Visiting Canada: Who is Eligible

Who is eligible to visit Canada?

These requirements apply to everyone who wishes to visit Canada. To visit Canada, you must:

• Have a valid travel document, such as a passport,
• Be in good health,
• Not be inadmissible,
• Satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit, and
• Have enough money for your stay. The amount of money you will need can vary with the circumstances of the visit, how long you will stay and whether you will stay in a hotel or with friends or relatives.

You may also need a:

• Medical examination,
• Letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada, and
• Temporary resident visa, depending on your citizenship.

Who should apply for a temporary resident visa?

Check the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website for the list of countries and territories whose citizens need a visa to visit or transit Canada.

A single entry visa allows you to enter Canada only once. This visa may also be used for repeated entries into Canada from the USA or St. Pierre and Miquelon provided you do not enter another country. Such entries must occur within the time authorized by the officer at the port of entry for your stay in Canada.

A multiple entry visa allows you to enter Canada from any country multiple times during the validity of the visa.

A transit visa is required for travel through Canada to another country by those persons who need a temporary resident visa and whose flight will stop in Canada for less than 48 hours. To obtain a transit visa you must provide specific evidence of your travel arrangements.

Important information for visa exempt travellers

Even if you are a citizen of a country where you do not require a visa to visit Canada, you must still have a valid passport and be admissible to Canada. Some citizens from visa exempt countries have more requirements such as having a machine readable passport or an e-passport to travel to Canada. Examples of this are certain passports issued by Lithuania and Poland.

For specific information about passport requirements read the Embassy of Canada website for your country of citizenship.

Note: a visa exemption does not guarantee you automatic entry into Canada. You must still satisfy an immigration officer that you are admissible as per the requirements that are listed on this page. If you do not meet these requirements, you may not be allowed to enter Canada.

Learn about:

• How to apply for a temporary resident visa