Canada Visa for Tourists in 2025: A Complete Guide

Canada does not offer Visa-Exemption to any country, except for the United States. All visa-exempt nationalities must obtain Canada eTA before traveling. Those who are not visa-exempt or eTA-eligible must obtain a Canada visa.

The Canadian visa process is online, but you must appear in person at a visa application center for biometrics. Canada visas are typically long-term multiple-entry visas valid for up to 10 years.

Even if you are not planning to travel to Canada right away, getting a Canadian tourist visa can be useful. Not only Canadian visa a long-term visa, but it also offers VISA-FREE entry to many countries. It’s one way to make your passport strong.

***

Canada Visa Policy for Tourists

Canada has a strict but clear visa policy. US citizens and US green card holders are visa-exempt. All other nationalities fall into two categories – visa-exempt or visa-required.

53 nationalities are visa-exempt but require an eTA when entering by air. They do not need an eTA when entering by land or sea, including cruise ships. The eTA costs $7 CAD, is valid for 5 years, linked to the passport, and is usually approved in minutes.

144 nationalities require a visa to enter Canada by air, land or sea. Visitor Visa costs $100 CAD (plus $85 CAD for biometrics), valid for up to 10 years or until the passport expires, and allows multiple entries. It permits stays of up to 6 months per visit. Processing takes 1-4 months (faster with recent Canadian/US visa history).

15 visa-required nationalities are eligible for eTA if they hold a valid US non-immigrant visa or have held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years. eTA usuable only for air arrivals. Land or sea entries require a visa.

Minimum passport validity to enter Canada as a tourist

Your passport must be valid for the entire stay in Canada. Your passport must have at least one blank page for entry stamps.

***

Visa Exemption (VISA-FREE)

The following nationalities are visa-exempt (do not need a visa) to enter Canada.

1. United States citizens

US citizens can enter Canada using a US passport or any valid US ID, such as a driver’s license, etc., that has a photo and shows full name and date of birth.

Apart from US citizens, the following nationals also do not require a visa or eTA to enter Canada.

• Canadian dual citizens (must use their Canadian passport to enter)
• United States permanent residents (green card holders)

Regardless of their nationality, US green card holders can travel to Canada VISA-FREE. US green card holders must present a valid passport from their country of nationality and US green card at the border.

***

Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

Who requires Canada eTA?

The following nationalities require a Canada eTA when entering Canada by air, for the purpose of visiting or transiting.

Visa-Exempt nationalities entering by air

1. Andorra
2. Australia
3. Austria
4. Bahamas
5. Barbados
6. Belgium
7. Brunei
8. Bulgaria
9. Chile
10. Croatia
11. Cyprus
12. Czech Republic
13. Denmark
14. Estonia
15. Finland
16. France
17. Germany
18. Greece
19. Hong Kong
20. Hungary
21. Iceland
22. Ireland
23. Israel
24. Italy
25. Japan
26. Latvia
27. Liechtenstein
28. Lithuania
29. Luxembourg
30. Malta
31. Monaco
32. Netherlands (and its Caribbean parts)
33. New Zealand
34. Norway
35. Papua New Guinea
36. Poland
37. Portugal
38. Qatar
39. Romania
40. Samoa
41. San Marino
42. Singapore
43. Slovakia
44. Slovenia
45. Solomon Islands
46. South Korea
47. Spain
48. Sweden
49. Switzerland
50. Taiwan (must have Personal ID number)
51. United Arab Emirates
52. United Kingdom (and its overseas territories)
53. Vatican City (or Holy See)

NOTE: eTA is required only when entering Canada via international airports. eTA is NOT required if entering via land border or seaports by car, bus, train, boat or cruise.

The below visa-required nationalities are eligible to apply for Canada eTA (instead of Canada visa) if entering by air, provided they meet certain conditions.

Visa-Required nationalities entering by air

1. Antigua and Barbuda
2. Argentina
3. Brazil
4. Costa Rica
5. Mexico
6. Morocco
7. Panama
8. Philippines
9. St Kitts and Nevis
10. St Lucia
11. St Vincent and the Grenadines
12. Seychelles
13. Thailand
14. Trinidad and Tobago
15. Uruguay

Conditions:

• Held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years, or
• Hold a valid US non-immigrant visa (such as B1, B2, B1/B2, H1, L1, J1, F1, etc.)

Requirements:

• The US non-immigrant visa must be valid at the time of the eTA application. It doesn’t have to be valid at the time of entering Canada.
• When traveling, along with the eTA, you must also carry your expired Canadian visa or your valid/expired US non-immigrant visa.

NOTE: The above 15 visa-required nationalities require a Canada Visa if entering via land borders or seaport by car, bus, train, boat or cruise (even if you do not step out of the cruise ship). They are eligible for eTA only when entering Canada by air.

—

Who DO NOT require Canada eTA?

The following DO NOT REQUIRE an eTA to enter Canada.

• Canadian citizens
• Canadian dual citizens (must use your Canadian passport to enter)
• Canadian permanent residents
• United States passport holders
• United States permanent residents (green card holders)
• Valid Canadian visa (tourist, student, work, etc) holders

—

What is the 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. 

