as of January 5, 2023, travelers flying in from China, Hong Kong and Macau are required to present a negative COVID-19 test before boarding their flight.