Canada Tourist Visa

Updated on Mar 21, 2024 | Canada Visa Online

The Tourist Visa for Canada or the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) acts as an entry requirement, linked electronically to the traveller’s passport, for nationals travelling from the visa-exempt countries to Canada.

What is the Canada Tourist Visa?

The Tourist Visa for Canada or the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) acts as an entry requirement, linked electronically to the traveller’s passport, for nationals travelling from the visa-exempt countries to Canada.

The validity of the Tourist Visa for Canada or the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is up to five years. However, the visa will expire when the applicant’s passport expires. Therefore, the eTA will expire if the applicant’s passport has a validity of less than five years.

Please note that if you get a new passport, you must simultaneously apply for a new Canada eTA. 

Note: Entry into Canada cannot be guaranteed by an eTA. A border services officer will ask to see your passport and other documents when you arrive, and to successfully enter Canada you must convince the officer that you are eligible for the eTA.

Visiting Canada is simpler than ever since Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced the simplified and streamlined process of obtaining electronic travel authorisation or Online Canada Visa. Online Canada Visa is an travel permit or electronic travel authorization to enter and visit Canada for a period of less than 6 months for tourism or business. International tourists must have a Canada eTA to be able to enter Canada and explore this beautiful country. Foreign citizens can apply for an Online Canada Visa Application in a matter of minutes. Online Canada Visa Application process is automated, simple, and completely online.

Who needs to apply for the Canada Tourist Visa?

Travellers from visa-exempt countries need to apply for the Tourist Visa for Canada or the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). These countries include:

Travellers from the below-mentioned countries will mainly need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to board their flight to Canada. However, in case of arriving visa sea or land, they would NOT need an eTA.

  • Andorra
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belgium
  • British citizen
  • British National (Overseas)
  • British overseas citizens who are re-admissible to the United Kingdom.
  • Citizens of the British overseas territory having citizenship through birth, descent, naturalization or registration in one of the British overseas territories of:
  • Anguilla
  • Brunei Darussalam
  • Bulgaria
  • Chile
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China; applicants must have a passport issued by Hong Kong SAR.
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Israel; applicants must have a national Israeli passport
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Republic of Korea
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Monaco
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania (electronic passport holders only)
  • Samoa
  • San Marino
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Solomon Islands
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan (the applicants must possess a passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that includes the personal identification number)

Conditional Canada eTA

Passport holders of the following countries are eligible to apply for a Canada eTA only if they satisfy the conditions listed below:

  • Antigua And Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Costa Rica
  • Mexico
  • Morocco
  • Panama
  • Philippines
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Seychelles
  • St. Vincent
  • Thailand
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Uruguay

Conditions:

  • All nationalities held a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) in the last ten (10) years.

OR

  • All nationalities must hold a current and valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa.

READ MORE:
The Canada visa online or the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) acts as an entry requirement, linked electronically to the traveller’s passport, for nationals travelling from the visa-exempt countries to Canada. Canada Visa Application

Who are exempt from applying for the Canada Tourist Visa?

The following categories of people are exempt from applying for the Tourist Visa for Canada or the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA):

  • U.S. citizens. However, must present proper identification such as a valid U.S. passport.
  • Residents with valid status in the United States who are lawful permanent residents
  • Travellers with a valid Canadian visa.
  • Travellers with valid status in Canada (for instance, visitor, student or worker). They must have re-entered Canada after visiting only the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon.
  • French citizens living in Saint Pierre and Miquelon, and are flying directly to Canada from there.
  • Passengers destined for, or coming from, the United States on flights that stop in Canada for refueling, and:
  • The applicant has proper documents to enter the United States or
  • was lawfully admitted to the United States.
  • A foreign national who is travelling on a flight that makes an unscheduled stop in Canada.
  • Foreign nationals transiting through a Canadian airport under the Transit Without Visa or China Transit Program.
  • Flight crew, civil aviation inspectors, and accident investigators who will be working in Canada.
  • Members of Armed Forces (not including the civilian component of armed forces) of a country designated under the Visiting Forces Act, coming to Canada for carrying out official duties.
  • Diplomats accredited by the Government of Canada.

READ MORE:

There is more than one type of Canada eTA or Canada Visa Type. The Canada eTA can be used for the following purposes: Transit, Tourism and sightseeing, Business and Medical treatment. Online Canada Visa Types

 

What information is required in the Canada Visa Application?

