✈️ Canada Tourist & Visitor Visas
Canada Tourist Visas Guide 2025
Complete guide to Canadian visitor visas, eTA, Super Visa, business visitor permits, and temporary residence requirements
22M
Annual Visitors
$7 CAD
eTA Application Fee
5-10
Years Super Visa
2-8
Weeks Processing
🌐 eTA – Electronic Travel Authorization
Most visitors to Canada need either an eTA or a visitor visa. The eTA is a quick, easy, and affordable option for visa-exempt countries.
Quick Processing
Most applications approved within minutes
Only $7 CAD
One-time fee for multiple entries
5 Years Valid
Valid for 5 years or until passport expires
Air Travel Only
Required for flights to Canada (not land/sea)
Canada Tourist Visa Overview
Canada welcomes over 22 million visitors annually. Whether you need an eTA or visitor visa depends on your nationality and purpose of visit. Understanding the requirements ensures a smooth application process.
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Do You Need a Visa or eTA?
eTA: Citizens of visa-exempt countries traveling by air
Visitor Visa: Citizens of non-exempt countries, or visa-exempt citizens traveling by land/sea
Super Visa: Parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens/PRs (up to 10 years)
Visitor Visa: Citizens of non-exempt countries, or visa-exempt citizens traveling by land/sea
Super Visa: Parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens/PRs (up to 10 years)
Types of Canadian Tourist & Visitor Documents
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Required for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to Canada. Quick online application with instant approval for most applicants.
Application Fee:
$7 CAD
Processing Time:
Minutes to 72 hours
Validity:
5 years or passport expiry
Max Stay:
6 months per visit
Eligible Countries:
57+ visa-exempt countries
Requirements
- Valid passport from visa-exempt country
- Valid email address
- Credit or debit card for payment
- Answer eligibility questions
- Travel by air to Canada
Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
Official document showing you meet requirements to enter Canada as a temporary resident for tourism, visiting family, or business.
Application Fee:
$100 CAD
Biometrics:
$85 CAD
Processing Time:
2-8 weeks
Validity:
Up to 10 years
Max Stay:
6 months per visit
Requirements
- Valid travel document (passport)
- Proof of financial support
- Ties to home country
- Letter of invitation (if applicable)
- Purpose of visit documentation
- Medical exam (if required)
Super Visa
Multi-entry visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, allowing stays up to 10 years.
Application Fee:
$100 CAD
Biometrics:
$85 CAD
Processing Time:
4-12 weeks
Validity:
Up to 10 years
Max Stay:
5 years per visit
Special Requirements
- Letter of invitation from child/grandchild
- Proof of relationship (birth certificates)
- Medical insurance ($100K+ coverage)
- Income requirements for inviter
- Medical examination
- Proof of funds and ties to home country
Business Visitor
For international business activities including meetings, conferences, training, and negotiations. No work permit required for qualifying activities.
Documentation:
eTA or Visitor Visa
Duration:
Up to 6 months
Employment:
No Canadian employment
Income Source:
Outside Canada
Activities:
Meetings, training, trade
Qualifying Activities
- International business meetings
- Conferences and conventions
- Training provided by Canadian company
- Trade fairs and exhibitions
- After-sales service (warranty/contract)
- Board meetings and shareholder meetings
👨👩👧👦 Super Visa: Bringing Families Together
The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for extended periods, reducing family separation.
Extended Stays
Up to 5 years per visit vs regular visitor visa’s 6 months. Can be extended for up to 2 additional years from inside Canada.
Multiple Entry
Valid for up to 10 years allowing multiple trips to Canada without reapplying for new visas.
Health Coverage
Mandatory health insurance ($100,000+ coverage) ensures medical protection during extended stays.
Family Unity
Bridge to family sponsorship while waiting for permanent residence applications to process.
Visa Requirements by Country/Region
| Country/Region | Requirement | Processing Time | Cost | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | eTA (by air) / No visa (land/sea) | Minutes | $7 CAD (eTA) | 6 months |
| UK | eTA | Minutes | $7 CAD | 6 months |
| European Union | eTA | Minutes | $7 CAD | 6 months |
| Australia/New Zealand | eTA | Minutes | $7 CAD | 6 months |
| Japan/South Korea | eTA | Minutes | $7 CAD | 6 months |
| China | Visitor Visa | 2-4 weeks | $100 + $85 CAD | 6 months |
| India | Visitor Visa | 3-8 weeks | $100 + $85 CAD | 6 months |
| Russia | Visitor Visa | 4-8 weeks | $100 + $85 CAD | 6 months |
| Brazil | Visitor Visa | 2-6 weeks | $100 + $85 CAD | 6 months |
| Most African Countries | Visitor Visa | 4-12 weeks | $100 + $85 CAD | 6 months |
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Check Your Specific Requirements
Visa requirements can change. Always check the official Government of Canada website for the most current requirements based on your specific nationality and circumstances.
General Application Requirements
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Required Documents
- Valid passport: Must be valid for the duration of your stay
- Completed application: Online application form with accurate information
- Photographs: Recent passport-style photos (if required)
- Travel itinerary: Flight bookings, hotel reservations, tour plans
- Purpose of visit: Tourism, business, visiting family documentation
- Financial proof: Bank statements, employment letter, income tax
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Financial Requirements
- Proof of funds: Sufficient money for your stay and return trip
- Employment verification: Letter from employer or business registration
- Bank statements: Last 3-6 months showing regular income
- Sponsor support: If being financially supported by someone in Canada
- Property ownership: Evidence of assets and ties to home country
- Travel insurance: Recommended for medical coverage
🎯 Tourist Visa Success Tips
Complete Documentation
Provide all required documents and additional supporting materials. Incomplete applications are the main cause of delays and refusals.
Show Strong Home Ties
Demonstrate strong ties to your home country through employment, property ownership, family relationships, or ongoing commitments.
Prove Financial Stability
Show sufficient funds for your entire trip and return home. Include bank statements, employment letters, and proof of income.
Apply Early
Submit your application well in advance of your travel date. Processing times vary by country and season.
Realistic Travel Plans
Present a reasonable and detailed travel itinerary. Avoid overly long stays or vague travel purposes.
Be Honest and Consistent
Provide truthful information throughout your application. Inconsistencies or false information can lead to bans.
2025 Tourist Visa Updates
🆕
Recent Changes
- Digital services expansion: More online application options and faster processing
- Biometrics expansion: Required for more countries visiting Canada
- Super Visa improvements: Extended stay options up to 5 years per visit
- Processing time reductions: Streamlined processing for many countries
- eTA system updates: Enhanced security screening and faster approvals
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2025 Trends
- Increased tourism targets: Canada aims to welcome more international visitors
- Regional tourism promotion: Incentives to visit smaller cities and provinces
- Sustainable tourism focus: Emphasis on eco-friendly and responsible travel
- Business visitor facilitation: Streamlined processes for business travelers
- Family reunification priority: Faster processing for family visit applications
✈️ Plan Your Visit to Canada
Use our comprehensive immigration tools to explore your options for visiting Canada and potentially transitioning to permanent residence.
Related Tourist & Immigration Resources
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Immigration Programs
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Provincial Information