Canada

🇨🇦

Phone Code

Capital

Ottawa

Population

39.7 Million

Native Name

Canada

Region

Americas

Northern America

Timezones

Eastern Standard Time (North America)

UTC-05:00

+27 more

Canada is the world's second-largest country by total area, known for vast wilderness, multicultural cities, Rocky Mountains, Niagara Falls, and bilingual heritage (English and French). Ottawa is the capital, while Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are major cultural and economic centers. Visitors are drawn to Niagara Falls, Banff and Jasper National Parks, Vancouver's coastal beauty, Toronto's CN Tower, Quebec City's French charm, Northern Lights in Yukon, wildlife viewing, skiing in Whistler, and friendly Canadian hospitality. Canada offers stunning natural landscapes, diverse cities, and four distinct seasons.

Visa Requirements for Canada

Canada's entry requirements vary by nationality. US citizens can enter with a valid passport and do not need an eTA or visa for tourism or business stays up to 6 months. Citizens of visa-exempt countries (UK, most EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and others) must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before flying to Canada. The eTA is applied for online at https://www.canada.ca/eta, costs CAD $7, and is valid for 5 years or until passport expires. Citizens of countries not on the visa-exempt list must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa) through Canadian visa application centers or embassies, providing biometrics, photos, travel itinerary, proof of financial support, and ties to home country. Processing times vary by country.

Common Visa Types

eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

Up to 6 months per visit; eTA valid 5 years or until passport expires; apply online at canada.ca/eta; $7 CAD fee; approved within minutes typically.

For visa-exempt nationals (UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, etc.) flying to Canada for tourism, business, or transit.

US Citizen Entry (No eTA/Visa Required)

Up to 6 months; no eTA or visa required; must have valid US passport (passport card not valid for air travel); straightforward entry.

For US citizens visiting Canada for tourism, business, or family visits.

Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)

Up to 6 months typically; single or multiple entry; apply through visa application center; biometrics required; processing varies by country.

For nationals from countries requiring visas for tourism, family visits, or business stays in Canada.

Transit Visa

48 hours typically; required for nationals from specific countries even if not leaving airport; check if your nationality requires transit visa.

For certain nationalities transiting through Canadian airports en route to other countries.

Important Travel Information

eTA vs Visa: Visa-exempt nationals need eTA for AIR travel only. No eTA needed for entry by land or sea from US. Nationals requiring visas must obtain visitor visa regardless of entry method.

US citizens exception: US citizens do not need eTA or visa. Enter with valid US passport. US permanent residents need eTA if from visa-exempt countries, or visitor visa otherwise.

Biometrics: Most visitor visa applicants must provide fingerprints and photo at visa application center. Appointment required. Additional fee applies.