Do you need VISA?

How to Find Out If You Need a Visa to Travel to Canada

Canada requires travelers to have either a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter or transit through the country, depending on their nationality and method of travel. Here’s how you can determine what you need:

Step 1: Check Your Nationality

The type of travel document you need depends primarily on your citizenship. Travelers fall into one of three categories:

  1. Visa-Exempt Travelers (Need an eTA)
    If you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you need an eTA if you’re traveling to or transiting through Canada by air. Examples of visa-exempt countries include:
    • Australia
    • Germany
    • Japan
    • United Kingdom
    • France
      (This is not a complete list.)
    Important: If you’re entering Canada by car, bus, train, or boat, including a cruise, you do NOT need an eTA or a visitor visa.
  2. Visa-Required Travelers (Need a Visitor Visa)
    Citizens of countries not on the visa-exempt list require a visitor visa (also known as a Temporary Resident Visa) to travel to Canada, regardless of the mode of travel.
    Examples of visa-required countries include:
    • India
    • China
    • Pakistan
      (This is not a complete list.)
  3. Eligible Visa-Required Travelers (May Qualify for an eTA)
    If you are from a visa-required country but meet specific conditions, you can apply for an eTA instead of a visa. These conditions include:
    • Holding a valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa, OR
    • Having held a Canadian visitor visa in the last 10 years.
    Eligible countries for this option include:
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
    • Philippines
      (This is not a complete list.)

Step 2: Consider Your Travel Method

The travel document you need also depends on how you’re entering Canada:

Mode of TravelRequirement
Flying to or transiting through a Canadian airporteTA (for visa-exempt travelers) or visitor visa
Entering by car, bus, train, or boat (including a cruise)Visitor visa (for visa-required travelers)
Traveling with a valid Canadian visaNo eTA required; use your visa

Step 3: Exceptions to the Rule

  1. U.S. Citizens
    U.S. citizens do NOT need an eTA or a visitor visa. They only need a valid U.S. passport.
  2. Canadian Citizens (Including Dual Citizens)
    Canadian citizens cannot apply for an eTA or visa. They must travel with a valid Canadian passport.
  3. Canadian Permanent Residents
    Permanent residents of Canada cannot apply for an eTA. They must travel with:
    • A valid permanent resident card, OR
    • A permanent resident travel document.
  4. U.S. Permanent Residents
    As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the U.S. do not need an eTA. They must carry:
    • A valid passport from their nationality, AND
    • A valid Green Card or equivalent proof of status.

Step 4: Use the Government of Canada Tool

To confirm whether you need a visa or an eTA, you can use the official Government of Canada travel document tool. Simply input your nationality, travel method, and purpose of visit to get personalized results.

Final Notes

  • Ensure you apply for the correct document well in advance of your travel date.
  • Having a visa or eTA does not guarantee entry to Canada. You must satisfy the border services officer that you meet all entry requirements.

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