Do I need a visa to travel to Canada as a US citizen?

U.S. citizens planning a trip to Canada for less than 180 days won’t need a visa to enter the country. The Canadian government recommends bringing a valid ID and passport, though.

Visa and entry requirements can change, so it’s a good idea to check for updates before your trip. 

What you’ll learn:

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

• For non-U.S. citizens, 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 also need an eTA.

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

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) recommends that U.S. citizens bring their passport to Canada, especially if they’re traveling by plane. Those not traveling by plane who don’t have a valid passport can bring other documents that show full name, date of birth and citizenship, including:

• Birth certificate
• Enhanced driver’s license
• Citizenship or naturalization certificate
• Certificate of Indian status with photo ID

The CBSA says that lawful permanent residents arriving by plane must bring a passport as well as their green card or a comparable proof of status. Those not traveling by plane don’t need to bring their passport.

U.S. citizens returning from Canada by plane need a passport to re-enter the U.S. A passport card is another option for land or sea travelers.

NEXUS cardholders flying back from a Canadian preclearance location may be able to use that instead of a passport. A NEXUS card is also an option when returning to designated U.S. ports of entry by land or sea.

Lawful permanent residents can also use a NEXUS card to reenter the U.S. from Canada.

What paperwork non-U.S. citizens need to enter Canada depends on where they’re from and their method of transportation. But many visitors need either a visa or an eTA.

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

You may need a visa to visit or travel through Canada if you’re:

• From a visa-required country or territory 
• Stateless or have a refugee travel document
• Planning to stay in Canada for longer than 180 days

Some countries and territories require an eTA and a passport if you’re arriving in Canada by air. An eTA is electronically linked to your passport and typically valid for up to five years or until your passport expires. 

You may be able to use an eTA even if you’re from a country where a visa is typically required if you meet all three of these requirements:

• You’re coming to Canada by air.

• You’ve had a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years or currently have a U.S. nonimmigrant visa.

• You’re visiting for a temporary stay, usually up to six months.

What type of visa, authorization or permit you need to travel to Canada can depend on your nationality, how long you plan to stay and the purpose of your trip. 

Here are some of the different types.

• 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 they’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. Anyone applying for a study permit must have an acceptance letter from a DLI.

Typically, you can apply for a Canadian visa or permit through the Canadian government’s Visit Canada page. You’ll need to gather all the relevant documents, and you may also have to submit biometrics, like your fingerprints and photo. There may be fees.

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’s some more information about visa requirements for traveling to Canada.

Many international travelers do, but U.S. citizens typically don’t need a visa or an eTA to visit Canada for short periods of time. There are other entry requirements, though. You can check official government websites for the latest information before setting off on your trip. 

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