I always encourage my readers to get their US visa at some point. Having a US visa will open up many doors. Of course, you can travel to the US, but you can also travel to 30+ countries VISA-FREE with US visa.
But, many fear that the US visa is the most difficult to get.
Well, there is an alternative – CANADA VISA.
Canada visa is the second best visa. You can travel 25 countries VISA-FREE with Canada visa.
The best thing about Canada visa is that there is NO VISA INTERVIEW.
The US visa interview process is frightening to many. If you have been to one, you would know what I mean. The high security at the consulate, lining up in the street outside the building, intimidating visa officers, questions that you were not prepared for, and the list goes on.
If you do not have a US consulate in your city, you have to travel to the nearest city where the US consulate is. The visa fee itself is quite steep and on top of that, these travel expenses can add up.
Why should you get a Canada tourist visa?
Though Canada visa doesn’t offer as much VISA-FREE travel as the US visa, Canada visa has its own advantages.
- Canada visa application has no visa interview.
- Canada tourist visa is also a long-term visa. Usually issued for 10 years or until the expiration of your passport.
- The fee for Canada tourist visa is much lesser. It’s only $100 CAD.
- India and China passport holders can even take advantage of the CAN+ expedited program.
- Last but not the least, Canada itself is a beautiful country. Have you ever seen the pictures of Banff National Park? Just Google it. It’s spectacular. That’s just one example. The country is vast, diverse and a nature lover’s paradise. It’s also culturally diverse and the people are the most polite in the world.
Which Canada visas are eligible?
The following Canada visas can be used
- Canada tourist visa (also called Canada TRV)
- Canada student visa
- Canada work visa
- Canada permanent resident card
Some countries require the Canada visa to be multiple entries and have been used at least once to travel to Canada.
So, without further due, let’s jump into the list.
Also Read: Everything you need to know about Canada tourist visa
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North America
English Bay, Vancouver, Canada
01. Canada
- Of course!
02. Mexico
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 180 days
- More info: Consulate of Mexico in Washington DC, USA, Consulate of Mexico in Toronto, Canada and Consulate of Mexico in India
Also Read: How to travel 37 countries VISA-FREE with US visa
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Central America
Casco Viejo, Panama City, Panama
03. Costa Rica
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Embassy of Costa Rica in Canada and Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington DC, USA
04. El Salvador
- Applies to India passport holders only
- Entry up to 90 days
- More info: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador on CA-4
05. Guatemala
- Applies to India passport holders only
- Entry up to 90 days
- More info: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala and Embassy of India in Guatemala
06. Honduras
- Applies to India passport holders only
- Entry up to 90 days
- More info: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador on CA-4
07. Panama
- Applies to all nationalities
- Canada visa must be valid for at least one year from the date of arrival
- Canada visa must have been used at least once to enter Canada before
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Embassy of Panama in the USA and Consulate of Panama in Toronto, Canada
Also Read: 14 ways to get a travel itinerary for visa application
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Caribbean
Aruba
08. Antigua and Barbuda
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Department of Immigration, Antigua and Barbuda and Consulate General of Antigua and Barbuda in NYC
09. Aruba
- Applies to Bolivia, China, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, India, Jamaica and Peru passport holders only
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Visit Aruba
10. Bahamas
- Applies to India passport holders only
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Bahamas.com and TIMATIC Web
11. Cuba
- Applies to all nationalities
- Must hold the Tourist Card, which can be obtained from Cuban embassies, authorized airlines and travel agencies
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: IATA Travel Center and TIMATIC Web and Go Cuba
12. Curaçao
- Applies to China, Dominican Republic and India passport holders only
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Curaçao Tourism and Netherlands and You
13. Dominican Republic
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Embassy of Dominican Republic in the UK, Embassy of Dominican Republic in the US and Internal Revenue Department
14. Sint Maarten
- Applies to Bolivia, China, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, India, Jamaica and Peru passport holders only
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Government of Sint Maarten
Also Read: 10 mistakes that can get your visa denied. And how to avoid them
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South America
Valparaíso, Chile
15. Chile
- Applies to China passport holders only
- Canada visa must be tourist visa only (student, work visa or residence permit are not eligible)
- Entry up to 90 days
- More info: Consulate General of Chile, Washington DC and Chile Ministry of Exterior
16. Peru
- Applies to India and China passport holders only
- Canada visa must have been granted for at least 6 months
- Entry up to 180 days
- More info: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Peru and Embassy of India in Lima, Peru
Also Read: What to pack for international travel
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Europe
Big Ben, London, England
17. Georgia
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 90 days
- More info: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia
18. Macedonia
- Applies to all nationalities
- The visa must be valid for at least 5 days beyond the intended period of stay
- Entry up to 15 days
- More info: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Macedonia
19. United Kingdom
- Applies to all nationalities
- Must be in transit to/from Canada only and must have an onward ticket within 24 hours
- Available at Heathrow airport only
- Entry for 24 hours only
- More info: Heathrow Arrivals and UK Gov – Check Visa
Also Read: 15 ways to research visa requirements for any country
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Middle East
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Oman
20. Oman
- Applies to the following passport holders only
- Visa in NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for eVisa
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Sultanate of Oman, Royal Oman Police
21. Qatar
- Applies to all nationalities
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for eTA and then avail Visa ON ARRIVAL at international airports in Qatar
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Qatar Tourist Authority and Ministry of Foreign Interior, Qatar
FREE eBook: How to travel 56 countries VISA-FREE with a visa from US, Canada, UK, Schengen, Australia, etc.
