Staying in Canada as a Visitor

Before visiting Canada, it is important to have the correct Visas in place and be aware of the procedures and documents that are needed upon your arrival to the country. Depending on your country of origin, you may need to obtain either a Visitor’s Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) prior to your arrival.

A Visitors Visa (also called a temporary resident visa) is an official document that is put in your passport and shows that you met the requireents needed to enter Canada. This can be applied for online or on paper.

An eTA is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. An eTA is electronically linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires. With a valid eTA, you can travel to Canada as often as you want for short stays. This can be applied for online.

The entry document you need depends on:

• the type of travel document you plan to travel with
• the country that issued your travel document
• your nationality
• your method of travel to Canada for this trip

Make sure you need a Visitors Visa before you apply

For a full list of travellers that need a Visitors Visa or eTA click here!

Eligibility

In order to obtain a Visitors Visa, there are some basic requirements that must be met.

You must:

• have a valid travel document, like a passport
• be in good health
• have no criminal or immigration-related convictions
• convince an immigration officer that you have ties – such as a job, home, financial assets or family – that will take you back home to your home country
• convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
• have enough money for your stay – the amount of money you will need depends on how long you will stay and if you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives.

How Long You Can Stay

Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada.

At the port of entry the border services officer may allow you to stay for less or more than 6 months. If so, they will put the date you need to leave by in your passport. they might also give you a document, called a visitors record, which will show the date you need to leave by.

If you don’t get a stamp in your passport, you can stay for 6 months from the day you entered Canada or until your passport expires, whichever one comes first.

For more information on staying in Canada as a visitor click here!