Planning a trip to Canada? Understanding the necessary immigration documents is crucial for a smooth journey. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or to see family, the requirements can vary. This guide outlines the essential documents you’ll need, focusing on visitor visas, Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTA), and passports, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your Canadian adventure.
Do You Need a Visitor Visa for Canada?
For many travelers, a visitor visa is a key requirement to enter Canada. This visa allows you to visit Canada for tourism or business purposes for stays typically up to six months. The need for a visitor visa depends largely on your citizenship.
Answer: You need a visitor visa
For visits of up to 6 months for most purposes. Cost: CAN $100
Get details about visitor visa Opens in a new tab
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): A Streamlined Option
If you are from an eTA-eligible country, you might not need a full visitor visa for air travel. An eTA is an electronic authorization linked to your passport, simplifying entry for air travel.
Answer: You need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
For visits of up to 6 months or to transit via a Canadian airport. Cost: CAN $7
Get details about eTA Opens in a new tab
Passports: Your Essential Travel Document
Regardless of whether you need a visitor visa or an eTA, a valid passport is almost always essential for international travel to Canada.
Answer: You need a valid Canadian passport
You need a valid Canadian passport to travel to Canada by air (board your flight).
Exception: If you’re an American-Canadian dual citizen with a valid U.S. passport, you don’t need a Canadian passport to fly to Canada. However, you still need to carry proper identification Opens in a new tab and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada Opens in a new tab.
Get details about travelling as a dual Canadian citizen Opens in a new tab
For land or sea entry, the rules are slightly different.
Answer: You need a valid passport or travel document to travel to Canada by car, train, bus or boat
If you decide to fly to a Canadian airport instead, you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Learn about documents you may need Opens in a new tab
Special Cases: US Residents and Transit Passengers
For lawful permanent residents of the U.S., specific documentation is required.
Answer: You need official proof of status in the U.S.
Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. must present 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)
If you are simply passing through Canada to reach another international destination, a transit visa might be necessary.
Answer: You need a transit visa
To connect between 2 international flights, in less than 48 hours. Cost: Free
Note: If you have more than 48 hours between international flights OR if you decide to visit Canada, you need to apply for a visitor visa.
Get details about transit visa Opens in a new tab
Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents: Extended Stays
For parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who wish to visit for extended periods, the Super Visa offers a unique option.
Answer: You can apply for a parent and grandparent super visa to visit for more than 6 months
- The super visa is for visits of 5 years at a time.
- You must meet all eligibility criteria to qualify for a super visa. Key criteria include:
- a letter from your child or grandchild with a promise to financially support you for the duration of your visit in Canada.
- proof payment for medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company or an insurance company outside Canada that has been approved by the Minister.
- More information on approved insurance providers outside of Canada will be available in the coming months.
- This medical insurance needs to
- be valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry to Canada
- provide at least $100,000 in emergency coverage.
- You must apply for a super visa from outside Canada.
- Cost: CAN$100
Note: If you don’t meet the criteria for a super visa, you need to apply for a visitor visa.
Get details about super visa Opens in a new tab
Visitor Visas for Specific Situations
The type of visitor visa or document you need can also depend on your current status in Canada, such as holding a study or work permit.
Answer: You should already have a valid visitor visa
We automatically issued a visitor visa to you when we approved your first study or work permit.
If you leave and return to Canada, you must travel with
- your valid study or work permit
- your valid visitor visa
- If you don’t have a valid visa when you check-in for a flight, it may result in travel delays (or a missed flight).
- your valid passport
Exception: If you return directly from a visit to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon only, you don’t need a valid visitor visa if your study or work permit is still valid.
If your visa has expired or was only valid for a single entry to Canada
You need to apply for a new visitor visa(opens in a new tab) or an eTA.
