Traveling to Canada
Traveling to Canada requires valid entry documentation. In short, you will be required to present official paperwork when you reach the Canadian border. What that paperwork is, however, varies by your individual situation.
Entering Canada
When you reach the Canadian border, you can expect the following criteria at a minimum:
- You must have a valid travel document like a passport.
- You must be in good health.
- You must have no criminal convictions (or immigration-related concerns).
- You must be able to convince the immigration officer that you have ties to your home country and that you will be leaving at the end of your stay.
- You must demonstrate that you have enough money for your stay. (This amount may vary based on the length of your stay and your accommodations.)
If that wasn’t enough, you may also be required to provide more documentation at the border that is a bit more complicated to obtain including:
- A letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada.
- A clean bill of health via a medical exam.
- Specialized entry paperwork including a visa or eTA.
An Electronic Travel Authorization or Visa is required for the majority of travelers to Canada. The notable exception is United States citizens. United States permanent residents will be required to obtain an eTA. The full list of country requirements for both visas and eTA entry documents is here.
Canadian eTA
The entry requirements in Canada are changing a bit in March of 2016. While the basic requirements of a passport, stable finances and good health remain, more travelers in Canada will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization or eTA.
The eTA is required for travelers who already have passports who entry Canada from the air. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport and is good for five years or until your passport expires. Applying for an eTA is a simple online process that will cost you just $7 Canadian and take less than ten minutes. Most applicants will receive their eTA in minutes after applying. It’s important that you obtain the eTA before you travel to Canada to avoid complications and delays.
Canadian Visas
If you are traveling to Canada from a country or territory which requires a visa, it is important to know that there are two types of Canadian visa. A single-entry visa allows you visit Canada one time. A multiple-entry visa allows you to come and go for a fixed amount of time, typically ten years or until your passport expires. Both types of visas expire after a certain amount of time and cannot be used after that time.
Applying for eTA and Visas
To apply for a Visa or eTA, you will need to visit this page and select your home country from the list. After selecting your country, you will be told the specific requirements for your situation and given the opportunity to apply for a eTA or start the process to apply for a Canadian visa. In some cases, there are different requirements for the same country based on citizenship and travel plans. For this reason it is important to begin this process well in advance of your travels.
