Canada Visa: Entry requirements and pre-travel information for Canada

Traveling to Canada? You may need a visa – find out if you do, which type, and how to apply so you can get the paperwork out of the way and focus on your trip.

What’s a Canada Visitor Visa and who’s it for?

Who’s the Canada Visitor Visa for?

The Canada Visitor Visa is designed for people who wish to visit Canada for a short period.

Who isn't eligible for the Canada Visitor Visa?

• Those who have a criminal record, have been involved in human rights violations, have ties to organized crime, pose a security risk, have certain health issues, or lack financial stability.

• Permanent residents of Canada​.

• Those who are visa-exempt to enter the country.

What’s the purpose of a Canada Visitor Visa? Tourism, visiting friends and family, business, and short-term studies.

How long can you stay with a Canada Visitor Visa? Up to 180 days per entry. However, the exact duration is determined by a border services officer upon arrival, based on your personal situation.

Learn more about the Canada Visitor Visa

What’s a Canada eTA and who’s it for?

Who’s the Canada eTA for?

The Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a travel document required for visa-exempt visitors to enter Canada.

Who isn’t eligible for the Canada eTA?

Those who need a visa before they arrive in Canada.

What’s the purpose of a Canada eTA? Tourism, family visits, or business.

How long can you stay with a Canada eTA? It’s valid for 5 years after the issue date. This means you must enter Canada within this period. It’s a Multiple Entry visa and allows a maximum stay of 180 days Per Entry.

Learn more about the Canada eTA

What’s a Canada Advance CBSA Declaration (ArriveCAN) and who’s it for?

Who’s the Advance CBSA Declaration for?

International travelers arriving in Canada. While you can fill out the traditional customs declaration at the arrival airport, it’s easier and quicker to do it online in advance.

The service is available for all travelers arriving through the following international airports:

• Toronto Pearson International Airport Terminal 1 & 3

• Vancouver International Airport

• Montreal-Trudeau International Airport

• Winnipeg Richardson International Airport

Who can’t fill out the online Advance CBSA Declaration form?

• Non-air travelers: As the feature is designed for air travelers arriving at certain international airports in Canada, individuals entering Canada by land or sea cannot use this option.

• Those arriving at another airport: Travelers arriving at Canadian airports other than those listed above can’t use this option currently.

What’s the purpose of a Canada Advance CBSA Declaration?

To declare any limited goods and cash.

How long can you stay with a Canada Advance CBSA Declaration? You must submit the form within 72 hours before arrival, every time you visit Canada.

Be aware that this document does not replace a visa. Check our convenient visa checker to determine if you require a visa to visit Canada.

Learn more about the Canada Advance CBSA Declaration

What’s a Canada Study Permit and who’s it for?

Who’s the Canada Study Permit for? International students, to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada.

What’s the purpose of a Canada Study Permit? Studying.

How long can you stay with a Canada Study Permit? It’s usually valid for the duration of your studies and is a multiple-entry document.

Learn more about the Canada Study Permit

What are Canada's long-term visa options?

Canada offers several long-term visa options for various purposes, such as residence. Here are some common long-term visas:

• Working Holiday Visa: Under International Experience Canada (IEC), for young individuals from countries with a bilateral agreement with Canada to work and travel.

• Family Sponsorship Visa: For relatives of Canadian residents, including their spouse, partner, child(ren), parent(s), and/or grandparent(s).

• Start-up Visa: For entrepreneurs starting a business and creating jobs in Canada.

• Refugee Visa: For individuals seeking refuge or those willing to sponsor a refugee.

• Francophone Immigration: For living, working, or studying in French in a Francophone community outside Quebec.

• Canada Super Visa: A long-term, multiple-entry visa designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, allowing them extended stays of up to two years per entry, promoting family reunification and flexibility in travel.

At iVisa, we currently don’t offer these visas, but you can find out more on the Canadian government website.

Staying healthy in Canada: Here’s what you need to know

Canada boasts a high standard of medical facilities and healthcare services. Here's what travelers should know.

Make sure to stay updated on routine vaccines

• Canada doesn't mandate specific vaccinations for most travelers.

• Keep updated with Canada's COVID-19 requirements, such as quarantine, testing, or vaccine certificates, through your airline or the Canada government website.

Medical facilities

• Availability of medical facilities may vary in remote areas.

• Medical treatment may be expensive, so it’s wise to take out travel insurance before you go.

Health insurance

We’d always recommend taking out health insurance before you travel anywhere from any destination.

Contact your insurance provider before traveling to make sure you have the right level of coverage.

Other things to consider:

• Trip cancellation, delay, and interruption benefits.

• Medical expenses and medical evacuation benefits.

• Baggage coverage.

Things to be aware of when visiting Canada

Keep an extra eye on the following to keep healthy and safe during your trip to Canada:

1. Extreme weather: Canada's diverse climate can pose challenges. Prepare for the weather conditions of the regions you'll be visiting.

2. Wildlife: Be cautious of local wildlife, especially in rural and mountainous areas, and adhere to safety guidelines.

3. Swimming safety: Heed warning flags at beaches and be wary of marine hazards, especially in coastal regions.

Medication for personal use

Follow these tips to bring into Canada some over-the-counter medicines:

• Declare all medications: Report all medication for personal use to customs authorities.

• Original packaging: Always keep medicines in their original containers and in transparent bags in your hand luggage.

• Prescription or doctor's letter: Present the medical prescription issued by your doctor or other competent authority in English.

• Check for restrictions: Call Canada's embassy to verify that all of your prescriptions are legal to bring with you.

• Quantity aligned with itinerary: Bring only a reasonable quantity that aligns with the duration of your stay to avoid complications.

Need embassy support?

For other consular needs for Canada, your first point of contact is the Canada Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

Need assistance while traveling in Canada? Your home country's embassy or consulate is your go-to place for support. Check our useful Embassies Finder to locate the nearest one.