Traveling To Canada: What You Need To Know

If you are planning to travel to Canada, there are several things you need to know. Firstly, the Government of Canada advises against all non-essential travel outside the country. However, if your trip is necessary, you should be aware of the specific entry requirements for your country of origin. All international travellers must carry acceptable identification, such as a valid passport, and may also need a travel authorization such as a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). It is important to consult official sources for the most up-to-date information and to be prepared for potential disruptions due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Identification and travel documents

All international travellers must carry acceptable identification when entering Canada. A valid passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document when travelling abroad. However, there are other acceptable documents that can be used to support identity and/or citizenship.

Canadian citizens

Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, need a valid Canadian passport for all visits abroad, including visits to the US. This is the only universally accepted identification document and proves their right to return to Canada.

Canadian citizens without a Canadian passport

Other acceptable documents that support identity and/or citizenship include:

• Canadian emergency travel document
• Canadian temporary passport
• CANPASS authorisation, held by a Canadian citizen
• Commercial driver registration program card, held by a Canadian citizen
• FAST card (Free and Secure Trade), held by a Canadian citizen
• NEXUS card, held by a Canadian citizen
• Citizenship and immigration documents
• Canadian permanent residence card
• Canadian citizenship card
• Certificate of Canadian citizenship (issued from 1954 to present)
• Certificate of Canadian citizenship (large form issued between January 1, 1947, to February 14, 1977)
• Certificate of retention (issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977)
• Certificate of naturalization (issued before January 1, 1947)
• Registration of birth abroad certificate (issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977, by Canadian citizenship authorities)
• Provincial or territorial documents
• Birth certificate (individuals born in Canada)
• Enhanced driver's licence
• Enhanced identification/photo card
• Health insurance card
• Vehicle registration
• Other valid documents
• Canadian Forces identification
• Employment or student card with photo and signature
• Police identification
• Firearms acquisition certificate
• Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) card or Certificate of Indian Status (CIS) card
• Vehicle insurance certificate

Permanent residents of Canada

Permanent residents of Canada who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence, and may be asked to present these documents to the officer upon arrival at the border.

US citizens or permanent residents

US citizens must carry proper identification such as a valid US passport. US permanent residents must show a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States).

Entry requirements

The requirements to enter Canada vary depending on where you are travelling from, how you are travelling, and what documents you are travelling with.

Canadian citizens need a valid Canadian passport for all visits abroad, including visits to the US. This is the only universally accepted identification document and proves the right to return to Canada.

Canadian permanent residents need a valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document to return to Canada. Permanent residents of Canada who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence.

US citizens must carry proper identification, such as a valid US passport. As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the US must show a valid passport from their country of nationality or an equivalent acceptable travel document and a valid green card or equivalent proof of status in the US.

Visa-exempt travellers from the following countries need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to board their flight to Canada:

• British National (Overseas)
• British overseas citizen (re-admissible to the United Kingdom)
• British overseas territory citizen with citizenship through birth, descent, naturalization or registration in one of the British overseas territories of: British Virgin Islands, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), or Turks and Caicos Islands
• British Subject with a right of abode in the United Kingdom
• Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, must have a passport issued by Hong Kong SAR
• Israel, must have a national Israeli passport
• Romania (electronic passport holders only)
• Taiwan, must have an ordinary passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that includes the personal identification number
• United Arab Emirates
• Vatican City State, must have a passport or travel document issued by the Vatican

The above travellers do not need an eTA if entering Canada by land or sea.

Visa-required travellers from the following countries need a visa to come to Canada by any method of travel:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Brazil
• Cameroon, Republic of
• Central African Republic
• China, People's Republic of
• Congo, Democratic Republic of
• Costa Rica, Republic of
• Israel (Travellers must have a valid Israeli “Travel Document in lieu of National Passport.")
• Macao Special Administrative Region
• Mexico
• Micronesia, Fed. States
• Morocco
• Palestinian Authority
• Panama
• Philippines
• Romania (holder of a non-electronic passport, such as a temporary passport)
• Sao Tomé e Principe
• Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of
• Seychelles
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Lucia
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines (St. Vincent)
• Taiwan (Travellers must have a passport other than an ordinary passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that includes the personal identification number.)
• Thailand
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Uruguay

Workers and students must also meet Canada’s entry requirements. A work permit or study permit is not a visa. In most cases, a valid visitor visa or eTA is also required to enter Canada.

Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents may be eligible for a super visa, which allows them to visit their child or grandchild in Canada for up to 5 years at a time. The super visa is valid for up to 10 years and allows for multiple entries to Canada.

Travellers with a criminal record may not be eligible for an eTA and may need to obtain a visa instead.

All international travellers must carry acceptable identification when entering Canada. A passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document when abroad.

Covid-19 restrictions

As of October 1, 2024, Canada is dropping all COVID-19-related restrictions for people entering the country by air, land, or sea. This means that there will be no federal testing, quarantine, or isolation requirements, and travellers will no longer be required to use the ArriveCAN app or provide proof of vaccination.

However, it's important to note that the Canadian government advises against all non-essential travel outside the country. If you do choose to travel, be aware that restrictions may change at any time without notice, and you may encounter disruptions and delays due to COVID-19 precautions. Before planning your trip, it's recommended to check the latest advisories and local sources for your destination, as well as stay updated with any requirements from your airline and airport.

Previously, Canada had implemented several measures to control the spread of COVID-19, including restricting international flights to four designated airports and suspending flights to and from Mexico and Caribbean countries. Travellers entering Canada were required to undergo COVID-19 testing and quarantine in a government-approved hotel while awaiting their test results. Additionally, there was a mandatory 14-day quarantine for all travellers, with Screening Officers conducting compliance checks. These measures have now been lifted as of October 1, 2024.

When travelling to Canada, ensure you carry proper identification and necessary travel documents, such as a passport or travel authorization (e.g., a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization). Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and persons registered under the Indian Act can enter Canada by right but must still demonstrate that they meet the entry requirements.

Travel health insurance

When considering travel health insurance, it is important to research your needs thoroughly. Ask your insurance provider detailed questions about the terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and requirements of the policy. Here are some critical points to consider:

• Medical evacuation: Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation to Canada or the nearest place with adequate medical facilities. It should also cover the costs of a medical escort.
• Pre-existing medical conditions: Understand the definition, limitations, and restrictions on pre-existing conditions. Get a written agreement from your provider confirming coverage for pre-existing conditions, as they may otherwise be excluded.
• Repatriation in case of death: Ensure your plan covers the preparation and return of your remains, local cremation or burial, and additional expenses for a loved one to travel and identify your body.
• Coverage for your activities: Check that your policy covers any activities you plan to do, such as adventure sports or driving. Some policies may exclude certain activities or regions.
• Mental health coverage: Travel health insurance typically does not cover mental health disorders, but it is worth confirming with your provider.
• Drug and alcohol-related incidents: Understand whether your policy covers incidents related to drug and alcohol use.
• 24/7 emergency contact and translation services: Opt for a company that provides worldwide emergency assistance in English and translation services for healthcare providers in your destination country.
• Hospitalization and related medical costs: Confirm that your policy covers hospitalization and related medical expenses at your destination.
• Cash advances: Find out if your insurance provider will pay your bills or provide cash advances upfront.

Additionally, consider purchasing trip interruption and cancellation insurance, which can provide reimbursement for unused portions of your trip or non-refundable costs in the event of unexpected cancellations.

Border inspection

When entering Canada, you must carry acceptable identification and citizenship documents for yourself and any children or minors travelling with you. A Canadian passport is the only universally accepted identification document and proves your right to return to Canada.

If you don't have a Canadian passport, other acceptable documents include:

• Canadian emergency travel document
• Canadian temporary passport
• CANPASS authorisation
• Commercial driver registration program card
• FAST card (Free and Secure Trade)
• NEXUS card
• Citizenship and immigration documents
• Canadian permanent residence card
• Canadian citizenship card
• Certificate of Canadian citizenship
• Provincial or territorial documents (e.g. birth certificate, enhanced driver's license)
• Health insurance card
• Vehicle registration

Permanent residents of Canada who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence and may be asked to present these documents to the border officer.

US citizens must carry proper identification such as a valid US passport. Lawful permanent residents of the US must show a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the US).

Other travellers who need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to enter Canada include:

• Visa-exempt travellers
• Visa-required travellers
• Workers and students

Regardless of citizenship, it is important to always tell the truth to border officials, be courteous, and only answer the questions you are asked. Border officers have access to a wide variety of databases and can see a range of information about you, including criminal history, citizenship status, tax information, and travel history.

Frequently asked questions