***
Asia
Abra, Philippines
22. Philippines
- Applies to only India and China passport holders
- Entry up to 14 days for India passport holders
- Entry up to 7 days for China passport holders
- A 7 day extension is possible
- More info: Embassy of Philippines in Singapore and Embassy of Philippines in India
23. Singapore
- Applies to India passport holders only
- Must be traveling to or from India
- Both arriving and departing flights in Singapore must be on the same itinerary
- Entry up to 96 hours
- More info: Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
24. South Korea
- Applies to all nationalities except Afghanistan, Cuba, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Kosovo, Macedonia, Nigeria, Palestine, Sudan, Syria and Yemen
- Must be in transit to reach Canada as final destination
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Republic of Korea Visa Portal and Hi Korea (e-Government for Foreigners)
25. Taiwan
- Applies to Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam passport holders only
- Visa is EXEMPT but must apply online for Republic of China Travel Authorization Certificate (Valid for 90 days) before arrival
- Entry up to 14 days
- More info: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan)
Also Read: What is Visa on Arrival and how to get it successfully every time
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VISA-FREE travel with Canada Residence Permit (Permanent Resident Card)
If you have been living in Canada and hold your Residency Permit (Permanent Resident Card), you can also travel VISA-FREE to these additional countries.
01. Aruba
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Visit Aruba
02. Bahamas
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Bahamas.com, Consulate General of Bahamas in Washington DC and Nassau Paradise Island
03. Curaçao
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Curaçao Tourism and Netherlands and You
04. Sint Maarten
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Government of Sint Maarten
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There you have it! List of 25 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with Canada visa. If you don’t have a Canada visa already, it’s time to apply for one and add another 25 to your list of VISA-FREE countries.
Do you know any other country (I haven’t listed here) that offers visa exemption for Canada visa holders? Let me know in the comments below.
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Navdeep Kaur says
Hey, currently I am living in Canada on my work permit. I came here as a student and have applied for my immigration, which is in process. I am an Indian originally. Which countries I can visit without visa?
Thirumal says
Hi Navdeep! Except for Chile, you will be able to enter all the countries listed in this article with your India passport and Canada work visa. Let me know the countries you would like to visit, I can research and confirm if you can use your Canada work visa.
Fahed Zakka says
I have a Canadian study permit. I do not need a visa to visit Mexico as a tourist?
Thirumal says
Hi Fahed! If your Canada study permit is a “visa sticker” in your passport, then you don’t need a visa for Mexico. When you arrive in Mexico, you just have to present your Canada visa.
Aditi says
Hello sir, I have an Indian passport and currently, I am in Canada for the semester exchange. I have Canadian multiple entry visitors visa of 9 years. What kind of Visa should I apply for to visit Canada for around 10-15 days to tour. I ain’t sure if a Canadian visa will help in any way.
Thirumal says
Hi Aditi! I am a bit confused. You said you have a Canada visa but you are asking what visa you need to visit Canada? Could you be more specific? Is it something you are asking for someone else or about some other country?
Nivia George says
Hi, I am having Canada V-1 visa and I am a resident of UAE. Can I get on arrival visa in South Korea for 30 days? I don’t have any plan for Canada visit on this trip.
Thirumal says
Hi Nivia! You can enter South Korea with your Canada visa only if
(a) you are traveling to Canada via South Korea (OR)
(b) you are traveling from Canada to another country via South Korea.
Therefore, Canada must be on your itinerary, Otherwise, you will not be allowed to enter.
Amruta says
Is it possible and legal for Indians holding a Canada work visa to travel to Gulf countries visa-free? If yes, then for how many days can I stay in that country legally? Also, is there any option to extend the visa in case I exceed the permissible limit of stay? Or do I need to apply for a separate visa?
Thirumal says
Hi Amruta! Yes. Oman and Qatar. You can get eVisas for these two countries using your Canada work visa. You can stay 30 days on eVisa and extensions are allowed. Please refer to the “more info” links I have provided for Oman and Qatar.
Stanley says
I have a Canadian B1 visa. I am traveling to Africa but I have a layover for about 10 hours in London. Can I use my visa to enter the country during my layover?
Thirumal says
Hi Stanley! Yes. You can request a “24-hour entry” at London’s Heathrow airport using your Canada visa. Keep in kind that granting you a “24-hour entry” is at the discretion of the immigration officer.
usa says
Hi! I have a Canadian student visa and I want to visit Mexico for 6 days. Do I need to apply for a Mexico visa.
