Your document requirements depend on your nationality and how you're traveling to Canada
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Citizens of visa-exempt countries traveling by air
Visitor Visa (TRV)
Citizens of countries that require a visa to enter Canada
You may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if arriving by air.
Must apply for a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV) before entering Canada.
Choose the right visa type based on your travel needs and circumstances
Grants permission to enter Canada once, typically for a stay of up to six months.
Short-term visits for tourism, family, or events
Allows travel to Canada multiple times over the visa's validity period—up to 10 years or until the passport expires.
Frequent travelers, business visitors, family members
Required for foreign nationals passing through Canada en route to another country, with a layover under 48 hours.
Airport layovers and connections
Designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or PRs; extended stays up to five years per entry.
Parents & grandparents of Canadian citizens/PRs
Understanding how long your visa is valid and how long you can stay in Canada
Up to 10 years or passport expiry
Up to 6 months per entry
Extendable in some cases
Up to 10 years
Up to 5 years per entry
Can leave and re-enter
Up to 5 years or passport expiry
Up to 6 months per entry
Extendable in some cases
Duration of stay is determined by the border officer upon arrival. Visa validity is how long you have to enter Canada, not the stay length.
Step-by-step guide to applying for your Canadian visitor visa or eTA
Determine your visa requirements based on nationality & travel method
Gather passport, finances, and supporting materials
Submit your full application through the correct channel
Provide fingerprints & photo at a collection point
Watch your account & respond promptly to IRCC requests
Bring itinerary, proof of funds, invitation (if any), etc.
Quick comparison between Visitor Visa (TRV) and Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)