Do I need a visa or an eTA to enter Canada?
French, Belgian and Swiss citizens need an eTA (7$ CAD, valid for 5 years) for air arrivals. Other nationalities require a visa. No eTA required for land or sea entry with a valid passport.
eTA for visa-exempt nationals
Citizens of France, Belgium and Switzerland must obtain an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) only for arrivals by air.
- Cost: 7 Canadian dollars
- Validity: 5 years or until passport expiration
- Processing time: application processed within minutes on the official Canadian government website
Visa required for other nationalities
All nationals not exempt from visa requirements must obtain a visitor visa before departure, regardless of their port of entry to Canada.
Land and maritime entry
For arrivals by car, bus, train, boat or cruise, visa-exempt nationals only need a valid passport. An eTA is not required for these modes of transport.
Key points to remember
Always check the requirements on the official Canadian government website, as regulations may change depending on your nationality and mode of entry.