Thirumal says
Hi Usa! You DO NOT NEED a Mexico visa. You can use your Canada student visa to visit Mexico.
Haris Khan says
Hi Thirumal, my Canada visit visa is for 2 years and getting expired on June 2020. If I apply for new passport 4 months earlier before expiry, can I travel to Canada with visa on old passport and with the new passport? Please guide.
Thirumal says
Hi Haris! Yes, you can. Your Canada visa in your old passport will still be valid until it’s expiry. Carry your old and new passport whenever you travel.
Raa says
Hi sir! I have a Canadian tourist Visa. I am from Iran. Based on this article I am eligible to go to Costa Rica. So should I first be landed in Canada or I can travel directly from my country to costa rica?
Since I don’t have a US visa, is it possible to fly with USA airlines (from Vancouver to Costa rica)
Thanks
Raa
Thirumal says
Hi Raa! Yes, you can travel directly to Costa Rica from your country. Keep in mind that your Canada tourist visa must be multiple-entry.
No. You cannot transit through the US without a US visa. If you are in Vancouver, I suggest flights Canada-Mexico-CostaRica or Canada-Panama-CostaRica. That way, you don’t have to transit through the US. You can use your Canada visa to transit through Mexico and Panama.
ash says
Hi, I have India passport and Canada study visa. Can I travel to Belize?
Thirumal says
Hi Ash! The Canadian consulate in Alberta updated it’s website that anyone with multiple-entry Canada visa can enter Belize without a visa. This information is not updated on all sites, so it’s difficult to confirm. I suggest contacting your nearest Belize embassy/consulate.
BANA MBUDZA says
Hi! I have a Congolese passport with a Canadian pr visa multiple-entry. Can I go to Mexico?
Thirumal says
Hi Bana! Yes, you can travel to Mexico using your Congolese passport and Canada multiple entry visa. You do not need a separate Mexico visa.
Saeid says
Hi Thirumal!
Thanks for starting such an awesome discussion! I hold an Iranian passport and am studying in Canada as an international student (I hold study permit). I was wondering if I need a visa to visit Colombia as a tourist?
Thanks!
Saeid
Thirumal says
Hi Saeid! Iranian passport holders REQUIRE visa to enter Colombia. You cannot use your Canada visa. More information here -> https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/en/procedures_services/visa/requirements
Juliet Seda says
Hi, I am from Kenya and I have a valid Canadian student visa. Which countries can I visit visa free?
Thirumal says
Hi Juliet! You can visit all the countries in this article that says “applicable to all nationalities”.
Rudy Golchha says
Hi Thirumal, I hold Student Visa for Canada. I am planning to take flight from Toronto to Mumbai via the USA. Do I need USA transit visa?
Thirumal says
Hi Rudy! YES, you REQUIRE a US transit visa in order to transit via the US. Your Canada student visa will not work for transiting via the US.
Ivan Haso says
Hi sir, Can I travel to Cuba and Qatar or any Countries in Europian union with my Canadian PR card and I am a holder of Iraqi passport?
Many thanks
Thirumal says
Hi Ivan! Yes, with your Iraqi passport and Canada PR, you can travel to Cuba and Qatar. For the countries in the EU, refer to the countries list in “Europe” that says “applies to all nationalities”.
Effie says
Can I go to Punta Cana with a Canadian Student Visa?
Thirumal says
Hi Effie! Yes, you can travel to the Dominican Republic with your valid Canada student visa. You don’t need a separate visa for the Dominican Republic.
Pushkar Inamdar says
I am currently studying in Singapore on a student visa and I hold an Indian passport. And I want to travel to Italy what should I do?
Can I apply for Italy visa while studying in Singapore or do I have to go back to India to apply and complete the visa procedure?
Thirumal says
Hi Pushkar! You can apply for your Schengen visa from Singapore since you live/study in Singapore. You don’t need to apply from India. Refer to my Schengen visa guide for the procedure.
Salma says
Hi, I hold a valid Canadian tourist visa and I am in Canada at present. That being said, can I visit Mexico without a visa? I hold an Indian passport. Thanks!
Thirumal says
Hi Salma! Yes, you can visit Mexico with your India passport and Canada visa. You don’t need a separate visa for Mexico.
Gigi says
Hi! I have a Nigerian Passport but I’m a US legal resident, am I able to go to Canada without a visa?
Thirumal says
Hi Gigi! If you hold a US Green card, then YES, you can travel to Canada without a visa. But you must apply for Canada eTA if arriving by air.
Please refer to my Canada visa guide on the procedure to apply for Canada eTA.
Bala says
Hi! This is a very good article. One of my friend, who is a Canadian PR, Indian Passport Holder, wants to travel through HKG. I guess HKG requires no visa, (you have to have an eVisa). Is this correct?
Thanks!
Thirumal says
Hi Bala! That’s correct! India passport holders need to have just a “Pre-arrival Registration (PAR)” to enter Hong Kong. PAR is an online form and the confirmation is immediate. You can refer to my Hong Kong Visa Guide on the steps to complete PAR.