Do you need a visa for Canada? Find out by country

Want to travel to Canada and wondering if you need a visa? Good news: many countries are exempt from visas, but an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is generally required to enter the country by air.

Visa-exempt English-speaking countries (eTA required)

🔎 Note :

• Citizens of the United States do not need a visa or eTA to enter Canada.
• This table focuses on air travel only. Entry by land or sea may have different requirements.

✈️ Visa-free travel to Canada: Key requirements

If you're from one of the visa-exempt countries, you can travel to Canada without a traditional visa—but you still need to meet certain conditions. Here's what you need to know:

• Eligible nationality: You must be a citizen of one of the official Canada visa-exempt countries. Not sure if your country qualifies? [Check the list below].
• eTA required: While you benefit from visa-free entry, you must still obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if you're flying to Canada. This applies to nearly all visa-exempt travellers.
• Valid passport: You must hold a valid passport from your visa-exempt country. The eTA will be electronically linked to that passport.
• Additional requirements: On arrival, Canadian border officers may ask for a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, or evidence of sufficient funds for your stay.
• Length of stay: The eTA permits visa-free travel to Canada for up to 6 months per entry, depending on the discretion of the border officer.

Travelling to Canada without a visa: is it possible?

Yes — it's possible through the Canada visa exemption program. If you're a citizen of one of the visa-exempt countries, you can enter Canada without a traditional visa, as long as you apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before flying.

⚠️ Even without a visa, an electronic authorization is required for all air arrivals.

Why do some countries not require a visa for Canada?

Canada has agreements with several countries to simplify short stays, particularly for tourism, business or family visits.

As a result, travellers from these countries no longer need a visa, but simply have to complete an online form.

🎯 Objectives of this policy:

• To promote tourist travel (culture, nature, discovery)
• To encourage economic and professional exchanges
• To strengthen international relations while maintaining high security standards

✅ Am I affected? How do I obtain authorisation?

🔍 Are you eligible for the eTA?

You are eligible to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if:

• ✅ You are a citizen of a visa-exempt country
• ✅ You are flying to Canada (arrival by air only)

💡 Example: Citizens of the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, and most European Union countries.

👉 Consult the list of countries or use our quick verification tool below:

⏱️ Estimated time for verification + application: less than 10 minutes

📝 How do I apply for authorization?

Fill out the secure online form

• Required information: surname, first name, date of birth, passport number, flight information

Pay the processing fee

• Amount: £7 (excluding any processing fees)
• Payment by credit card

Receive your authorization by email

• Approval usually within a few minutes
• The authorization is automatically linked to your passport

Travel with peace of mind

• When boarding, present the same passport used for the application

Length of stay and conditions for travelling to Canada without a visa with an eTA:

When travelling to Canada with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), it is essential to understand the length of stay and conditions associated with your trip. Here's what you need to know:

• Length of stay: The eTA generally allows for stays in Canada of up to six months. However, the authorized period may vary depending on factors such as the purpose of your trip and the decisions of immigration officers upon arrival. It is imperative that you comply with this period, as exceeding it may have legal consequences and may affect your future travel.
• Purpose of travel: When entering Canada with an eTA, the purpose of your trip is crucial. Whether you are coming for tourism, business, study, or other reasons, make sure you have the appropriate documents that justify your travel intention. Immigration officers may ask for proof of your planned stay, such as a letter of invitation, travel itinerary, or information about your accommodation.
• Proof of sufficient funds: It is important to have proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses while in Canada. This may include bank statements, accommodation information, return tickets, and other documents showing that you have the financial means to support yourself during your trip.
• Transit and stopovers: If your trip involves a stopover in Canada en route to another destination, transit rules apply. In many cases, transit travellers require an eTA. However, it is recommended that you check the specific requirements based on your itinerary and nationality.

In conclusion, understanding the specific conditions of your trip and complying with the limits of stay are key factors for a successful trip to Canada as an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) holder. Planning ahead, having the required documentation and following the rules will allow you to fully enjoy your stay in this country rich in discoveries.

Who can enter Canada without a visa or eTA?

In fact, there are currently no countries whose citizens can enter Canada without a visa or eTA.

The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program is required for all citizens of visa-exempt countries entering Canada by air.

However, there are some exceptions:

• US citizens and permanent residents of the United States: They do not need a VA or visa to enter Canada by air, land or sea. They only need to present a valid form of identification, such as a passport or US identity card.
• Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada: They do not need a visa or an eTA to enter Canada, regardless of their point of entry. They only need to present proof of their citizenship or permanent resident status, such as a Canadian passport or permanent resident card.
• Airline crew members: They may be exempt from the eTA requirement if they are travelling for business purposes and meet certain conditions.

Even if you’re from a visa-exempt country, you must apply for an eTA before boarding your flight to Canada.

Which other countries can enter Canada without a visa?

Canada warmly welcomes travellers from many countries that are exempt from visa requirements. These exemptions allow citizens of these countries to visit Canada for temporary stays without having to obtain a visa in advance. The list of visa-exempt countries for Canada changes over time based on diplomatic relations, border security and international policies. Here is an overview of the countries by geographical region that currently benefit from these visa exemptions:

All member states of the European Union and the following countries:

Americas:

• Argentina
• Mexico
• Costa Rica
• Chile
• Panama
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Uruguay

Asia-Pacific:

• Australia
• South Korea
• Hong Kong
• Israel
• Japan
• New Zealand
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Thailand

Middle East and Africa:

• United Arab Emirates
• Morocco

Caribbean and Indian Ocean:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Cayman Islands
• Seychelles