Canada tourist visa: Requirements and application procedure

Canada tourist visa requirements are easy to understand. The entire visa application process is online. Canada typically issues long-term multiple-entry visas valid for 5 to 10 years.

Even if you are not planning on traveling to Canada right away, getting a Canadian tourist visa can be useful for two reasons.

• Canada visitor visas are typically long-term visas (5 to 10 years). Apply for one now and you will have it for the next 10 years.
• Quite a few countries including Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama EXEMPT visa for those with a Canadian multiple entry visa.

***

CANADA TOURIST VISA REQUIREMENTS BY NATIONALITY

Minimum passport validity to enter Canada as a tourist

Passport must be valid for the entire stay in Canada

Example: If you will be entering Canada on Feb 10 and will be leaving Canada on Feb 25, your passport must be valid till Feb 25.

—

Visa EXEMPT nationalities (eTA not required)

1. United States

—

Visa EXEMPT nationalities (eTA required)

• Must apply for Canada eTA prior to arrival in Canada by air
• Canada eTA is not required if traveling by land from the US

1. Andorra
2. Anguilla
3. Antigua and Barbuda
4. Australia
5. Austria
6. Bahamas
7. Barbados
8. Belgium
9. Bermuda
10. British Virgin Islands
11. Brunei
12. Cayman Islands
13. Chile
14. Croatia
15. Cyprus
16. Czech Republic
17. Denmark
18. Estonia
19. Falkland Islands
20. Finland
21. France
22. Germany
23. Gibraltar
24. Greece
25. Hong Kong
26. Hungary
27. Iceland
28. Ireland
29. Israel
30. Italy
31. Japan
32. Latvia
33. Liechtenstein
34. Lithuania
35. Luxembourg
36. Malta
37. Mexico
38. Monaco
39. Montserrat
40. Netherlands
41. New Zealand
42. Norway
43. Papua New Guinea
44. Pitcairn
45. Poland
46. Portugal
47. Samoa
48. San Marino
49. Singapore
50. Slovakia
51. Slovenia
52. Solomon Islands
53. Spain
54. St. Helena
55. South Korea
56. Sweden
57. Switzerland
58. Taiwan
59. Turks and Caicos Islands
60. United Kingdom
61. Vatican City

—

Visa REQUIRED nationalities

1. Afghanistan
2. Albania
3. Algeria
4. Angola
5. Argentina
6. Armenia
7. Azerbaijan
8. Bahrain
9. Bangladesh
10. Belarus
11. Belize
12. Benin
13. Bhutan
14. Bolivia
15. Bosnia-Herzegovina
16. Botswana
17. Brazil
18. Bulgaria
19. Burkina Faso
20. Burundi
21. Cambodia
22. Cameroon
23. Cape Verde
24. Central African Republic
25. Chad
26. China
27. Colombia
28. Comoros
29. Congo (Democratic Republic of)
30. Congo (Republic of)
31. Costa Rica
32. Cuba
33. Djibouti
34. Dominica
35. Dominican Republic
36. Ecuador
37. Egypt
38. El Salvador
39. Equatorial Guinea 
40. Eritrea
41. Ethiopia
42. Fiji
43. Gabon
44. Gambia
45. Georgia
46. Ghana
47. Grenada
48. Guatemala
49. Guinea
50. Guinea-Bissau
51. Guyana
52. Haiti
53. Honduras
54. India
55. Indonesia
56. Iran
57. Iraq
58. Ivory Coast
59. Jamaica
60. Jordan
61. Kazakhstan
62. Kenya
63. Kiribati
64. Kosovo
65. Kuwait
66. Kyrgyzstan
67. Laos
68. Lebanon
69. Lesotho
70. Libaria
71. Libya
72. Macao
73. Macedonia
74. Madagascar
75. Malawi
76. Malaysia
77. Maldives
78. Mali
79. Marshall Islands
80. Mauritania
81. Mauritius
82. Micronesia
83. Moldova
84. Mongolia
85. Montenegro
86. Morocco
87. Mozambique
88. Myanmar
89. Namibia
90. Nauru
91. Nepal
92. Nicaragua
93. Niger
94. Nigeria
95. North Korea
96. Oman
97. Pakistan
98. Palau
99. Palestine
100. Panama
101. Paraguay
102. Peru
103. Philippines
104. Qatar
105. Romania
106. Russia
107. Rwanda
108. Sao Tome and Principe
109. Saudi Arabia
110. Senegal
111. Serbia
112. Seychelles
113. Sierra Leone
114. Somalia
115. South Africa
116. South Sudan
117. Sri Lanka
118. St. Lucia
119. St. Vincent and the Grenadines
120. St. Kitts and Nevis
121. Sudan
122. Surinam
123. Swaziland
124. Syria
125. Tajikistan
126. Tanzania
127. Thailand
128. Timor-Leste
129. Togo
130. Tonga
131. Trinidad and Tobago
132. Tunisia
133. Turkey
134. Turkmenistan
135. Tuvalu
136. Uganda
137. Ukraine
138. United Arab Emirates
139. Uruguay
140. Uzbekistan
141. Vanuatu
142. Venezuela
143. Vietnam
144. Yemen
145. Zambia
146. Zimbabwe

