Canada Visa and Passport Requirements

Passports

To enter Canada, a valid passport is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above, except the following:

1. Citizens of France who are residents of, and entering from, the French overseas territory Saint Pierre and Miquelon; and persons entering from Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

2. Citizens of the USA entering Canada via car, bus, train or boat require a certificate of Indian status along with photo ID. However, it is recommended that you carry a valid passport. US citizens entering Canada via air require a valid passport. US citizens re-entering the USA from Canada via air require a valid passport. US citizens re-entering via land or sea require a passport or passport card.

Passport Note

The following are unsuitable for travel to Canada: any passport claiming to have been issued by Somalia; non-machine readable passports issued by the Czech Republic; temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa; and provisional passports issued by Venezuela.

Visas

All EU nationals are considered visa-exempt for stays up to six months but all must complete an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before boarding their flights to Canada. Visit www.canada.ca to apply for an eTA which is valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. The cost of an eTA is CAD$7.

However, EU nationals do not need an eTA if entering by land or sea. This includes driving from the United States to Canada or going to Canada on a cruise ship.

Citizens from the following countries are considered visa-exempt (they only need an eTA if going to Canada by air). The countries are: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, British citizen, British national (overseas), British subject with a right of abode in the United Kingdom, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong SAR passport holders, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Romania (must have an electronic passport), Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United States and its lawful permanent resident, and Vatican City.

Visa Note

Persons wishing to attend a study course of six months' duration or less, at any level, do not require a study permit. However, if there is the possibility that you will extend your period of study in Canada, or if you are a full-time student and wish to work part-time, you may apply for a study permit.

Depending on circumstance and nationality, certain applicants may need to undergo a medical examination in order to receive their visas; this must be carried out by a doctor on Canada's list of Panel Physicians.

Visa applicants from some countries need to provide biometrics (photo and fingerprints).

Types and Cost

Single- or multiple-entry visitor visa: C$100; family visitor visa: C$500 maximum; transit (less than 48 hours); study permit: C$150.

Validity

Single-entry visa: up to six months.

Multiple-entry visa: allows entry as often as necessary for up to 10 years. All applicants are considered for a multiple-entry visa.

The determination regarding length of stay in Canada can only be decided by the examining officer at the port of entry. It is usually six months, but in some cases, the officer may limit the permitted time in Canada depending on the purpose of your trip.

Visitors must leave Canada on or before the date authorised by the examining officer on arrival.

Transit

Transit visas are necessary for all nationals who require a visitor visa and who are stopping in Canada for fewer than 48 hours on the way to another country. However, this does not include citizens or lawful permanent residents of the USA, who only need the correct travel documents. Passport holders of China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Taiwan also may not require a transit visa if they meet certain conditions. Find out more online at www.canada.ca.

Additionally, certain nationalities travelling to or from the USA via Canada may be eligible for the Transit Without Visa programme; check online at www.canada.ca.

Application to

Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission). Some applicants are eligible to apply online (www.canada.ca). Applicants living in the UK can obtain an eTA for short time stay online (www.canada.ca). UK citizens intending to stay in Canada for a longer period of time should contact the Canadian High Commission.

Temporary residence

In addition to the visas listed above, parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents may apply for a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, which allows stays of up to two years.

Working days

Visa processing time varies according to your nationality and your country of residence.

Sufficient Funds

All visitors must have enough money to cover their stay; the amount varies depending on individual circumstances, length of stay and whether you’re staying with friends and relatives or in a hotel.

Extension of stay

If you wish to extend your stay as a visitor, you must apply to the nearest Canada Immigration Centre or online before the expiry of the visitor visa. The cost to extend a visitor visa is C$100.

Entry with children

If travelling with children under 18 or 19 (depending on province) of whom you are not the legal parent or guardian, you are advised to bring a signed letter authorising entry into Canada from the child's parent or guardian. If you are the child's only parent or guardian, it's recommended that you bring documents showing this.

Entry with pets

For information on importing pets into Canada, visit the website of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (www.inspection.gc.ca).

This page reflects our understanding of current rules for the most common types of travel to the said country. However, please note that each authority sets and forces entry rules, hence we strongly recommend that you verify critical information with the relevant embassy before travel.

Embassies and tourist offices

Canadian Embassy in the USA

Telephone: +1 202 682 1740.
Website: http://www.washington.gc.ca
Address: NW, 501 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC, 20001,
Opening times:

Mon-Fri 0900-1700.

Canadian High Commission in the UK

Telephone: +44 20 7004 6000
Website: http://www.unitedkingdom.gc.ca
Address: City of Westminster, Canada House, Trafalgar Square, London, SW1Y 5BJ,
Opening times:

Mon - Fri 0800-1600.

British High Commission in Canada

Telephone: +1 613 237 1530.
Website: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-high-commission-ottawa
Address: , 80 Elgin Street, Ottawa, K1P 5K7,
Opening times:

By appointment only.

Telephone: Mon-Fri 0900-1600.