Canada Entry Requirements / Canada Visa Policy

Canada travel requirements stated by the government of Canada must be met if you want to visit this country and enjoy a hassle-free trip. A valid passport (for at least 6 months) and a valid Canadian visa are the most important documents.

When it comes to the Canadian visa policy, you can obtain an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or a visa depending on your nationality.

Citizens who are visa-exempt need to obtain an eTA; however, in case they travel by car, train, boat (including cruise ship), or bus, they should have a visitor visa. Dual citizens of Canada can travel to the country with a valid Canadian passport.

You must have a valid eTA and visa before your trip to Canada. Otherwise, you won’t be able to cross the border. Furthermore, citizens from non-visa-exempt countries, those who want to visit Canada for a longer period or for a different purpose (not for tourism, transit, or business), need to contact the nearest embassy and apply in person.

Travelers who want to go to Canada must meet all requirements and prepare proper documents. Only permanent residents can visit or re-enter Canada with a valid passport. Be up-to-date and check everything before to avoid some problems or inconveniences.

Moreover, right now, most of the COVID-19 restrictions in Canada have ended. Proof of vaccination, pre-boarding tests, and quarantine are not necessary anymore. Only emergency air travel requirements for China, Hong Kong, and Macao are still in effect. So if you travel from these countries, you must show proof of COVID-19 test results (even when you are vaccinated).

COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Requirements

Visitors who are 2 years old or older and travel by air from Hong Kong, Macao, or the People’s Republic of China must provide negative COVID-19 test results to enter Canada. They don’t need to do so only if they transit through these 3 countries for less than 24 hours. The test must be a negative molecular one (such as PCR) or a negative antigen type.

As the government of Canada stated, the test results should include the name, date of birth/age, the civic address of the laboratory or testing provider, the date when you were tested, the type of the test, and the results. It doesn’t matter if you are vaccinated or not.

The rest of the visitors to Canada don’t need to have the:

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
• Pre-board test
• Pre-entry and arrival tests
• Quarantine after entry to Canada
• The masks on planes/trains (however, it is recommended).

If you have the symptoms of COVID-19, such as high temperature, cough, runny nose, chills, etc., you should not travel to Canada.

Inform the border services officer, flight attendant, or cruise staff in case you feel sick. Also, avoid public transport and check the territorial or provincial requirements.

Canada Visa Requirements

We can divide the Canadian visa requirements into two categories:

• Electronic travel authorization (eTA)
• Visitor Visa.

Both travel documents enable you to stay in Canada for a temporary time during the validity period. You can apply for an eTA or e-Visa mainly if you have a valid passport and a photo of your face. It is a very easy and convenient method, as everything can be done online.

The Basic Requirements for Entering Canada

Besides, you need to consider the following requirements to travel to Canada:

• have a valid passport and eTA or Visitor visa
• be in a good health
• have no convictions (criminal and immigration-related)
• convince a border services officer that you are connected to your home country and you are going back there
• have enough money.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not required to enter or leave Canada. However, it is advisable to get it. Be prepared for your trip, and don’t be surprised. You can read more about travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage and obtain it to feel safe during your journey.

Important Information

Your entry to Canada is not guaranteed by the eTA and Visitor visa. Besides, you need to meet all requirements as well as have the documents such as a passport that is valid for at least 6 months. Involvement in criminal activities, organized crime, human right violation, and health, security, or financial reasons can make you inadmissible.

Visa Expert

He is an expert in electronic visas. He has worked extensively in the travel industry and has a strong track record in helping people complete successful applications. He is adept in Visa-related laws and regulations, and is passionate about helping people secure visas quickly and conveniently.