A visitor visa
- costs CAN$100
- is valid for up to 10 years
- can be used at any port of entry
An eTA
- costs CAN$7
- is valid for up to 5 years
- is electronically linked to your passport
- is only valid when flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport
Answer: You need a visitor visa
If your study or work permit will expire soon, you must extend it before you can apply for a new visitor visa.
You need a visitor visa to leave and return to Canada. Apply for your visa before you leave.
You can apply for a visitor visa from inside Canada if you meet all the conditions below:
- you’re already in Canada
- you hold a valid study or work permit
- you want to leave and return to Canada in the near future
- your existing visitor visa Opens in a new tab is expired or was valid for only one entry
Exception: If you return directly from a visit only to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon, you don’t need a valid visitor visa if your study or work permit is still valid.
Processing times vary by country. You may need to give fingerprints and photo (biometrics) Opens in a new tab with your application. Processing times don’t include the time you need to give biometrics.
Apply for a visitor visa Opens in a new tab
Answer: You need a visitor visa
You need a visitor visa to travel to Canada.
A visitor visa:
- is a sticker we put in your passport
- costs CAN$100
Processing times vary by country. You may need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) Opens in a new tab with your application. Processing time doesn’t include the time you need to give biometrics.
Get details about visitor visa Opens in a new tab
Determining Your Specific Requirements
Navigating Canadian immigration can seem complex, but resources are available to help you determine exactly what you need.
Answer: Before you continue, find out if you need a study permit
You’ll need to answer some questions on another page to find out.
If you’re eligible to study without a study permit, you’ll need to come back to this page to find out what you need to travel to Canada.
Find out if you need a study permit Opens in a new tab
Answer: If we approve your work permit application, we’ll issue a visitor visa
- You don’t need to submit a separate application for a visitor visa.
When you travel to Canada, bring your
- letter of introduction that says your work permit application is approved, if you received one
- valid passport that has your visitor visa stuck to one of its pages
Learn about working in Canada Opens in a new tab
Answer: You should already have a valid visitor visa
We automatically issued a visitor visa to you when we approved your first work permit.
If you leave and return to Canada, you must travel with
- your valid study or work permit
- your valid visitor visa
- If you don’t have a valid visa when you check-in for a flight, it may result in travel delays (or a missed flight).
- your valid passport
Exception: If you return directly from a visit to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon only, you don’t need a valid visitor visa if your study or work permit is still valid.
If your visa has expired or was only valid for a single entry to Canada
You need to apply for a new visa(opens in a new tab) .
- A visa costs CAN$100.
- It’s valid for up to 10 years.
eTA vs. Visitor Visa: Choosing the Right Document
Understanding the difference between an eTA and a visitor visa is key to ensuring you have the correct documents for your travel method.
Answer: You should already have a valid eTA
We automatically issued an eTA (electronic travel authorization) to you when we approved your first study or work permit.
If you leave and return to Canada, you must travel with
- your valid study or work permit
- the passport you used to apply for your eTA
If you don’t have a valid eTA
You can apply for an eTA if you travel to Canada by air only.
An eTA
- costs CAN$7
- is electronically linked to your passport
- is only valid when flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport
Most applicants get their eTA approval within minutes (via email). However, some requests can take several days to process if you’re asked to submit supporting documents.
Apply for an eTA(opens in a new tab)
If your travel plans change
You need a visitor visa (not an eTA) if you decide to get to Canada by car, train, bus or boat instead.
Apply for a visitor visa(opens in a new tab)
Answer: You need to apply for a visitor visa
We automatically issued you an electronic travel authorization (eTA) when we approved your first study or work permit. However, an eTA can only be used to travel to Canada by air.
To come to Canada by car, bus, train or boat
You need to apply for a visitor visa if you plan to come to Canada by car, bus, train or boat.
A visitor visa
- is an official document we stick in your passport
- costs CAN$100
You may need to give fingerprints and a photo (biometrics) with your visitor visa application. Processing times don’t include the time needed for requesting and giving biometrics. Processing times vary by country.