Keep in mind that if you stay 6 months on every visit and your visits are also frequent, you may be questioned or denied entry on the grounds of living in Canada.

—

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 the 5-year period.

—

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. 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 application process

You must apply for Canada eTA online IRCC eTA Portal.

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

—

Canada eTA status

You can check your Canada eTA status on the IRCC eTA Status Checker. 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 (that was used to apply for the eTA)
• Return or onward flight ticket

There is no need to carry a print of your eTA approval email. When checking in for your flight, the airline staff can look up your eTA status using your eTA number and passport details on the eTA Status Checker. Your eTA is linked to your passport, and you do not need to show your eTA print or email at immigration.

***

Canada Tourist Visa (TRV)

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

Canada tourist visa can be applied for 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. 

Who requires Canada visa

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

—

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: Jan 01, 2026
• Given your biometrics: Jan 04, 2026
• Received a notification that your visa is approved: Feb 01, 2026
• Submitted your passport to your nearest VAC: Feb 07, 2026
• Picked up your passport with visa sticker: Feb 20, 2026

Your visa will be valid from Feb 01, 2026, to Nov 14, 2029.

Date of issue: Feb 01, 2026

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 a Canadian tourist visa as early as you like, even 1 or 2 years in advance. But I recommend applying not more than 8 months before your travel date.

It doesn’t look realistic to apply 1 or 2 years in advance. 8 months is more realistic and gives you ample time for the visa processing and reapplication in case your visa is refused.

• Earliest to apply: 8 months (recommended, but you can apply even earlier)
• Latest to apply: 4 months (processing in some countries can take up to 4 months)

—

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. 

Keep in mind that if you are entering Canada repeatedly and staying full 6 months every time, it may look like you are living in Canada rather than visiting. You may be questioned or denied entry in such cases.

—

Canada tourist visa application process

The first step in the Canadian visitor visa application is to create an account on the IRCC portal.

Once you have created an account and signed in, you can start your visitor visa application. You can save an incomplete application and come back later to complete it. You will have a maximum of 60 days to submit your application.

Here are the steps to complete the Canada tourist visa application.

1. Create an account and sign in to the IRCC portal
2. Select “Apply for a visitor visa or a transit visa”
3. Fill out all the sections – Purpose, Personal details, Application, Activities, Security questions, Medical history, Family information and Contact information
4. Review the information
5. Upload supporting documents
6. Pay the visa fee
7. Pay the biometrics fee
8. Submit the application
9. Give your biometrics at your nearest VAC
10. Check the status of your application
11. On approval, submit or mail your passport to your nearest VAC
12. Receive or pick up your passport with Canadian visa

—

Documents required for Canada tourist visa

The following documents are required for Canada tourist visa.

1. Copy of your passport (scan of biodata page, last page and all pages with visas and stamps)
2. Proof of funds (last 4-month bank statements or payslips or employment letter)
3. Additional documents (optional, but I recommend uploading a cover letter and a scan of all pages with visas/stamps from your old passports in the last 10 years to emphasize your travel history)

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. 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 portal 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. 

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 in your email 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 instructions below.

• 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 anywhere from 30 calendar days to up to 4 months. These days, the processing times vary drastically by country. So, check the current processing times before applying. 

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

• Go to the IRCC 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 IRCC using their Web Form. Follow the steps below to contact IRCC.

• Go to the IRCC Web Form.
• Click on “Update or ask about your application”.
• Click on “Check your application status”.
• You will see a pop-up; click on “Continue to form”.
• Select “I’m a principal applicant” and click “Continue to form”.
• Then fill in the details and submit.

—

Priority visa service

There is no priority visa service for the Canadian tourist visa. Check current processing times and apply well in advance. You can apply for Canada tourist visa as early as you want. Even up to 1-2 years 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 the CAN+ program, where your application will be processed in just a few days.

Processing your application in the CAN+ expedited program is at the discretion of IRCC. So, do not completely rely on that. Instead, follow the timeline and apply for Canada visitor visa at least 8 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.

—

Benefits of Canada visa

Canada visa is considered one of the “strongest” visas. Not as strong as the US visa, but it does offer VISA-FREE access to 40+ countries. For the complete list and eligibility, refer to the VISA-FREE countries for Canada visa article.

***

Entering and Leaving Canada

Entering Canada by air

Complete your Canada customs and immigration declaration, called “ArriveCAN”, within 72 hours before you arrive in Canada. You can fill out ArriveCAN online or using the mobile app.

It is not mandatory to fill out ArriveCAN before arrival. But it will speed up your immigration process at the airport. You can always use the kiosks at the airport to fill it out. But I recommend completing it online before arrival. Below are the links.

• ArriveCAN online
• ArriveCAN app for iPhone
• ArriveCAN app for Android phones

At your first airport in Canada, the immigration officers may ask for your proof of onward ticket and hotel booking. If you are traveling on a one-way ticket, you can get a proof of return/onward flight from BestOnwardTicket.

—

Leaving Canada by air

There is no manned or automated exit passport control in Canada. After check-in, you head to security and then to your 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 (FAQs)

Credits: Maps are made with mapchart.net