—

Visa EXEMPT with US Green card

• Must hold a valid US Green card
• Must apply for Canada eTA prior to arrival in Canada by air
• Canada eTA is NOT REQUIRED if traveling by land from the US

1. All nationalities

—

Visa EXEMPT with US visa or expired Canada tourist visa

• Must hold a valid used/unused multiple-entry US non-immigrant visa (B1, B2, B1/B2, F1, J1, H1, L1) (OR) an expired Canadian visitor visa (TRV) held in the past 10 years
• Must apply for Canada eTA prior to arrival in Canada
• Applicable to air travel only

1. Brazil

***

CANADA eTA (ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION)

Canada eTA is a travel authorization that needs to be obtained online prior to traveling to Canada. 

Canada eTA is MANDATORY for all visa EXEMPT nationalities.

Who needs Canada eTA?

Canada eTA is REQUIRED for all visa EXEMPT nationalities entering Canada for tourism or transit. If you are visa EXEMPT, you DO NOT NEED a visa but you REQUIRE an eTA to enter Canada.

Who does not need an eTA?

The following does not need an eTA to enter Canada.

• Canadian dual citizens
• Canadian permanent residents
• United States passport holders
• Passport holders with a valid Canadian visa (tourist, student, work, etc)

Is Canada eTA a visa?

No. Canada eTA is NOT a visa. It’s just an online authorization that you would need to obtain prior to your trip to Canada. 

Can you use ESTA to enter Canada?

You CANNOT use ESTA (United States Electronic System for Travel Authorization) to enter Canada. ESTA is a travel authorization to enter the US. It cannot be used for Canada. Even if you hold a valid ESTA, you would still need to apply for eTA to travel to Canada.

Canada eTA validity

Canada eTA is valid for 5 years or until the expiry of your current passport, whichever is earlier. eTA is also linked to a specific passport, so if you get a new passport for any reason, you must apply for a new eTA. 

How long can you stay in Canada with an eTA?

You can stay up to 6 months in Canada with an eTA. 

How many times can you enter Canada with an eTA?

Canada eTA is multiple-entry and valid for 5 years. Once you obtain your eTA, you can travel to Canada as many times as you want within that 5 years period.

Canada eTA application process

You can apply for Canada eTA online at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. 

NOTE
Flight tickets and hotel bookings are not required for eTA. Apply for eTA before you purchase your flight tickets or book any hotels.

Documents required for Canada eTA

• Passport
• Credit/debit card

Canada eTA fee

Canada eTA fee is $7 CAD. The fee must be paid using a credit or debit card in CAD only. Since the fee is in CAD, your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee. 

Canada eTA processing time

Canada eTA processing takes only a few minutes. In rare cases, it can take several days if additional documentation or an interview is required. IRCC will contact you with instructions in such cases. 

Canada eTA status

You can check your Canada eTA status on eTA Status Tool provided by IRCC. After your eTA is approved, you can use this tool to check the validity and print a copy if needed.

If it has been over 72 hours since you applied and there has been no status update, you can contact customer service using the IRCC Webform.

Documents to carry when entering Canada on an eTA

• Original passport
• Return or onward flight ticket

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival in Canada. 

Proof of onward ticket can be printed or soft-copy on your phone. If you are traveling on a one-way ticket, get proof of an onward ticket from OnwardTicket.

NOTE
A copy of your approved eTA is not required to carry. Canadian immigration officers and airline staff will have access to the Canada eTA system and they can verify your eTA using your passport number.

***

CANADA TOURIST VISA (TRV)

A Canada tourist visa or visitor visa is formally known as Canada Temporary Resident Visa (Canada TRV). You need a Canada TRV if you are from a visa REQUIRED nationality. 

Canada tourist visas can be applied either ONLINE or by mailing a PAPER application to the consulate. 

I highly recommend applying ONLINE. This guide focuses on the online application only. There are several advantages to applying online. It’s fast. It ensures everything is complete and correct. You only need to send your passport after your visa is approved. 

Validity of Canada tourist visa

Canada tourist visas are usually issued for 10 years or until the expiration of your current passport. 

