Visa requirements

Canada

General visa requirements for travelling to Canada. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Tourist visa (Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
180 days
Processing time
Minutes to 72 hours
Fee
CAD $7
Validity
5 years or until passport expires
Entry
Multiple entry

eTA is required for visa-exempt nationals flying to or transiting through Canada. Not required when arriving by car, bus, train, or boat. US citizens are exempt from eTA. Valid for multiple entries. Stay limited to 6 months per entry as determined by border officer. Qatar was added as eligible November 25, 2025.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Must be a citizen of an eTA-eligible country. US citizens and US lawful permanent residents are exempt from eTA requirements.

    Eligible countries: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (Republic of), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Province of China, United Arab Emirates

  • Purpose of visit

    Travel must be for tourism, visiting family, business, or transit through Canada by air.

    Includes
    • Tourism
    • visiting family
    • business
    • transit

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: eTA Online Application; Form url: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete the eTA application online. Have passport, email address, and credit/debit card ready. Form cannot be saved so have information prepared.

  2. Fee payment

    Pay the CAD $7 non-refundable fee online. Accepted payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, debit cards, UnionPay, JCB.

  3. Processing wait

    Most eTA applications are approved within minutes. If additional documents are needed, instructions are sent via email within 72 hours.

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Tourist visa (Super Visa (Parents and Grandparents))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
1825 days
Processing time
Varies by country, typically 4-20 weeks
Fee
CAD $100 (visitor visa fee) + $85 (biometrics) = CAD $185
Validity
Up to 10 years, multiple entries
Entry
Multiple entry

Extended multiple-entry visa allowing parents and grandparents to visit for up to 5 years per entry without renewal. Valid for up to 10 years. Requires child/grandchild host in Canada who meets minimum income. Mandatory private health insurance with minimum CAD $100,000 coverage from Canadian or authorized foreign insurer. Must apply from outside Canada. Alternative to Parents and Grandparents sponsorship program.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Must be a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Must be from a visa-required country. Must apply from outside Canada.

  • Financial

    Host child/grandchild must meet minimum income threshold based on total family size (including the visiting parent/grandparent). Must purchase qualifying private health insurance.

  • Health

    Must pass immigration medical examination by designated panel physician. Must not be inadmissible on health grounds.

  • Criminal record

    Must be admissible to Canada.

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: 35mm x 45mm, white background, taken within last 6 months

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Signed letter from child/grandchild who is Canadian citizen/PR, at least 18, living in Canada, includes promise of financial support, family size, and housing details

  • Biometrics appointment

    Booking url: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics/where-to-give-biometrics.html; Location: Visa Application Centre

  • Sponsor financial

    Minimum income: Based on family size: 1 person $30,526; 2 persons $38,002; 3 persons $46,720; 4 persons $56,724; 5 persons $64,336; 6 persons $72,560; 7 persons $80,784; Required documents: Notice of Assessment from CRA, employment letter, bank statements

  • Health exam

    Panel physician required: Yes, must use IRCC-designated panel physician; Validity months: 12

  • Private health insurance

    Coverage territory: Canada - must cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation. Valid minimum 1 year from date of entry. Must be from Canadian insurer or authorized foreign company on OSFI list.; Minimum coverage: CAD $100,000

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain invitation letter from host, proof of host's income (CRA Notice of Assessment for 3 years), purchase qualifying health insurance, and complete medical exam.

  2. Online application

    Submit Super Visa application online through IRCC portal. Upload all supporting documents including insurance proof, invitation letter, and host income proof.

  3. Fee payment

    Pay CAD $100 visitor visa processing fee plus CAD $85 biometrics fee.

  4. Biometrics

    Provide biometrics at designated Visa Application Centre.

  5. Processing wait

    Wait for processing. Times vary by country of application.

  6. Visa collection

    Submit passport for Super Visa stamp at VAC if approved.

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Tourist visa (Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa - TRV))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
180 days
Processing time
Varies by country, typically 2-16 weeks
Fee
CAD $100 per person (max CAD $500 for family of 5+)
Validity
Up to 10 years or 1 month before passport expiry
Entry
Multiple entry

Visitor visa is required for citizens of visa-required countries traveling to Canada by any means. Since 2014, most new visitor visas are issued as multiple-entry. Border officer determines length of stay at port of entry, typically up to 6 months. Biometrics required for applicants aged 14-79.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Citizens of visa-required countries must apply for a Visitor Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. US citizens are exempt and do not need a visa or eTA.

  • Purpose of visit

    Must demonstrate genuine intent to visit temporarily for tourism, family visit, or business. Must show ties to home country and intent to leave Canada.

    Includes
    • Tourism
    • visiting family
    • attending business meetings
  • Financial

    Must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover trip expenses including accommodation, transportation, and daily living costs.

  • Criminal record

    Must be admissible to Canada. Criminal convictions including DUI can render applicants inadmissible.

  • Health

    Must be in good health. May be required to complete an immigration medical examination if staying longer than 6 months or if from a designated country.

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: 35mm x 45mm, white background, taken within last 6 months, full face visible

  • Proof of funds

    Accepted forms: Bank statements, proof of income, letter from person funding trip; Minimum amount: Sufficient funds for duration of stay

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: IMM 5257 - Application for Temporary Resident Visa; Form url: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5256-applying-visitor-visa-temporary-resident-visa.html

  • Cover letter

    Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.

  • Biometrics appointment

    Booking url: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics/where-to-give-biometrics.html; Location: Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country

  • Travel itinerary

    Provide an itinerary showing travel dates, destinations and planned accommodation.

    Must include addresses: Yes; Must include dates: Yes

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Gather all required documents: valid passport, photos, proof of funds, travel itinerary, purpose of travel letter, family information form (IMM 5645), and any supporting documents.

  2. Online application

    Create an account on the IRCC online portal and complete the application form IMM 5257. Upload all supporting documents.

  3. Fee payment

    Pay the application fee of CAD $100 per person (maximum CAD $500 for family of 5+) plus biometrics fee of CAD $85 per person (maximum CAD $170 for family of 2+).

  4. Biometrics

    After submission, receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter. Visit designated Visa Application Centre within 30 days to provide fingerprints and photo. Required for applicants aged 14-79.

  5. Processing wait

    Wait for application processing. Processing times vary by country of application, typically 2-16 weeks. Check status online through IRCC account.

  6. Visa collection

    If approved, submit passport to Visa Application Centre for visa stamp. Passport returned via mail or pickup.

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This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.