Traveling To Canada: Portuguese Passport Requirements And Rules

If you're a Portuguese citizen travelling to Canada, you'll need to carry a valid Portuguese passport. You may also need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to enter the country. Canadian border control will determine whether you meet the requirements to enter Canada, so it's important to carry the correct documentation.

Do I need a visa?

To enter Canada, most people need a visa, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), or a valid passport. Whether you need a visa depends on where you are from, how you are travelling, and what documents you are travelling with.

Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, need a valid Canadian passport. American-Canadians can travel with a valid Canadian or U.S. passport. Canadian permanent residents need a valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document.

U.S. citizens must carry proper identification, such as a valid U.S. passport. Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. 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 U.S.).

Visa-exempt travellers include British Nationals (Overseas), British overseas citizens (re-admissible to the United Kingdom), and citizens of Israel, Romania (electronic passport holders only), Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, and the Vatican City State.

Visa-required travellers include citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Republic of Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, among others.

If you are unsure about whether you need a visa to enter Canada, you can answer a few questions on the Canadian government website to find out.

What documents do I need?

To travel to Canada, you need to carry a valid passport or travel document. If you are a Portuguese citizen, you will need a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area. If you are travelling to Canada by air, you will also need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). If you are a lawful permanent resident of the US, you will need to show a valid passport from your country of nationality and a valid green card. If you are a Canadian citizen, you will need a valid Canadian passport. If you are a dual citizen of Canada and the US, you can travel with a valid US passport, but you must still carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada.

What is an eTA?

An eTA, or Electronic Travel Authorization, is an official authorisation to travel to Canada. It is electronically linked to your passport and is only valid when flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport. Most eTA applications are approved within minutes, but some may take several days to process if the applicant is asked to submit supporting documents. It is recommended that travellers apply for an eTA before booking their flight to Canada.

An eTA is not required for those entering Canada by land or sea, for example, by driving from the US or arriving by bus, train or boat. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, do not need an eTA and can travel with a valid Canadian passport. US-Canadian dual citizens can also travel with a valid US passport.

In addition to an eTA, travellers to Canada must carry proper identification and citizenship documents. These may include a passport, a NEXUS card, a Canadian permanent residence card, a Canadian citizenship card, or a birth certificate.

How long can I stay in Canada?

The length of time you can stay in Canada depends on a few factors, including your citizenship status, the type of passport you hold, and the purpose of your visit. Here is some information I found regarding how long you can stay in Canada:

For Canadian Citizens:

Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, need a valid Canadian passport to enter Canada. If you are an American-Canadian dual citizen, you can travel with a valid Canadian or US passport. It is recommended that you carry a valid Canadian passport for all visits abroad, as it is the only universally accepted identification document and proof of your right to return to Canada.

For Visa-Exempt Travellers:

If you are a visa-exempt traveller, such as a citizen of Portugal, you may not need a visa to enter Canada. However, you will need to provide proper identification, such as a valid passport from your country of nationality or an equivalent acceptable travel document. Visa-exempt travellers can generally stay in Canada for up to six months for most purposes.

For Visa-Required Travellers:

If you are a citizen of a country that requires a visa to enter Canada, such as Brazil or Mexico, you will need to apply for a visitor visa. The length of stay for visa-required travellers is usually up to six months, similar to visa-exempt travellers.

For Students and Workers:

If you are planning to study or work in Canada, you must meet the entry requirements, which may include having a valid passport, a study or work permit, and/or a visitor visa. The length of stay for students and workers depends on the validity of their permits and visas.

For Parents and Grandparents of Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents:

If you are the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible for a super visa. A super visa allows you to visit your family in Canada for up to five years at a time and is valid for up to ten years. To qualify for a super visa, you must meet certain criteria, including providing proof of financial support and medical insurance.

Please note that the information provided is not exhaustive, and you should always check the latest entry requirements and regulations before planning your travel to Canada. The length of stay may vary depending on individual circumstances, and it is important to adhere to the duration specified on your visa or permit.

Can I travel with just my passport?

If you are a Portuguese citizen travelling to Canada, you will need a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date you expect to leave Canada. You may also need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).

Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, need a valid Canadian passport to enter Canada. American-Canadians can travel with a valid Canadian or US passport. Canadian permanent residents need a valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document.

Most people need a visa or an eTA to travel to Canada, but some may only need their valid passport. Whether you need a visa, an eTA, or neither depends on where you are from, how you are travelling, and what documents you are travelling with.

If you are a US citizen, you 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 proof of status in the US).

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Portugal, consular services may be limited while you are in Portugal, and you may be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Frequently asked questions