The Canada Electronic Travel Authorization form (eTA) itself is quite straightforward and easy to complete in a couple of minutes. There is the information required from the applicants under the following major categories:

  • Travel document
  • Passport details
  • Personal details
  • Employment information
  • Contact information
  • Residential address
  • Travel information
  • Consent and Declaration
  • Signature of the applicant
  • Payment details
  • Approval confirmation

Please note that you can also apply for the eTA from our website as we also provide translation services to Spanish, German, and Danish, and also file format translation.

When should I complete the Canada Tourist Visa?

The Tourist Visa for Canada or the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) approval usually takes 72 hours to be sent to the applicant via email. Hence, it is recommended to get your Canada eTA 3 days before your scheduled flight to Canada.

What is the processing time for my Canada Tourist Visa?

The Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) approval usually takes less than 72 hours to be approved and sent to the applicant via email. However, in some cases of being asked to submit supporting documents, the application might take several days to process.

What are the documents required for my Canada Tourist Visa?

The following are the documents required to apply for the Tourist Visa for Canada or the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA):

  • A valid passport from a visa-exempt country. Please note that lawful permanent residents of the United States are exempt from the eTA requirement.
  • An email address that is valid and working.
  • Any one of the following acceptable methods of payment for the eTA fee:
  • Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or a pre-paid Visa, Mastercard or American Express,
  • Visa Debit, or Debit Mastercard

How can I complete the Canada Tourist Visa?

Before applying for the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) you must make sure to have all the required documents, mentioned above.

Eligible applicants can obtain a Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in just a few minutes by following some simple steps given below:

  • Click on this link to apply for the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
  • Fill out all the details asked in the online Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) form, including basic details regarding the type of document to be used, passport details, personal details, Personal details, Employment information, Contact information, Residential address, Travel information, Consent and Declaration, and the Signature of the applicant.
  • The applicant might also be required to answer a few questions.
  • Proceed to make the payment for your eTA using your valid debit or credit card that has been authorised for online payments.

Please make sure to double-check and submit the form at once, as the Canada eTA form cannot be saved. Hence, to avoid filling it up again from the beginning, try to fill up the form at once.

Note: Before submitting the eTA form, the applicants must carefully double-check all the information provided for it to be correct and free of errors, especially the passport number that has been provided.

This is because in case the applicant enters the wrong passport number the eTA might be rejected.

How long does it take to complete the Canada Visa Application?

The Tourist Visa for Canada or the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) takes around 5-7 minutes to complete before making an online payment. The online application is an easy and fast process. 

You just need to have a valid passport, access to a device with a reliable internet connection, an active and working email address,  and a valid debit or credit card that has been authorised for online payments to pay the fee for the eTA.

If there are any issues in completing the online application, you can contact the Help Desk and Customer Support team on this website using the Contact Us link.

READ MORE:
Get answers to the most common questions about the important information, requirements and documents required to travel to Canada. Learn more at Online Canada Visa Frequently Asked Questions.

What happens after completing the Canada Tourist Visa?

After completing your Tourist Visa for Canada or the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), you will receive an email related to the eTA approval within minutes. However, in some cases of being asked to submit supporting documents, the application might take several days to process.

In that case, an email within 72 hours of applying will be sent to the applicant regarding the next steps to be followed to apply and receive the eTA.

Once your eTA has been approved you will receive an email regarding this to the email id provided during your application. The approval email will include your exclusive eTA number.

Make sure to keep this number in case you need any help regarding your eTA.

Note: Entry into Canada cannot be guaranteed by an eTA. A border services officer will ask to see your passport and other documents when you arrive, and to successfully enter Canada you must convince the officer that you are eligible for the eTA.

If case you pass the identity check, and health assessment, while meeting all the entry requirements, the border services officer will stamp your passport and will let you know how long you can stay in Canada.

How long can I stay in Canada on a Canada Tourist Visa?

Normally, the Tourist Visa for Canada or the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) allows visitors a stay of up to 6 months. In some cases, however, officers may limit or extend your stay in Canada based on the planned purpose of your visit.

Please make sure to ask questions if you are not sure about something.

The border officers will not process your Canada eTA if you provide false or incomplete information. You must make sure to convince the officer that:

  • You are eligible for entry into Canada
  • You will leave the country once your approved period of stay ends.

