Requirements. Prepare your trip.
Be ready for your arrival
To make the most out of your trip, it’s important to plan ahead and consider all aspects of your journey. This includes obtaining the necessary travel documents, researching entry requirements, and packing all travel essentials.
Before you travel
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required COVID-19 pre-entry and arrival tests are not required Quarantine after you enter Canada is not required Wearing masks on planes and trains is not required
Before boarding a plane, ship or train be sure you have the following:
- valid passport which is not expiring during your stay, and
- hold the right visa or an eTA (electronic Travel Authorization).
US citizens can travel freely using only their passport, without any additional travel documents.
If you feel sick during travel to Canada
Inform the flight attendant, cruise staff or a border services officer upon arrival. You may be referred to a Quarantine Officer for a health assessment and further direction. Avoid taking public transportation. Check provincial or territorial requirements for what you need to do if you’re symptomatic or have tested positive for COVID-19.
For people affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine
You can apply to extend your stay in Canada for up to 3 years, if you’re
a Ukrainian national a family member of a Ukrainian national
Canada Bucket list
- The Cabot Trail
- The Icefields Parkway
- The Viking Trail
- See the Northern Lights
- Explore Banoff National park
- Watch an Ice Hockey game
- Try poutine
Travelling to Canada
By Air
The most common way to travel to Canada is by air, with most international visitors arriving at major airports such as Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, or Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport. These airports have connections to major cities around the world, making it easy to reach Canada from almost anywhere.
When flying to Canada, you will need to bring your passport and any necessary travel documents, such as a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Visitors from certain countries may be eligible to apply for an eTA, which is a quicker and easier option than applying for a visa. You can find more information about eTAs and visitor visas on the Government of Canada’s website.
Once you arrive at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. This process can take some time, so be prepared to wait in line. You may be asked questions about the purpose of your trip, how long you plan to stay in Canada, and where you will be staying. You will also need to declare any goods or items that you are bringing into the country.
By Land
If you are coming from the United States, you can drive across the border into Canada or take a train or bus. There are several border crossings between the two countries, and you will need to bring your passport and any necessary travel documents.
When driving into Canada, you will go through customs and immigration at the border. You may be asked questions about the purpose of your trip, how long you plan to stay in Canada, and where you will be staying. You will also need to declare any goods or items that you are bringing into the country.
If you are taking a train or bus, you will also go through customs and immigration at the border. Be sure to check the requirements for any necessary travel documents before you travel.
By Sea
Canada is a popular destination for cruise ships, with many ships docking at ports such as Vancouver, Halifax, and Quebec City. This is a great way to see different parts of the country and enjoy the amenities of a cruise ship.
When arriving by cruise ship, you will go through customs and immigration at the port of entry. You may be asked questions about the purpose of your trip, how long you plan to stay in Canada, and where you will be staying. You will also need to declare any goods or items that you are bringing into the country.
By Train
Train travel is a scenic and comfortable way to see Canada, with services such as Via Rail offering routes across the country. This is a great option for travelers who want to see the countryside and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
When traveling by train, you will go through customs and immigration at the border if you are entering Canada from the United States. If you are traveling within Canada, you will not need to go through customs and immigration.
Travel Authorization
To visit Canada, foreign nationals typically need a valid passport and an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa, depending on their country of origin. The eTA is an electronic document that allows travelers from visa-exempt countries to enter Canada for tourism, business, or transit purposes for up to six months.
Following passport holders have simplified eTA travel eligibility. Others must obtain a regular tourist visa.
All EU citizens Andorra Australia Bahamas Barbados Brunei Chile Hong Kong Iceland Israel | Japan Liechtenstein Mexico Monaco New Zealand Norway Papua New Guinea Samoa San Marino | Singapore Solomon Islands South Korea Switzerland Taiwan United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Vatican City |
It's important to note that customs officials may ask to see additional documents, such as proof of accommodation, return ticket, or sufficient funds to cover expenses during the stay. Visitors are advised to have these documents readily available upon arrival to ensure a smooth entry into Canada.