Banff National Park & Lake Louise
Alberta
Turquoise glacial lakes ringed by peaks. Gondolas, hot springs, and the Icefields Parkway drive to Jasper.
🍁eTA · Visitor Visa · Travel Planning
Planning a trip to Canada? Start here.
Check whether you need an eTA or a visitor visa, see what's worth visiting, and book a consultation to get your application done right.
Visa & Entry Requirements
Which document do you need?
What you need to enter Canada depends on your nationality and how you're travelling (by air vs. by land/sea). There are two main documents.
Feature
eTA
Electronic Travel Authorization
Visitor Visa (TRV)
Temporary Resident Visa
Who it's for
Visa-exempt nationalities flying to Canada
Visa-required nationalities
Form
Digital, linked to your passport
A sticker placed in your passport
Government fee
CAD $7
Processing fee + biometrics fee
Valid for
Up to 5 years (or passport expiry)
Up to 10 years (or passport/biometrics expiry)
Stay per visit
Usually up to 6 months
Usually up to 6 months
Where you apply
Online only
Online (paper in specific cases)
Must get before flying?
Yes
Yes — cannot be issued on arrival
Not sure which one is you? Check your eligibility with your passport details, then apply on our platform when you're ready.
If you need an eTA
Quick & online- Online entry requirement for visa-exempt travellers flying to or transiting through Canada.
- Costs CAD $7 and is valid for up to five years, or until your passport expires.
- Travel to Canada as often as you like for short stays (normally up to 6 months).
- You need: a valid passport, a credit or debit card, and an email address.
- Most applications approved within minutes; some take a few days.
- Not needed if arriving by car, bus, train, or boat — only for air travel.
- U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents of the U.S. are exempt.
Watch out for overpriced copycat sites. The official government eTA fee is only CAD $7.
If you need a visitor visa (TRV)
Apply before you travelA Temporary Resident Visa is an official document placed in your passport showing you meet the requirements to travel to Canada.
- Must apply before you leave — a visa cannot be issued on arrival.
- Valid for up to 10 years, or until your passport or biometrics expire.
- The visa officer decides whether you get a single- or multiple-entry visa.
- Biometrics required for most applicants aged 14–79 after applying.
- Biometrics are reused for 10 years, making repeat trips easier.
- Normally applied online through the official IRCC portal.
Your eTA or Visitor Visa: Valid for Up to 5 Years — Or Until Your Passport Expires
Depending on the document issued by the relevant authorities, your eTA or visitor visa may be valid for up to five (5) years. Please note that the document's validity cannot extend beyond the expiration date of the passport used for the application. If your passport expires before the full five-year period, the eTA or visa will remain valid only until your passport's expiration date.
Basic requirements (both documents)
Whichever document applies, a Canadian officer needs to be satisfied that you:
- Valid passport or travel document
- Good health (medical exam may be required in some cases)
- No convictions that make you inadmissible
- Strong ties to your home country (job, home, financial assets or family)
- Clear intention to leave at the end of your visit
- Sufficient funds for your stay
Documents you'll typically prepare for a visitor visa
The exact list depends on your country and situation. In your consultation we build the precise checklist for you.
- Valid passport (and copies of previous ones with travel history)
- Proof of funds (bank statements)
- Proof of ties to home (employment letter, property, family)
- Purpose of trip (itinerary, invitation letter)
- Passport-style photos meeting specifications
- Completed application forms
- Medical exam (sometimes required)
Good to know
- Super Visa: Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents can apply for a Super Visa — multiple entries, stays of up to 5 years at a time, valid up to 10 years.
- Insurance: Not legally required for a standard visitor visa, but strongly recommended — healthcare costs for visitors in Canada are high.
- The border officer has the final say: An approved eTA or visa lets you travel to Canada, but a border services officer makes the final admission decision on arrival.
- Rules change: Country eligibility and requirements are updated regularly. Always confirm against the official IRCC site — or let us do it for you.
Ready to take the next step?
Apply on our dedicated platform when you're ready, or check your eligibility first if you're unsure.
Our service
How we help with your Canada trip
Eligibility check
We confirm whether you need an eTA or a visitor visa, based on your exact passport and plans.
Application done for you
We prepare and review your file, so it's complete, consistent and strong the first time.
Full trip support
Beyond the visa, we can help with itinerary planning, bookings and what to expect at the border.
Ready to continue on the platform?
Apply with guided support on our dedicated platform, or check your eligibility first.
Inspiration
Popular sights & places in Canada
Nature & the Rockies
Jasper National Park
Alberta
Wilder and quieter than Banff, with dark-sky stargazing and Maligne Lake.
Niagara Falls
Ontario
The classic. Boat rides to the base of the falls; easy day trip from Toronto.
Big Cities
Toronto
Ontario
The CN Tower, diverse neighbourhoods and food, jumping-off point for Niagara.
Vancouver
British Columbia
Mountains meeting the sea. Stanley Park, Granville Island, and Whistler two hours away.
Montréal & Québec City
Québec
French-speaking Canada. Old Québec's cobbled streets feel like Europe; Montréal brings the food and festivals.
Once-in-a-lifetime
Northern Lights
Yukon / NWT
Among the best aurora viewing on Earth, roughly August–April.
Polar Bears, Churchill
Manitoba
The "polar bear capital of the world," best in October–November.
Cabot Trail
Nova Scotia
A coastal drive through the Cape Breton Highlands, spectacular in autumn.
Planning your trip
Best time to visit & practical info
☀️
Summer
Jun–AugWarmest, best for the Rockies, road trips and cities. Peak prices.
Peak season🍂
Fall
Sep–OctStunning foliage, fewer crowds, polar bear season begins.
Recommended❄️
Winter
Dec–MarSkiing, Northern Lights, festive cities — cold, but magical.
For adventure🌸
Spring
Apr–MayShoulder season, good value, nature waking up.
Best valueQuick facts
Currency
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Languages
English & French
Time zones
6 across the country
Plugs
Type A/B, 120V
Tipping
~15–20% customary
Book a consultation
Talk to a Canada visa advisor
Pick a date and time. In your consultation we confirm which document you need, review your situation, and map out your application.
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Disclaimer: Global Travellers is a private travel and visa-assistance service. We are not affiliated with the Government of Canada or IRCC. Government fees (such as the CAD $7 eTA fee) are paid directly to the government and are separate from our service fees. Official information is available at canada.ca. Requirements can change; we confirm current rules for your specific case. Last reviewed: July 2026.