Traveling To Canada: Which Countries Are Allowed?

Canada has strict entry requirements for foreign nationals, with most needing a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to enter the country. In recent years, the Canadian government has started to reject more visitors and temporary residents, with the number of rejections in 2024 averaging 3,727 per month, a 20% increase from 2023. This crackdown comes as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's liberal government faces pressure from voters to address the country's housing shortages and high prices, which have partly been attributed to the country's liberal immigration laws.

What are the entry requirements by country/territory?

Entry Requirements by Country/Territory

United States

American-Canadian dual citizens with a valid U.S. passport can travel to Canada without a Canadian passport. However, they must carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada. Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. must present a valid passport from their country of nationality or an equivalent travel document, as well as a valid green card or equivalent proof of status in the U.S.

St. Pierre and Miquelon

If you are returning directly from St. Pierre and Miquelon, you do not need a valid visitor visa as long as your study or work permit is still valid.

All Other Countries/Territories

Most people need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada. A valid passport from your country of nationality or an equivalent travel document is required.

Do I need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)?

To enter Canada, you'll need either a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). Whether you need a visa or an eTA depends on your nationality, your method of travel, and the documents you're travelling with.

Who needs an eTA?

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 and is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you'll need to get a new eTA.

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an eTA to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport. These travellers do not need an eTA when arriving by car, bus, train or boat (including a cruise ship).

Citizens from select visa-required countries may be eligible to apply for an eTA instead of a visa to travel to Canada by air. However, these travellers need a visitor visa when arriving by car, bus, train, or boat.

Who needs a visa?

If you're a visa-required traveller, you'll need to travel with a visitor visa. This includes alien's passport holders and stateless individuals.

Who is exempt from the eTA requirement?

U.S. citizens are exempt from the eTA requirement and can enter Canada with a valid U.S. passport, regardless of their method of travel. Lawful permanent residents of the United States are also exempt from the eTA requirement and must carry a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent travel document) and a valid green card (or equivalent proof of status).

There are some other exceptional cases in which travellers may not be required to obtain an eTA. These include:

• French citizens who live in Saint Pierre and Miquelon and are flying directly to Canada from St. Pierre and Miquelon
• Diplomats accredited by the Government of Canada
• Foreign nationals who transit through a Canadian airport under the Transit Without Visa or China Transit programs

You can apply for an eTA through the official Government of Canada website. The application is a simple online process that takes just a few minutes to complete. You'll need your passport, a credit card, and an email address. The eTA costs CAD $7.

What are the requirements for a visitor visa?

To enter Canada, most people need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). The requirements and type of visa needed depend on where you are from, how you are travelling, and what documents you are travelling with. Here are the requirements for a visitor visa:

Visitor Visa Requirements:

• Biometrics: In most cases, you will need to provide your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) after you apply for a visitor visa.
• Valid Travel Document: You must have a valid travel document, such as a passport, to enter Canada.
• No Criminal Record: You should not have any criminal or immigration-related convictions to be eligible for a visitor visa.
• Proof of Ties to Home Country: You must convince an immigration officer that you have strong ties to your home country, such as a job, home, financial assets, or family, that will ensure your return after your visit to Canada.
• Proof of Sufficient Funds: You need to demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada. The amount required depends on the duration of your stay and your accommodation arrangements.
• Medical Exam and Invitation Letter: In some cases, you may also need to undergo a medical exam and provide a letter of invitation from someone residing in Canada.
• Other Documents: The specific documents you need may vary based on your situation and country of origin.

It is important to note that the requirements for a visitor visa may differ based on your country of origin and the purpose of your visit. Additionally, some individuals may be inadmissible to Canada for various reasons, including security, health, or financial concerns.

What are the requirements for an eTA?

To be eligible for an eTA, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be a visa-exempt foreign national and flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport. You do not need an eTA when arriving by car, bus, train or boat (including a cruise ship).
• You must have a valid passport from a visa-exempt country.
• You must have a credit card to pay the $7 CAD fee.
• You must have a valid email address.
• You must have access to the internet.

Additionally, citizens from some visa-required countries may be eligible for an eTA if they meet the following requirements:

• You must have held a Canadian visitor visa (temporary resident visa) in the past 10 years or currently hold a valid United States (US) nonimmigrant visa.
• Your US nonimmigrant visa must be valid on the day you apply for your eTA, but it does not need to be valid when you travel to Canada.
• You must be coming to Canada for a temporary stay (normally for up to 6 months).
• You must be flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport using a valid passport from one of the eligible visa-required countries.

What documents do I need to travel to Canada by car, train, bus or boat?

To enter Canada by land or sea, you need a valid passport or equivalent travel document. This applies to all travellers, regardless of their country of origin. A valid passport fulfils the requirements of providing proof of identity and citizenship.

If you are a US citizen, you can also provide a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, and proof of US citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. However, be aware that these documents will not be sufficient to re-enter the US.

If you are a citizen of another country, you will need to provide proof of citizenship from your country and proof of identity. A passport from your country will satisfy the border requirements for both the US and Canada.

Additionally, there are Trusted Traveller's Cards, such as the Nexus card, that can be used in place of a passport when entering Canada from the US by car. Other WHTI-compliant documents that are accepted include state-issued enhanced driver's licenses, Enhanced Tribal Orders, US military IDs with travel orders, US Merchant Mariner Documents when travelling on official maritime business, Native American Tribal Photo ID cards, or Form I-872 American Indian Cards.

When travelling with children, ensure that you have identification for each child. If you are a divorced parent sharing custody, carry copies of the legal custody documents. If you are not the parent or guardian, have written permission from the parents or guardians to supervise the children.

For pets, dogs and cats from the US must be at least three months old and have a signed and dated certificate from a veterinarian certifying that they have been vaccinated against rabies within the last three years.

Frequently asked questions