Canada Entry Requirements by country

Most international travelers will need either a Canada Visitor visa which grants them entry to Canada or a Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) if you are from one of the visa-exempt countries. Very few visitors are completely exempt and can enter freely with their passports without needing a visa.

Canadian citizens, permanent residents and U.S. citizens

Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, need a valid Canadian passport. American-Canadians can travel with a valid Canadian or U.S. passport.

Canadian permanent residents need a valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document.

U.S. citizens must carry proper identification such as a valid U.S. passport.

Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. (aka Green card holders)

As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the United States must show these documents for all methods of travel to Canada:

  • a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and
  • a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)

Visa-exempt travellers

Passport holders of the following countries are exempted from obtaining a Visa to travel to Canada and must apply instead for the eTA Canada Visa. However, these travellers do not need an eTA if entering by land or sea – for instance driving from the U.S. or coming by bus, train, or boat, including cruise ship.

Conditional Canada eTA

Passport holders of the following countries are eligible to apply for a Canada eTA only if they satisfy the conditions listed below:

Conditions:

  • All nationalities held a Canadian temporary Resident Visa in the last ten (10) years.

OR

  • All nationalities must hold a current and valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa.

If any of the above condition is not satisfied, then you must instead apply for a Canada Visitor Visa.

Canada Visitor Visa is also referred to as Canada Temporary Resident Visa or TRV.

For Conditional Canada eTA countries, since their eligibility depends upon previously issued Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) or US non-immigrant visa, passport holders must travel with old passport if it holds:

  • your expired Canadian visitor visa, or
  • your valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa.

Visa-required

The following travellers need a visa to come to Canada in all situations whether they are coming by plane, car, bus, train, or cruise ship.

Note: Holders of Alien’s passport and Stateless individuals need a visa to visit or transit Canada.

Check the steps to apply for a Canada Visitor Visa.

Workers and students

If you’re a worker or student, you must also meet Canada’s entry requirements. A work permit or study permit is not a visa. In most cases, you’ll also need a valid visitor visa or eTA to enter Canada.

If you’re applying for your first study or work permit

You will automatically be issued a Canada visa or Canada eTA if you need one and after you application is approved. When you travel to Canada make sure you have:

  • your letter of introduction valid passport or travel document
    • if you’re visa-required, it must contain the visa sticker that we put in it
    • if you need an eTA and you’re flying to a Canadian airport, it must be the passport that’s electronically link to your eTA.

If you already have a work or study permit

If belong to a visa-required country, make sure that your visitor visa is still valid if you choose to leave Canada and re-enter.

If you need an eTA and you are flying to a Canadian airport, make sure you travel with the passport that’s electronically linked to your eTA Canada Visa.

You must travel with your valid study or work permit, a valid passport and travel document.

If you’re eligible to work or study without a permit

If you’re eligible to work or study without a permit, you’re considered a visitor to Canada. You must meet the entry requirements for travellers from your country of citizenship.

Visiting your children and grandchildren in Canada

If you’re the parent or grandparent of a Canadian permanent resident or citizen, you may be eligible for a Canada super visa. A super visa lets you visit Canada for up to 2 years at a time. It’s a multi-entry visa that is valid for a period up to 10 years.

Check your eligibility for eTA Canada Visa and apply for eTA Canada Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. British citizens, Italian citizens, Spanish citizens, and Israeli citizens can apply online for eTA Canada Visa. Should you need any help or require any clarifications you should contact our helpdesk for support and guidance.

Apply for Canada eTA