Apply for a visitor visa(opens in a new tab)
If you don’t have a valid eTA
If your eTA is no longer valid and you decide to fly to Canada, you’ll need to answer the questions again to find out what you need to travel to Canada.
Answer: You need a visitor visa
If your study or work permit will expire soon, you must extend it before you can apply for a new visitor visa.
You need a visitor visa to leave and return to Canada. Apply for your visa before you leave.
You can apply for a visitor visa from inside Canada if you meet all the conditions below:
- you’re already in Canada
- you hold a valid study or work permit
- you want to leave and return to Canada in the near future
- your existing visitor visa Opens in a new tab is expired or was valid for only one entry
Exception: If you return directly from a visit only to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon, you don’t need a valid visitor visa if your study or work permit is still valid.
Processing times vary by country. You may need to give fingerprints and photo (biometrics) Opens in a new tab with your application. Processing times don’t include the time you need to give biometrics.
Apply for a visitor visa Opens in a new tab
Answer: You need a visitor visa
You need a visitor visa to travel to Canada.
A visitor visa:
- is a sticker we put in your passport
- costs CAN$100
Processing times vary by country. You may need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) with your application. Processing time doesn’t include the time you need to give biometrics.
Answer: Before you continue, find out if you need a work permit
You’ll need to answer some questions on another page to find out.
If you’re eligible to work without a work permit, you’ll need to come back to this page to find out what you need to travel to Canada.
Find out if you need a work permit Opens in a new tab
Answer: If we approve your study permit application, we’ll issue an electronic travel authorization (eTA)
- You don’t need to submit a separate application for an eTA.
When you travel to Canada, bring your
- letter of introduction that says your study permit application is approved, if you received one
- valid passport that has your visitor visa stuck to one of its pages
If you get a new passport before you come to Canada, you’ll need to apply for a new eTA if you plan to fly to a Canadian airport.
Learn about studying in Canada Opens in a new tab
Returning to Canada with a Study or Work Permit
If you already live in Canada with a study or work permit and are planning to re-enter after a trip abroad, different rules apply based on your mode of transport.
Answer: You need an eTA to leave and return to Canada
Your study permit lets you study in Canada. If you plan to leave and return to Canada, you need to make sure you have what you need to re-enter the country.
What you need depends on your travel plans.
If you re-enter by a Canadian airport (fly back to Canada)
You must have:
- the passport that’s linked to a valid eTA and
- your valid study permit
An eTA:
- costs CAN $7
- is electronically linked to your passport
If you don’t have an eTA or yours has expired, you’ll need to apply for a new eTA.
Apply for an eTA Opens in a new tab
If you re-enter Canada by car, boat, bus or train
You must have:
- a valid passport and
- your valid study permit
Answer: You need an eTA to leave and return to Canada
Your study permit lets you study in Canada. If you plan to leave and return to Canada, you need to make sure you have what you need to re-enter the country.
What you need depends on your travel plans.
If you re-enter by a Canadian airport (fly back to Canada)
You must have:
- the passport that’s linked to a valid eTA and
- your valid study permit
An eTA:
- costs CAN $7
- is electronically linked to your passport
If you don’t have an eTA or yours has expired, you’ll need to apply for a new eTA.
Apply for an eTA Opens in a new tab
If you re-enter Canada by car, boat, bus or train
You must have:
- a valid passport and
- your valid study permit
Answer: If you fly to a Canadian airport, you need an eTA
An eTA:
- costs CAN$7
- is electronically linked to your passport
Most applicants get their eTA approval (via an email) within minutes. However, some requests can take several days to process if you’re asked to submit supporting documents.
If you drive or arrive by train, bus or boat
You just need a valid passport or travel document Opens in a new tab to get to Canada by car, train, bus or boat.
Get details about eTA Opens in a new tab
Answer: Before you continue, find out if you need a study permit
You’ll need to answer some questions on another page to find out.
