Tourist Visa

Canada, known for its lush landscapes, vibrant cities, and welcoming culture, is a destination that attracts millions of global tourists every year. However, before embarking on this exciting journey, it is essential to understand the procedures involved in obtaining a Canada tourist visa.

The Canada tourist visa, also known as the Canada visitor visa, is a legal document that allows foreign nationals to visit Canada for tourism, business, or visiting family and friends. The visa permits you to stay in the country for six months from the day of entry. However, the officer will determine the actual period of stay at the port of entry.

The Canada tourist visa is generally issued for multiple entries, allowing the holder to leave and re-enter Canada multiple times during the validity of the visa. However, the total duration of stay should not exceed the maximum limit.

Whether you’re keen to explore the stunning Rockies, experience the urban flair of Toronto, Ontario, or Vancouver, British Columbia, or immerse yourself in the unique French-Canadian culture of Quebec, the Canada tourist visa is your passport to an unforgettable travel experience. To help you enjoy this experience without any issues, here is a breakdown of the Canada tourist visa, explaining how to tell if you need one, the type of tourist visa you need, how to apply, and answering some of your queries about traveling in Canada.

Canada Tourist Visa Requirements

You must meet specific requirements to apply for a Canada tourist visa. These include:

• A valid passport
• Two passport-sized photographs
• Proof of financial means to cover your stay in Canada
• Medical examination report (if required)
• A cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit
• Travel and health insurance
• Proof of ties to your home country
• Payment of the visa application fee

In addition to these, you might also need to provide other documentation depending on your circumstances and the Canadian immigration authorities requirements.

How to Tell if You Need a Canadian Tourist Visa

Determining whether you need a Canada tourist visa depends on your nationality. Citizens from countries not visa-exempt must apply for a Canada tourist visa before visiting the country.

If you are from one of the following nations, you may not need a Tourist Visa to enter Canada:

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	—	—

You must apply for a Canada travel visa if you’re not a citizen of these countries. You may not need a Canada tourist visa if you are from a visa-exempt nation. However, you will still need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) Canada to enter Canada.

What is ETA?

An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. It is a digital document that allows travelers to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport. The eTA is designed to enhance border security and facilitate the screening process for travelers entering Canada. The eTA is required for citizens of visa-exempt countries traveling to Canada by air. It allows multiple entries for up to five years or until your passport expires. However, it is not required for citizens of the United States.

To apply for an eTA, you need a valid passport from a visa-exempt country, a valid credit card, and an email address. The application process is straightforward and can be completed online. It costs 7 CAD to obtain an eTA. Once approved, an eTA is valid for up to five years or until the expiration of the passport used in the application, whichever comes first. Additional documents may be required if traveling with a minor child without your spouse. It is advisable to check the specific requirements before traveling.

It is important to note that the eTA only applies to air travel to Canada. You may have different entry requirements if you enter Canada by land or sea.