Example:

• Your passport expiry: Nov 14, 2029
• Applied for your Canada visa online: Feb 01, 2020
• Given your biometrics: Feb 04, 2020
• Received a notification that your visa is approved: Mar 01, 2020
• Submitted your passport to your nearest VAC: Mar 07, 2020
• Picked up your passport with visa sticker: Mar 20, 2020

Your visa will be valid from March 01, 2020, to Nov 14, 2029.

Date of issue: Mar 01, 2020

Date of expiry: Nov 14, 2029

NOTE
If your passport is expiring soon, renew your passport first. And then apply for your Canada tourist visa, that way you can get the tourist visa for 10 years. 

When to apply for Canada tourist visa

You can apply for Canada tourist visa up to 3 months in advance.

Example: If you plan to visit the UK on April 15, you can apply for your Canada visa on or after January 16.

IMPORTANT
Canada visa process can take up to 30 calendar days or even longer in some cases. I strongly recommend applying for your Canada visa at least 2 months in advance.

How long can you stay in Canada on a tourist visa

You can stay in Canada for up to 6 months or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Occasionally, the immigration officers at the airport write an exit date on your entry stamp. This exit date can be less than 6 months. You must exit Canada within the exit date. 

How many times can you enter Canada on a tourist visa?

Canada tourist visas are usually multiple-entry, valid for 10 years or until your passport expires. You can travel to Canada as many times as you like within the expiry of your tourist visa. 

Canada tourist visa application process

The first step in Canada visitor visa application is to create a Government of Canada (GC) login called GCKey.

Once you have created your GCKey and signed in, you can start your visitor visa application. You can save an incomplete application and come back later to complete it.

Here are the steps to complete Canada tourist visa application.

1. Create a GCKey and sign in to the CIC website
2. Select visitor visa
3. Fill in the mandatory details and save
4. Download all Canada visa application forms
5. Fill and electronically sign the application forms
6. Upload filled and signed application forms
7. Upload supporting documents
8. Pay the visa fee
9. Pay biometrics fee
10. Submit the application
11. Give your biometrics are your nearest VAC
12. Check the status of your application
13. On approval, submit or mail your passport to your nearest VAC
14. Receive or pick up your passport with Canada visa

Documents required for Canada tourist visa

The following documents are required for Canada tourist visa.

1. Completed and signed Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) Application “Form IMM5257” 
2. Completed family information “Form IMM5645”
3. Proof of financial support (last 4-month bank statements or payslips or employment letter)
4. Copy of your passport (first and last page)
5. Purpose of travel (round-trip flight tickets and hotel bookings)
6. Travel history (all pages with visas/stamps from your old and new passport in the last 10 years)
7. Completed “Schedule 1 Form 5257”
8. Letter of explanation of your trip (optional, a cover letter explaining your purpose of travel to Canada)

All forms can be downloaded from your application page. 

Provide all pages of your old and new passports that have stamps or visas. This will ensure you have a considerable travel history.

NOTE
If you have traveled to Canada in the last 10 years or hold a valid US non-immigrant visa, your application may be processed in 2 to 5 working days under the CAN+ program.

What is CAN+ visa program?

Canada Immigration and Citizenship (CIC) has started asking applicants for visas, stamps and travel history for the last 10 years.

Applicants who have traveled to Canada in the last 10 years or hold a valid US non-immigrant visa are considered for CAN+ expedited program. If qualified, some additional documentation is not required and the application is processed within 2-5 working days.

At the beginning of your application, you will be asked questions specific to previous travel to Canada and the United States to determine your eligibility. You will be asked to upload less documentation if you are determined as eligible. 

Even though you qualify for the CAN+ expedited program, your application may take several days to process. There are many factors involved. So do not count on the CAN+ program. Instead, follow the current processing times and apply for Canada visitor visa well in advance.

Canada tourist visa fee

Canada tourist visa fee is $100 CAD. The fee must be paid using a credit or debit card in CAD only. Since the fee is in CAD, your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee. 

Biometric procedure

Biometrics are mandatory for all Canada tourist visa applicants. Your fingerprints are scanned and your photograph is taken during the biometric appointment. 

NOTE
Biometrics are valid for 10 years. If you have given your biometrics in the last 10 years as part of a Canada visitor, work or study visa, you are NOT REQUIRED to give your biometrics again. 

You can use the Biometric Validity Tool on the IRCC website to check if your biometrics are still valid.

If your biometrics are still valid, you do not need to pay the biometric fee and do not need to give biometrics.

The following are the steps for biometrics.

STEP 1: Pay your biometric fee

The biometric fee for Canada tourist visa is $85 CAD. The fee must be paid using a credit or debit card in CAD only. 

You can pay the biometric fee when you submit your visa application or at a later time. It’s highly recommended to pay your biometric fee when you submit your visa application. Paying later will delay your biometrics and eventually your visa process. 

STEP 2: Receive biometric instruction letter within 24 hours

If you have paid your biometric fee when submitting your visa application, you will receive your biometric instruction letter within 24 hours of application submission.