What is the validity period of the Canada Tourist Application?

The Tourist Visa for Canada or the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) has a validity of five (5) years. 

Normally, a stay of up to 6 months is allowed. In some cases, however, officers may limit or extend your stay in Canada based on the planned purpose of your visit.

What documents are required to be brought to the airport for the Canada Tourist Visa?

Entry into Canada is not guaranteed by an eTA. A border services officer will ask to see your passport and other documents when you arrive, and to successfully enter Canada you must convince the officer that you are eligible for the eTA.

Hence, all eligible travellers must bring the following documents to the airport to get approved by the border officers for entry into Canada:

  • Download the ArriveCAN app and submit the following information:
  • Travel and contact information
  • COVID-19 symptom self-assessment
  • Proof of vaccination (if applicable)

Please make sure to carry your ArriveCAN receipt (electronic or paper) to show the border services officer upon arrival.

Additionally, you also are required to show proof that you are eligible to travel to Canada. You must carry evidence that proves that you meet the Canada Visa Eligibility Requirements for entry into Canada, such as:

  • a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours prior to your scheduled flight to Canada.
  • a proof of vaccination or evidence that are exempt from this requirement.

Please note that if you cannot provide the above-mentioned requirements, you will not be allowed to board your flight to Canada or enter at a Canadian land port of entry.

You can check the list of documents you need based on your situation from here.

Note: After arrival at the airport, while checking in to the flight to Canada, you will be required to present the passport you used to apply for the Canada eTA. This is because your eTA will be linked electronically to the passport you used to apply. 

To check if you have a valid eTA, the airline staff will scan your passport. If they cannot confirm or you do not have a valid eTA, you won't be allowed to board your flight.

In what situations are additional documents required for the Canada Tourist Visa?

Here are some of the following situations in which you might be asked to submit some additional documents:

  • You have a child who is under the age of 18 (that is a minor). In a situation like this, you will be required to submit:
  • a letter from one or both parents, or even a legal guardian, that clearly authorizes the minor child to travel to Canada, and
  • other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree,  provided the minor child travels alone or not
  • You have been invited to come to Canada. In case of getting invited to come to Canada by a person or a company, make sure to bring the invitation letter with you, as the border services officer may request to see it.

READ MORE:
Citizens of the United Kingdom can apply for eTA in Canada. The United Kingdom was one of the first countries to join the Canada eTA programme. The Canada eTA programme allows British nationals to enter Canada quickly. Learn about Eligibility for a Canada Visa for British Citizens

 

Do children need to obtain a Canada Tourist Visa?

Yes, they are required to apply for the Tourist Visa for Canada or the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). There is no age exemption for the Canada eTA and, all the eligible eTA-required travellers, regardless of their age, are required to get an eTA for entry into Canada.

The children are required to follow the same rules for entry into Canada, as the adults. Canada eTA Application for minors must be filled by legal guardian or representative.

The Border Services officers may question you about children who come with you to Canada or even question the child travelling alone. 

Please make sure to have the proper documents with you, to travel to Canada without any hassle. 

Can I apply for the Canada Tourist Visa as a group?

No, you cannot. The Tourist Visa for Canada or the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a single document and, each family member must apply for a separate eTA. Applying for more than one eTA at a time is not allowed.

Do I need to apply for the Canada Tourist Visa every time I visit Canada?

No, you need not apply for the Tourist Visa for Canada or the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) every time you enter Canada. Once, the eTA gets approved it will be valid for five years, and you can use it to enter Canada, as many times as required, within the five years validity of your eTA.

What activities are permitted in a Canada Tourist Visa?

The following activities can be performed using the Tourist Visa for Canada or the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA):

  • Taking a vacation in any part of Canada.
  • Exploring the city and sightseeing
  • A visit to family or friends
  • Going to Canada on a school trip or participating in another social activity as part of a school group
  • Attending short study courses without being awarded any credits

Check your eligibility for Online Canada Visa and apply for eTA Canada Visa 3 days in advance of your flight. British citizens, Italian citizens, Spanish citizens, French citizens, Israeli citizens, South Korean citizens, Portuguese citizens, and Chilean citizens can apply online for eTA Canada Visa.

 
Canada eTA Application