If you’re eligible to study without a study permit, you’ll need to come back to this page to find out what you need to travel to Canada.
Find out if you need a study permit Opens in a new tab
Answer: If we approve your work permit application, we’ll issue an electronic travel authorization (eTA) for you
- You don’t need to submit a separate application for an eTA.
When you travel to Canada, bring your
- letter of introduction that says your work permit application is approved, if you received one
- valid passport that you used to apply for your work permit
If you get a new passport before you come to Canada, you’ll need to apply for a new eTA if you plan to fly to a Canadian airport.
Learn about working in Canada Opens in a new tab
Answer: You need an eTA to leave and return to Canada
Your work permit lets you work in Canada. If you plan to leave and return to Canada, you need to make sure you have what you need to re-enter the country.
What you need depends on your travel plans.
If you re-enter by a Canadian airport (fly back to Canada)
You must have:
- the passport that’s linked to a valid eTA and
- your valid work permit
An eTA:
- costs CAN $7
- is electronically linked to your passport
If you received your current work permit on or after August 1, 2015, you may have a valid eTA.
If you don’t have an eTA or yours has expired, you’ll need to apply for a new eTA.
Apply for an eTA Opens in a new tab
If you re-enter Canada by car, boat, bus or train
You must have:
- a valid passport and
- your valid work permit
Answer: You need an eTA to leave and return to Canada
Your work permit lets you work in Canada. If you plan to leave and return to Canada, you need to make sure you have what you need to re-enter the country.
What you need depends on your travel plans.
If you re-enter by a Canadian airport (fly back to Canada)
You must have:
- the passport that’s linked to a valid eTA and
- your valid work permit
An eTA:
- costs CAN $7
- is electronically linked to your passport
If you received your current work permit on or after August 1, 2015, you may have a valid eTA.
If you don’t have an eTA or yours has expired, you’ll need to apply for a new eTA.
Apply for an eTA Opens in a new tab
If you re-enter Canada by car, boat, bus or train
You must have:
- a valid passport and
- your valid work or study permit
Answer: If you fly to a Canadian airport, you need an eTA
An eTA:
- costs CAN$7
- is electronically linked to your passport
Most applicants get their eTA approval (via an email) within minutes. However, some requests can take several days to process if you’re asked to submit supporting documents.
If you drive or arrive by train, bus or boat
You just need a valid passport or travel document Opens in a new tab to get to Canada by car, train, bus or boat.
Get details about eTA Opens in a new tab
Answer: Before you continue, find out if you need a work permit
You’ll need to answer some questions on another page to find out.
If you’re eligible to work without a work permit, you’ll need to come back to this page to find out what you need to travel to Canada.
Find out if you need a work permit Opens in a new tab
Documents for Approved Permits and Specific Nationalities
In many cases, if your study or work permit is already approved, or if you are a US citizen, the visa requirements are simplified.
Answer: You don’t need to apply for a visitor visa or eTA
When you travel to Canada, bring your
- letter of introduction that says your study permit application is approved, if you received one
- valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your work or study permit
Learn about studying in Canada Opens in a new tab
Answer: You don’t need to apply for a visitor visa or eTA
When you travel to Canada, you must bring your:
- letter of introduction that says your study permit application is approved
- valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your work or study permit
Answer: You don’t need an eTA or a visitor visa
If you’re driving or arriving by train, bus, or boat
You just need to bring the right travel documents Opens in a new tab.
If you fly to or transit through a Canadian airport
You just need to travel with your valid U.S. passport if you fly or transit through a Canadian airport.
Answer: Before you continue, find out if you need a study permit
You’ll need to answer some questions on another page to find out.
If you’re eligible to study without a study permit, you’ll need to come back to this page to find out what you need to travel to Canada.
