Canada travel requirements

Canada visa and entry requirements

Q: How long is a Canada eTA valid?

An approved eTA is valid for up to five years or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever comes first. A new passport requires a new eTA.

Check the visa and entry requirements for Canada based on your passport and trip, then continue to the correct official route.

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Check Canada requirements

Select your passport country to see the visa and entry requirements that may apply for Canada.

Know what you need

Check visa and entry requirements based on your passport and destination.

Official requirements, simplified

Clear guidance based on current government sources.

Official application routes

Go directly to the correct government application or information page.

Ready-to-apply checklist

Know what information and documents to prepare before you start.

Plan your trip with clear, practical guidance at every step.

eVisa Immigration is an independent travel-document service and is not affiliated with any government.

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Visas, ETAs and arrival cards for destinations worldwide.

Canada uses different entry documents depending on passport and travel method. Many visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada need an eTA, while visa-required travellers generally need a visitor visa. The official Canadian checker confirms which document applies.

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Check your requirements

If you are travelling to Canada by air on a visa-exempt passport, you will usually need an eTA unless an exemption applies. Visa-required travellers generally need a visitor visa, although certain eligible visa-required nationals may qualify for an eTA when flying. Use the official checker before you apply.

Who needs a visa or travel document?

Visa, travel-authorisation and declaration requirements for Canada depend on passport, purpose, route and how you travel. Check the official source linked with the relevant option for the current rule that applies to you.

An eTA is mainly an air-travel requirement. A traveller who needs a visitor visa must obtain it before travel unless another official exception applies.

For work, study, residence or other travel purposes, check the relevant government requirements separately.

Other visa and entry options

Other options may apply depending on your passport, travel purpose and intended stay:

Canada visa and entry options

Compare the documents that may apply to your trip, including who they are for, permitted stays and processing guidance.

Electronic travel authorisation

Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Eligible visa-exempt travellers flying to or transiting through Canada, plus certain eligible travellers from select visa-required countries who meet the official conditions.

Allows

Travel to Canada by air for a short visit or transit under the conditions that apply to the traveller; it does not guarantee admission.

Validity

Up to five years or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever comes first.

Entries

Multiple journeys while valid

Maximum stay

Most visitors are admitted for up to six months, but the border officer determines the authorised stay.

Official processing guidance

Most eTA applications are approved within minutes, but some take longer or require additional documents.

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You can also apply directly through the official government website without paying our service fee. Government fees may still apply.

Visitor visa

Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)

Travellers who need a visa to visit Canada and are not eligible to travel using an eTA or another exemption.

Allows

Temporary visits such as tourism, family visits and qualifying business visits; work or study may require separate authorisation.

Validity

A visitor visa can be issued for up to ten years or until the passport or biometrics expire, whichever comes first; an officer may set a different expiry date.

Entries

Usually multiple entry; the issuing officer determines the visa issued

Maximum stay

Most visitors can stay for up to six months per entry, unless a border officer authorises a different period.

Official processing guidance

Processing times vary by country and application circumstances; biometrics time is separate.

Apply on the official government website

What to prepare

Have these details and documents ready before you apply. Additional documents may be requested depending on your passport, travel purpose or application.

The passport that will be used for travel

Current contact, itinerary and accommodation information

A compliant photograph where the application requests one

Purpose-specific evidence requested by the issuing authority

Processing times

Processing times vary by document and authority. Use the official guidance shown with the relevant option and apply early enough for government review.

Plan around official processing times

Government processing times can vary. Apply early and use the guidance shown for the document you need.

Continue to the official application

Visa, travel-authorisation and entry decisions are made by the relevant government and border authorities.

Your application checklist

Confirm the right route, prepare your details and documents, then continue to the official application when you are ready.

Check your requirements

Start with your passport country and destination to see the relevant travel document route.

Complete the online form

Use the official Canada application or declaration service linked from the relevant route.

Upload required documents

Provide only the passport, photograph, travel and purpose-specific evidence requested by the authority.

Review your details

Check that your application details match your passport and travel itinerary exactly.

Submit your application

Submit through the official authority and retain its receipt or reference number.

Receive updates by email

Keep the authority's decision and any government emails accessible while travelling.

Prepare with confidence

Follow a clear route from checking requirements to preparing the details requested by the relevant authority.

Before you travel

Keep government decisions and confirmations accessible, and check the official rules again before departure.

Check that your passport validity meets the destination rules

Confirm your travel dates and accommodation details

Review the latest entry conditions before departure

Carry the approved document if required, digitally or printed

Keep government emails and status updates accessible while travelling

Requirements can change before departure

Canada travel document questions

Answers to common questions about Canada visas and entry requirements.

An eTA is an electronic travel authorisation for eligible travellers, mainly visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada. A visitor visa is a visa placed in the passport for travellers who need one. The official checker confirms the correct route.

Check what you need for your trip

Check your requirements for Canada and continue to the relevant official application route.

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