To travel to Canada, most people need a visa OR an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)-not both. Some individuals may only need a valid passport.
Find out more about travelling to Canada with PR status if you're a Canadian permanent resident (PR).
To find out which document you need to travel to, or transit through Canada, answer the questions below.
Click here for more information: Canada visit visa
Requirements per country / territory for entry
Canadian people
Canadian citizens need a valid Canadian passport, including dual citizens. American-Canadians may travel with a valid passport from Canada or the U.S.
Canadian permanent residents
A valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document is needed by Canadian permanent residents.
U.S. citizens
U.S. residents are expected to have proper identification, such as a valid U.S. passport.
Lawful U.S. permanent residents
In order to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport, lawful permanent residents of the US need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). At check-in, they have to present a valid Green Card and a valid passport.
Requirements for Regular Entry
Visa
Currently, British people do not need a visa to enter Canada for short periods, but before you travel (see below), you will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization.
Check the entry conditions with the Canadian High Commission if you have a different form of British nationality or wish to travel for a longer time, such as for work or research. Effective from 31 July 2018, you may need to give your fingerprints and photos (biometrics) at a visa application centre when applying for a study or work permit, or permanent residence. You will need to be able to show when you arrive in Canada that you have enough funds available to support yourself during your stay, even if you are staying with family and friends.
Validity Of Passport
For the proposed duration of your stay, your passport should be valid. No additional duration of validity beyond this is needed.
Authorisation for Electronic Travel (eTA)
It is now required that visitors travelling to Canada by air will receive an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.
UK Travel Documents for Emergencies
For entry, airside transit and departure from Canada, UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are approved. You can use an ETD to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation.
Travelling with children
You can hold a letter of approval from the non-travelling parent if you are travelling with children and only one parent is present. In order to determine whether there are any concerns about child abduction, immigration officers have the right to question children using simple and appropriate language. A letter of consent can assist to remove potential concerns.
Jobs and pupils
You must also satisfy Canada's entry criteria whether you are a worker or student. A work permit or a permit to study is not a visa. You'll also need a valid visitor visa or eTA to reach Canada in most cases.
If you apply for your first research or work permit,
If you need one and we accept your application, we'll automatically issue you a visa or eTA. When travelling to Canada, make sure that you have:
- Your introduction letter
- Passport or travel document valid
- Yeah, if you need a visa, it must have the visa sticker that we put on it.
- If you need an eTA and you're flying to a Canadian airport, it must be a passport that is connected to your eTA electronically.