Find out if you need a study permit Opens in a new tab
Answer: You don’t need to apply for a visitor visa or eTA
When you travel to Canada, bring your
- letter of introduction that says your work permit application is approved, if you received one
- valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your work permit
Learn about working in Canada Opens in a new tab
Answer: You don’t need to apply for a visitor visa or eTA
When you travel to Canada, you must bring your:
- valid work or study permit
- valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your work or study permit
Answer: You don’t need an eTA or a visitor visa
If you’re driving or arriving by train, bus, or boat
You just need to bring the right travel documents Opens in a new tab.
If you fly to or transit through a Canadian airport
You just need to travel with your valid U.S. passport if you fly or transit through a Canadian airport.
Answer: Before you continue, find out if you need a work permit
You’ll need to answer some questions on another page to find out.
If you’re eligible to work without a work permit, you’ll need to come back to this page to find out what you need to travel to Canada.
Find out if you need a work permit Opens in a new tab
Extending Your Permit and Visa Requirements
Extending your stay in Canada also has implications for your required documents.
Answer: Your permit is not an eTA or a visa
Your study permit lets you study in Canada. If you plan to leave and return to Canada, you need to make sure you have what you need to re-enter the country.
What you need depends on your travel plans.
If you re-enter by a Canadian airport (fly back to Canada)
When you extend your study permit, you’ll also be issued an eTA if you don’t already have one. When you fly to a Canadian, you must have:
- the passport that’s linked to your valid eTA and
- your valid study permit
Apply for an eTA Opens in a new tab
If you re-enter Canada by car, boat, bus or train
You must have:
- a valid visitor and
- your valid study permit
Apply for visitor visa Opens in a new tab
Answer: Your permit is not an eTA or a visa
Your work permit lets you work in Canada. If you plan to leave and return to Canada, you need to make sure you have what you need to re-enter the country.
What you need depends on your travel plans.
If you re-enter by a Canadian airport (fly back to Canada)
When you extend your work permit, you’ll also be issued an eTA if you don’t already have one. When you fly to a Canadian, you must have:
- the passport that’s linked to your valid eTA and
- your valid work permit
Apply for an eTA Opens in a new tab
If you re-enter Canada by car, boat, bus or train
You must have:
- a valid visitor visa and
- your valid work permit
Apply for visitor visa Opens in a new tab
Eligibility for eTA and Visa Options
For many travelers, determining eligibility for an eTA is the first step.
Answer: You’re eligible to apply for an eTA
You can apply for an eTA if you travel to Canada by air only.
An eTA:
- costs CAN$7
- is electronically linked to your passport
- is only valid when flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport
Most applicants get their eTA approval within minutes (via email). However, some requests can take several days to process if you’re asked to submit supporting documents.
If you already have a valid Canadian visitor visa you don’t need to apply for an eTA. You can travel with your visa until it expires.
If your travel plans change
You need a visitor visa (not an eTA) if you decide to get to Canada by car, train, bus or boat instead.
Apply for an eTA Opens in a new tab
Answer: You’re eligible to apply for an eTA
You can apply for an eTA if you travel to Canada by air only.
An eTA
- costs CAN$7
- is electronically linked to your passport
- is only valid when flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport
Most applicants get their eTA approval within minutes (via email). However, some requests can take several days to process if you’re asked to submit supporting documents.
If you already have a valid Canadian visitor visa, you don’t need to apply for an eTA. You can travel with your visa until it expires.
If you transit through Canada to or from the United States
You may be able to transit through Canada without a visa or eTA if you meet certain eligibility requirements.
If your travel plans change
You need a visitor visa (not an eTA) if you decide to get to Canada by car, train, bus or boat instead.
Apply for an eTA Opens in a new tab
Special Documentation for US Permanent Residents
US permanent residents have specific guidelines for entering Canada.
