Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?

Whether you need a visa to travel to Canada may depend on things like where you’re from, the length of your stay and the purpose of your visit. And some travelers may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a visa. 

Here are some general guidelines for who needs a visa to travel to Canada. Keep in mind that visa and entry requirements can change, so be sure to verify what you need before booking your trip. 

What you’ll learn:

• Things like your country of origin, the reason for your visit and the duration of your stay can affect whether you need a visa to travel to Canada.

• Some travelers from visa-exempt countries may still need an eTA.

• U.S. citizens visiting Canada for short periods of time generally don’t need a visa or an eTA.

• Visa and entry requirements can change, so be sure to check the Canadian government’s website for up-to-date information when planning a trip to Canada.

If you’re from a visa-required country, you typically need a visa to visit or travel through Canada. If you’re from some visa-exempt countries, you might need an eTA instead. An eTA is linked to your passport and is typically valid for up to five years or until your passport expires. 

You may also need a visa if you plan to stay in Canada longer than 180 days. And if you plan to study or work in Canada, you may need a special permit. Keep reading to learn more about some different types of visas and how to apply. 

You can use this interactive tool to find out what travel documents you need to travel to Canada.

U.S. citizens typically don’t need a visa or an eTA to visit Canada for fewer than 180 days. However, according to the Canadian government, U.S. citizens still need to have proper identification and meet all the basic entry requirements.

Generally, people from visa-exempt countries don’t need a visa to visit Canada for short periods of time. However, they may need an eTA. Learn more about entry requirements by country or territory on the Canadian government’s website.

If you determine you need a visa to go to Canada, the next step is figuring out what kind. What type of visa or permit you need can depend on things like your nationality, how long you plan to stay and the purpose of your trip. Here are a few types of Canadian visas and permits it may help to know about, as well as links to the Canadian government’s guides on how to apply.

• Visitor visa: If you’re from a visa-required country and planning a trip to Canada, you may need a visitor visa. Most travelers can stay in Canada on a visitor visa for up to six months, but there may be other limits in some cases. 

• Transit visa: Visa-required travelers may need a transit visa to travel through Canada, even if you’re only stopping at a Canadian airport for a layover. 

• Super visa: A super visa is meant for people who want to visit their children or grandchildren in Canada for longer than six months. Typically, super visas cover multiple entries into Canada and can remain valid for up to 10 years. 

• Work permit: The Canadian government says that most foreign nationals need a work permit to work in Canada. There are two basic types of work permits: employer-specific permits and open permits.

• Study permit: Study permits allow foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Before you apply for a study permit, make sure you have an acceptance letter from a DLI.

Typically, you can apply for a Canadian visa or permit online. Before you apply, gather all the relevant documents. What documentation you need can vary, but it generally includes some kind of identification. You may also have to submit biometrics, like your fingerprints and photo. And keep in mind there may be fees. 
For more information, check out the Canadian government’s guide on visiting Canada.

Visa processing times depend on what type of visa or permit you applied for, your nationality, when you applied and more. You can check current processing times on the Canadian government’s website.

Here are a few frequently asked questions about visa requirements for traveling to Canada.

Many travelers need a visa or eTA to travel to Canada. However, U.S. citizens typically don’t need either to visit Canada for short periods of time. But they still need proper identification and to meet all entry requirements. Remember that travel requirements can change, so before booking your trip, check official government websites for the latest information. 

Wondering whether you can use your credit card during your trip? Check out this guide on using your credit card in Canada. Capital One also offers travel rewards cards with exclusive benefits and elevated rewards that can help make your travel experience more enjoyable.