A visitor to Canada is not a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident, and wishes to visit Canada temporarily for example, for vacation, to visit family, to conduct business, or to transit through Canada. The length of stay permitted varies and is subject to certain conditions. In order to be legally allowed to enter Canada a visitor must be in possession of either a Temporary Resident Visa (also known as a tourist visa or visitor visa) or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). A Temporary Resident Visa is a requirement for anyone wishing to visit Canada who is not from a visa-exempt country. Those from visa exempt countries instead must have an Electronic Travel Authorisation if they will be arriving in Canada by air, an ETA is not required if arriving by land or sea.

 

Click here for a full list of visa exempt countries.

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An ETA for visa-exempt visitors costs $7 CAN and can be obtained online. Click here to be taken to the application page for an ETA. The ETA is electronically linked to the passport of the traveller and can be approved within minutes, or take up to 48 hours.

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Anyone who is not from a visa-exempt country must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa in order to visit Canada. Click here for a full list of countries which require a visa.

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There are a number of requirements which must be met in order to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa, such as:

• satisfying an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay

• showing that you have sufficient funds for you and your family for the duration of the visit

• not intending to work or study in Canada

• not having a criminal record or being a security risk

• being in good health

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Additional information:

• A Temporary Resident Visa must be obtained before travelling to Canada, it cannot be obtained once in Canada

• All family members must complete their own, separate Temporary Resident Visa application

• Medical exams are not usually required for visits of less than 6 months

• You may be required to submit biometrics, depending on your country of origin and the reason for your visit

 

Get in touch today to find out more about how to visit Canada or to Book a Consultation