Answer: You don’t need to apply for a visitor visa or eTA
When you travel to Canada, bring your
- letter of introduction that says your study permit application is approved, if you received one
- valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your study permit and
- official proof of U.S. lawful permanent resident status
Learn about studying in Canada Opens in a new tab
Answer: You don’t need to apply for a visitor visa or eTA
When you travel to Canada, bring your
- valid work or study permit
- valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your study permit and
- official proof of U.S. lawful permanent resident status
Answer: You need valid proof of lawful permanent resident status of the U.S. to leave and return to Canada
Your study permit lets you study in Canada. If you plan to leave and return to Canada, you need to make sure you have what you need to re-enter the country.
When you travel to Canada, bring your
- valid study permit,
- valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your study permit, and
- official proof of U.S. lawful permanent resident status
Answer: You don’t need an eTA or a visitor visa
When you travel to Canada, bring your
- valid passport or travel document and
- official proof of U.S. lawful permanent resident status
Answer: Before you continue, find out if you need a study permit
You’ll need to answer some questions on another page to find out.
If you’re eligible to study without a study permit, you’ll need to come back to this page to find out what you need to travel to Canada.
Find out if you need a study permit Opens in a new tab
Answer: You don’t need to apply for a visitor visa or eTA
When you travel to Canada, bring your
- letter of introduction that says your work permit application is approved, if you received one
- valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your work permit and
- official proof of U.S. lawful permanent resident status
Learn about working in Canada Opens in a new tab
Answer: You don’t need to apply for a visitor visa or eTA
When you travel to Canada, bring your
- valid work permit
- valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your work permit and
- official proof of U.S. lawful permanent resident status
Answer: You need valid proof of lawful permanent resident status of the U.S. to leave and return to Canada
Your work permit lets you work in Canada. If you plan to leave and return to Canada, you need to make sure you have what you need to re-enter the country.
When you travel to Canada, bring your
- valid work permit,
- valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your study permit, and
- official proof of U.S. lawful permanent resident status
Answer: You don’t need an eTA or a visitor visa
When you travel to Canada, bring your
- valid passport or travel document and
- official proof of U.S. lawful permanent resident status
Answer: Before you continue, find out if you need a work permit
You’ll need to answer some questions on another page to find out.
If you’re eligible to work without a work permit, you’ll need to come back to this page to find out what you need to travel to Canada.
Find out if you need a work permit Opens in a new tab
Answer: You’re eligible to apply for an eTA
You can apply for an eTA if you travel to Canada by air only.
An eTA:
- costs CAN$7
- is electronically linked to your passport
- is only valid when flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport
Most applicants get their eTA approval within minutes (via email). However, some requests can take several days to process if you’re asked to submit supporting documents.
If you already have a valid Canadian visitor visa you don’t need to apply for an eTA. You can travel with your visa until it expires.
If your travel plans change
You need a visitor visa (not an eTA) if you decide to get to Canada by car, train, bus or boat instead.
Apply for an eTA Opens in a new tab
Answer: You’re eligible to apply for an eTA
You can apply for an eTA if you travel to Canada by air only.
An eTA
- costs CAN$7
- is electronically linked to your passport
- is only valid when flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport
Most applicants get their eTA approval within minutes (via email). However, some requests can take several days to process if you’re asked to submit supporting documents.
If you already have a valid Canadian visitor visa, you don’t need to apply for an eTA. You can travel with your visa until it expires.
If you transit through Canada to or from the United States
You may be able to transit through Canada without a visa or eTA if you meet certain eligibility requirements.
If your travel plans change
You need a visitor visa (not an eTA) if you decide to get to Canada by car, train, bus or boat instead.
Apply for an eTA Opens in a new tab
Conclusion: Ensuring You Have the Right Documents for Canada
Traveling to Canada requires proper preparation, and understanding the necessary immigration documents is paramount. From visitor visas and eTAs to passports and specific requirements for US residents, this guide has covered the essential aspects. Always ensure your documents are valid and up-to-date before your travel dates. For the most accurate and current information, refer to the official Canadian government immigration website and plan your trip with confidence.
