Online Canada Visa Entry Requirements

Updated on Apr 30, 2024 | Canada Visa Online

Passport holders from a diverse range of nations can travel to Canada without a visitor visa, with the help of an eTA. Visitors must fulfill the Canadian entry requirements to qualify for visa-free travel. These include having a valid passport and submitting an online Canada eTA online application successfully.

Travelers with an approved Canada eTA can stay in Canada for up to 6 months for vacation or work. It is also usable for public transportation.

More information regarding Canada's entry requirements can be found below.

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 An Online Canada Visa (or Canada eTA)?

Travelers require a Canada eTA to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport if they are -

  • A non-visa-required foreign national
  • A United States permanent resident

Visa-exempt foreigners entering by land or water are exempt from the Canada entry requirements.

What are the Visa-free Nations?

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.

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Canada entry requirements for Brazilian, Bulgarian, and Romanian citizens -

Brazilian, Bulgarian, and Romanian residents can request an eTA instead of a visitor visa if they meet the following criteria:

  • Have you had a Canadian tourist visa within the last ten (10) years
  • Have a valid non-immigrant visa from the United States eta Canada entry requirements

Residents of these countries must also meet Canada entry requirements, which include arriving by plane and staying for no longer than six (6) months.

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Before applying for the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) you must make sure to have a valid passport from a visa-exempt country, an email address that is valid and working and credit/debit card for online payment. Learn more at Canada Visa Eligibility and Requirements.

What are the Exemptions from Canadian eTA Obligations?

The following visa-exempt groups do not require an eTA for Canada:

  • Permanent residents of Canada
  • Foreign nationals with a valid Canadian visa
  • US citizens in possession of a US passport
  • Citizens of Saint Pierre and Miquelon traveling straight to Canada 
  • Transit passengers using the Transit Without Visa or China Transit Program 
  • Travel and official representatives such as ambassadors

Exemption requirements for travelers

  • Foreigners who assume they are exempt from Canadian eTA documentation requirements must confirm the documents they require.
  • All passengers are required to show sufficient identification, such as a valid passport.

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What Are The Canada eTA Requirements For Children In Canada?

  • Kids under the age of 18 must adhere to the same rules as adults when visiting Canada.
  • Minors must meet the eTA visa waiver requirements for Canada and apply individually online.
  • On behalf of a minor, an eTA application should be completed by a parent or guardian.
  • They must specify this when filling out the online form, as well as providing their own information.

What Are the Documents Needed for A Canada eTA?

The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for Canada is not a visa, and the application process is simpler. To apply, travelers must have:

  • Valid passport from an eTA-eligible nation
  • Email address that is valid
  • Method of payment — debit or credit card

Candidates may be asked to supply supporting documentation in rare circumstances. The extra eTA document requirements are communicated to travelers through email.

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What are the eTA Passport Requirements for Canada?

  • Travelers must have a valid passport issued by an approved nation in order to apply for an electronic travel authorization.
  • Foreign nationals who hold dual citizenship must apply for the eTA and travel to Canada on the same passport. The eTA is linked with the passport.
  • Unless the passport expires sooner, the Canadian eTA is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. Because the eTA is connected to the passport number, when the passport is renewed, a new eTA is necessary.

What are the Travel Requirements for Canada during COVID-19?

All COVID-19 admission restrictions have been eliminated in Canada. International arrivals are no longer required to produce proof of immunization or to fill out a travel health declaration.

What Information Is Needed for The Canada eTA?

Applicants must complete the online eTA form. The following information is required:

Passport information

  • Number on a passport
  • Dates of passport issuance and expiration
  • The passport's issuing country

Personal Information

  • Name exactly as it appears on the passport
  • The birthdate
  • Gender
  • Birth country
  • Employment information 
  • Marital status

Contact information

  • The email address
  • Residence address
  • Information on Travel
  • Dates of travel (if known)
  • Flight duration

The application form also includes certain background inquiries to ensure that the candidate fits the eTA security criteria.

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Online Canada Visa, or Canada eTA, is a mandatory travel documents for citizens of visa-exempt countries. If you are a citizen of a Canada eTA eligible country, or if you are a legal resident of the United States, you will need eTA Canada Visa for layover or transit, or for tourism and sightseeing, or for business purposes, or for medical treatment. Learn more at Online Canada Visa Application Process.

What Are the Canada Entry Requirements For Visa-Exempt Travelers?

  • When an eTA is accepted, it is connected to the passport that was used to apply electronically. When checking in for a flight, passengers must show their passports to airline personnel.
  • The airline personnel scan the passenger's passport to ensure they have met Canada's eTA standards. It is not necessary to have a printed copy of the authorization.
  • Foreigners will be allowed to board the flight to Canada only if they have a valid eTA.
  • Visitors who do not require a visa must exhibit the valid passport they used to apply for the eTA at the border check.
  • The eTA allows foreigners to fly to Canada but does not ensure admission. On arrival, officers from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) check passengers' travel documentation.
  • Most overseas visitors will require either a Canada Visitor visa or a Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) if they are from one of the visa-exempt nations. Very few travelers are entirely exempt and can enter without a visa with their passports.

Canada Entry Requirements For Permanent Residents, and Americans:

  • A valid Canadian passport are required for all Canadian citizens, including dual citizens. 
  • American-Canadians are permitted to travel with a valid Canadian or US passport.
  • Permanent residents of Canada must have a valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document.
  • Citizens of the United States must carry sufficient identification, such as a valid passport.

Permanent legal residents of the U.S. (aka Green card holders):

Lawful permanent residents of the United States must present these documents for all modes of travel to Canada beginning April 26, 2022:

  • A valid passport from their country of origin (or another approved travel document) 
  • A valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)

What are the Canada Entry Requirements for Employees and Students With Visas?

You must also meet Canada's entrance standards if you are a worker or student. A work permit or a study permit is not the same as a visa. In most situations, you'll also need a valid visiting visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.

If this is your first time applying for a study or work permit -

  • If this is your first time applying for a study or work permit, you will require a Canada visa or an eTA. You will be issued one instantly after your application is approved. 
  • When visiting Canada, make sure you have: Your letter of recommendation, A valid passport, and A travel document.
  • If you need a visa and are traveling to a Canadian airport, it must contain the visa sticker that we placed in it. 

If you already possess a work or study permit -

  • If you are from a visa-required nation, be sure your visiting visa is still valid if you choose to leave and re-enter Canada.
  • If you require an eTA and are going to a Canadian airport, bring a passport that is electronically connected to your eTA Canada Visa.
  • You must travel with a valid study or work permit, passport, and travel documents.

If you are legally permitted to work or study without a permit -

  • You are considered a visitor to Canada if you are eligible to work or study without permission. You must meet the Canada entry requirements for citizens of your home country.

Paying A Visit To Your Children And Grandchildren In Canada - What Are Some Points You Must Consider?

  • You may be eligible for a Canada super visa if you are the parent or grandparent of a Canadian.
  • If you are a permanent resident or citizen. A super visa allows you to stay in Canada for up to two (2) years at a time. It is a multi-entry visa that is valid for up to ten (10) years.

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. Should you need any help or require any clarifications you should contact our helpdesk for support and guidance.