Visitor

To start your journey exploring this beautiful country, you must first apply and obtain either a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Which visa is the right one for you depends on your country of citizenship.

Not everyone is required to obtain a Visitor Visa before arriving in Canada. Requirements depend on your country of citizenship and there are many countries that are exempted from the Visitor Visa requirement. Search your country of citizenship in the table below to find out whether you need to obtain a Visa or an eTA.

As of March 16th 2016, the new requirement came into effect for a visa-exempt foreign national who flies to or transits through Canada now needing an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). There are a few exceptions to this rule, including U.S Citizens and travellers with a valid visa (American Green Card holders need to apply).

An eTA can be applied for online at a little cost of CAD $7. It is essential that the applicant applies in advance as although the average processing time is several minutes for an eTA to be granted, it can, however, take up to several days. Once the eTA has been approved it is then valid for 5 years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

It is also important to remember that the validity date of the visa does not surpass the validity date of the passport or travel document.

Most tourist visas are issued for a stay of up to 6 months in Canada.