Canada, known for its breathtaking landscapes, multicultural cities, and welcoming atmosphere, attracts millions of visitors from around the world every year. Before planning your trip, however, it is important to understand the process of obtaining a Canada tourist visa and the latest travel updates that may affect your journey.

The Canada tourist visa, also called a Canada visitor visa, is an official document that allows foreign nationals to travel to Canada for tourism, business visits, or visiting family and friends. In most cases, visitors may stay in Canada for up to six months from the date of entry, although the final length of stay is determined by the border services officer at the port of entry.

Canada tourist visas are commonly issued as multiple-entry visas, allowing travelers to leave and re-enter Canada several times during the validity period of the visa. However, visitors must ensure that each stay complies with the conditions set by Canadian immigration authorities.

Whether you want to explore the majestic Rocky Mountains, experience the energy of Toronto, Ontario, discover Vancouver, British Columbia, or immerse yourself in the rich French-Canadian culture of Quebec, Canada offers unforgettable experiences for every traveler. To help you prepare for your trip, here is a complete guide to Canada tourist visas, including who needs one, visa types, application requirements, and important travel updates for 2026.

Can You Travel to Canada

How to Determine if You Need a Canada Tourist Visa

Whether you need a Canada tourist visa depends largely on your nationality. Travelers from countries that are not visa-exempt must apply for a visitor visa before traveling to Canada.

Citizens from many visa-exempt countries can travel to Canada without a visitor visa for short stays. However, most visa-exempt travelers flying to Canada still require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

Visa-Exempt Countries
Andorra	France	Montserrat	Australia
Anguilla	Germany	Netherlands	Austria
Antigua and Barbuda	Gibraltar	New Zealand	Bahamas
Barbados	Greece	Norway	Bermuda
British Virgin Islands	Holy See	Papua New Guinea	Brunei
Cayman Islands	Hong Kong	Pitcairn	Chile
Croatia	Hungary	Poland	Cyprus
Czech Republic	Iceland	Portugal	Denmark
Estonia	Ireland	St. Helena	Israel
Falkland Islands	Italy	San Marino	Japan
Latvia	Singapore	Slovakia	Liechtenstein
Lithuania	Slovenia	Solomon Islands	Luxembourg
Malta	Switzerland	Mexico	Taiwan
Monaco	United Kingdom	---	---

If your country is not listed among the visa-exempt nations, you must apply for a Canada tourist visa before traveling. As of May 26, 2026, some citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia may also qualify to apply for an eTA instead of a visitor visa when traveling to Canada by air, provided they meet specific eligibility requirements. Travelers who already hold a valid visitor visa may continue using it until it expires. Additionally, foreign nationals living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda cannot travel to Canada as of May 27, 2026, due to current Canadian travel restrictions.

What is an eTA?

An eTA is a digital entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. It allows travelers to board flights to Canada and transit through Canadian airports while helping Canadian authorities strengthen border security screening procedures. The eTA is linked electronically to your passport and is generally valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It permits multiple entries into Canada during its validity period. Citizens of the United States do not require an eTA.

To apply for an eTA, travelers typically need:

• A valid passport from an eligible country
• A valid email address
• A credit or debit card for payment

The application process is completed online and usually costs 7 CAD. Additional documentation may be requested if traveling with a minor child without both parents or legal guardians.

It is important to note that the eTA only applies to air travel. Different entry requirements may apply if you are entering Canada by land or sea.

Types of Canada Tourist Visas

Canada offers two primary types of visitor visas:

Single-Entry Visa

A single-entry visa allows travelers to enter Canada once. After leaving Canada, travelers must apply for a new visa unless they are traveling directly to the United States or Saint Pierre and Miquelon and returning during the authorized stay period.

Multiple-Entry Visa

A multiple-entry visa allows travelers to enter and leave Canada multiple times during the visa validity period, which may be valid for up to 10 years or until the passport expires.

Get Your Tourist Visa

Canada Tourist Visa Requirements

To apply for a Canada tourist visa, applicants generally need the following documents:

• A valid passport
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Proof of sufficient financial support
• A medical examination report, if required
• A cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit
• Travel and health insurance
• Proof of strong ties to your home country
• Payment of the required visa fees

Depending on your personal situation, Canadian immigration authorities may request additional supporting documents.

How to Apply for a Canada Tourist Visa

Step 1: Create an Online Account

Start by creating an account on the Canadian government’s official immigration website. Through this account, you can complete your application, upload documents, pay fees, and track your application status.

Step 2: Upload Supporting Documents

Complete the application form carefully and upload all required documents, including your passport, photographs, financial documents, and proof of travel plans. All information provided must be accurate and complete. Incomplete applications or unclear documents may lead to delays or refusals. If your documents are not in English or French, certified translations must also be submitted.

Step 3: Pay the Required Fees

After uploading your documents, you must pay the applicable visa processing fees online using a valid credit or debit card.

Fees	CAD
Visitor visa processing fee (per person)	100
Family visitor visa (maximum fee for families of 5 or more)	500
Extend your stay (per person)	100
Restore visitor status	200

After You Apply

After submission, your application will be processed by Canadian immigration authorities. Processing times vary depending on your country of residence and seasonal demand, but applications often take several weeks. If your visa application is approved, your visa will be placed in your passport, allowing you to travel to Canada. If your application is refused, you will receive an explanation outlining the reasons for the decision.

When arriving in Canada, you must present your passport and visitor visa, if required, to the border services officer at your port of entry. Applying for a Canada tourist visa is a manageable process when you understand the requirements and prepare your documentation carefully. Once approved, you can enjoy Canada’s natural beauty, diverse culture, and world-class travel experiences.

Explore Canada with Us!

FAQs

Can I Extend My Stay in Canada?

Yes. Visitors can apply to extend their stay in Canada at least 30 days before their current visitor status expires.

Can My Family Travel With Me?

Yes. Your spouse and dependent children may accompany you to Canada, but each family member must have their own approved travel authorization or visa.

Can Unvaccinated Travelers Enter Canada?

Canada’s travel and health policies can change over time. Travelers should always check the latest government travel requirements before departure to confirm current vaccination, testing, or quarantine rules.

Do You Provide eTA Services?

No. We do not provide eTA application services.