STEP 3: Schedule biometric appointment at your nearest VAC

After you receive your biometric instruction letter, you will have 30 days to give your biometrics. Failing to give biometrics within 30 days will result in visa refusal. 

Follow the instructions in your biometric instruction letter and schedule a biometric appointment at your nearest Visa Application Center (VAC) or Application Support Center (ASC). 

Once you schedule your biometric appointment, you will receive a biometric appointment confirmation letter from VAC or ASC. 

If you have temporary injuries on your fingers and/or your face, you must wait to give your biometrics. You should contact IRCC customer support to request additional time for your biometrics appointment. 

If you have permanent injuries on your fingers and/or face, you can continue with your biometrics appointment. The staff at VAC can scan as many fingers as possible and take your photograph. 

STEP 4: Gather documents for biometric appointment

Print your biometric instruction letter and biometric appointment confirmation. Some VACs require a consent form. If your VAC requires one, you will see instructions about it in your biometric appointment confirmation. 

STEP 4: Appear in-person at the VAC on your appointment day

On your appointment day, carry the following documents

• Original passport
• Biometric instruction letter 
• Biometric appointment confirmation
• Consent form (if required)

Your fingerprints will be scanned and your photo will be taken. To avoid any issues with your fingerprint or photo, follow the below instructions.

• Make sure your 10 fingers are free of any temporary injuries, cuts and cracks
• Make sure your 10 fingers are free of paint, oil, grease, etc.
• Make sure your face is free of any temporary injuries, sunglasses, hats, etc.
• Wear a bright color shirt or T-shirt

Visa processing time

Canada tourist visa processing can take up to 30 calendar days. Processing times vary by country, check the current processing times before applying. 

Follow the below steps to check the current visa processing times in your location. 

• Goto CIC Check processing times page
• For the question “Select an application type:”, select “Temporary residence (visiting, studying, working)”
• For the question “Which temporary residence application?”, select “Visitor visa (from outside Canada)”
• For the question “Where are you applying from?”, select the country where you have applied from
• Click on “Get processing time”

Visa application status tracking

You can check the status of your visa application by signing into your IRCC account. When there is a change in the status, you will receive an email alert. Then you can sign in to your IRCC account and check the status. 

If your application has been pending for too long, you can contact CIC using their IRCC Webform. Follow the below steps to contact CIC.

• Go to IRCC Web Form
• Click on “Tell us more”.
• For the question “Have you submitted an application for”, select option “Yes”
• For the question “Is your application being processed by an office OUTSIDE Canada”, select “Yes”
• For the question “Choose the visa office processing your application.”, select the country and city where you have applied
• Click on “Go to Web form”
• Then fill in the details and submit.

Priority visa service

There is no priority visa service for Canada tourist visa. Check current processing times and apply well in advance. You can apply for Canada tourist visa up to 3 months in advance.

If you traveled to Canada in the last 10 years or hold a valid US non-immigrant visa, your application MAY BE expedited under CAN+ program where your application will be processed in just a few days.

Processing your application in CAN+ expedited program is at the discretion of CIC. So, do not completely rely on that. Instead, follow the timeline and apply for Canada visitor visa at least 3 months before your travel.

Passport submission

When your Canada tourist visa application is approved, you will be notified via email. You must submit or mail your original passport to your nearest VAC or ASC. The VAC or ASC will then send your passport to the Consulate of Canada for the visa sticker.

Customer support

There is no dedicated customer service. You can track your application status online. If you have to contact CIC for any reason, use the IRCC Web Form. For other inquiries, you can contact your nearest VAC.

Application withdrawal

There is no formal procedure to withdraw your Canada tourist visa application. You can just abandon it. If you do not send your passport within 30 days of application approval, your application will be void anyway.

Also Read: 10 ways to get a flight itinerary for visa application in 2023

***

ENTERING AND LEAVING CANADA

Entering Canada by air

At your first airport in Canada, the immigration officers may ask you a few questions about your purpose of travel and the number of days you will stay in Canada.

You may be asked to show your return/onward ticket and your hotel booking. If you are traveling on a one-way ticket, make sure to get proof of onward ticket.

Leaving Canada by air

There is no exit procedure for Canada. After the security procedure, you can head straight to the departure gate

The US has set up its Customs and Immigration in some of the Canadian airports. So, if you will be traveling to the US from Canada, you may have to go through US immigration at the departure airport in Canada.

When you land in the US, you will just walk out as if it were a domestic flight.

***

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

***

SUMMARY

Canada’s incredible geography attracts millions of tourists every year. Canada tourist visa requirements are clear and easy to understand. The application process is online. Canada typically issues long-term multiple-entry visas for 5 to 10 years.