This page has been reviewed and verified by Michael Gibbons, Regulated Immigration Advisor.
You can confirm details through Our Canada Visa Guidance.
Tourist & Business Visitor Visa Applications
For Travel To Canada
Click below to get started
Important Travel Information – Please Read
If you’re considering moving to Canada, visiting family, or simply going on holiday, you’ll likely require a Canadian visitor or tourist visa for entry. Canada offers two types of tourist visas, single entry and multiple entry visitor visas, each with specific requirements.
These requirements depend on various factors, such as your purpose of stay, country of origin, duration of your visit, and connections to your home country.
To help you navigate the visa application process, we’ve created a Canada visitor visa checklist, ensuring you don’t miss any crucial steps. However, the initial step is to determine if you need a visa or just an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
To qualify for a Canada Visa in 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Canada will host major sporting events in 2026, including the World Cup 2026. Visitors planning to attend must apply for the appropriate visa or eTA well in advance.
Event participants, staff, and journalists should include proof of ticket purchase or official accreditation in their applications.
For detailed event travel information, visit: Visa for the World Cup 2026.
Foreign nationals from countries not listed as visa-exempt must obtain a valid Canada visa before travelling to Canada.
Citizens of visa-exempt nations entering by air must instead apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which is electronically linked to their passport.
All travellers must meet the general entry and admissibility requirements established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Applicants from visa-required countries, such as India, China, Nigeria, Ghana, Pakistan, the Philippines, and most African, Asian, and Middle Eastern nations, must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before travel.
This visa is required for tourism, family visits, business trips, or transit through a Canadian airport.
Applicants must demonstrate that they:
Citizens of countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, most EU member states, and select Caribbean and Pacific nations are visa-exempt for short-term visits (typically up to six months).
However, travellers entering by air must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before boarding their flight.
The eTA is:
Travellers entering by land or sea (e.g., from the United States) do not require an eTA, but they must still satisfy Canadian entry conditions upon arrival.
In addition to standard visitor and eTA categories, certain individuals may apply under specific visa types:
Regardless of visa type or nationality, all travellers entering Canada must:
Additional supporting documents may include:
Meeting these eligibility and documentation standards helps ensure a smooth visa application and successful entry into Canada.
The Canadian Visa authorises short-term entry for approved purposes, including:
As of 2026, the standard Canada visa fee is CAD $100 per applicant, plus CAD $85 for biometrics (if required).
Additional fees may apply for courier services or medical checks.
| Visa Type | Application Fee (CAD) | Biometric Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa | 100 | 85 |
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) | 7 | Not required |
| Study Permit | 150 | 85 |
| Work Permit | 155 | 85 |
You must provide the following documents.
The Canada Visitor Visa, a Temporary Resident Visa for Canada, permits the holder to travel to Canada for purposes such as:
The Canada Tourist Visa enables you to approach a Canadian port of entry and request permission to enter the country. Border Patrol Officers can grant or deny entry based on your documents and circumstances.
Upon receiving a Canadian Visitor visa and with the assurance from officers that you possess no criminal intentions, you can pass through the port of entry and commence your holiday or family visit in Canada.
To work in Canada, you need a Canadian work permit that enables you to find an employer or sign a work contract. You must apply for a work permit when applying for a visa to travel to Canada. The application process occurs simultaneously, and the Consular Office will process your visa application as a work permit application.
Officials may conduct an interview to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the documents you have submitted for your visa application.
During the interview, they often aim to assess your intention to return to your home country once your visa expires.
To increase the chances of a successful application, it is crucial to attend the scheduled interview punctually and provide honest responses to all the questions posed by the officials. This approach will demonstrate your credibility and commitment to abiding by the terms of the visa.
To maximize the chances of a successful application, attend the scheduled interview on time, and be prepared to answer questions about your background, work experience, and plans for your stay in Canada.
Be honest and transparent in your responses, as this will reflect your credibility and commitment to respecting the terms of the work permit. Additionally, demonstrate your ties to your home country, such as family, property, or a stable job.
You can make a strong case for your visa application by providing clear, accurate information.
Any foreign national wishing to travel to Canada must have a valid visa or travel authorization. There are several options depending on the purpose of your visit:
| Canadian eTA | Canadian Visitor Visa | Canadian Transit Visa |
| Canadian Work Visa | Canadian Business Visa | Canadian Family Visa |
During your first interview, a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer will:
After the first interview, you’ll meet with another CBSA officer (or the same officer at some ports of entry) to check the items you’re bringing with you.
During the second interview, you’ll declare what you’re bringing into Canada. The officer will ask to see your declaration card and inquire about the items on your lists of goods accompanying you and arriving later. They may inspect your luggage and ask about specific items, such as live animals, plants, firearms, ammunition, fireworks, meat, dairy products, fresh fruits, vegetables, and items from endangered species.
It’s crucial to provide truthful answers to all questions, as making false statements is a serious crime that may result in being denied entry to Canada.
If you’re well-prepared and have no prohibited items, the process should proceed smoothly. If there are no issues, the officer will sign your Confirmation of Permanent Residence and authorize your entry into Canada as a permanent resident.
UK citizens do not need a visa for short visits to Canada. However, they are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter the country. The eTA allows visa-exempt foreign nationals to fly to or transit through Canada. It is important for UK citizens to apply for an eTA before booking their flight to Canada
As a UK citizen, you can live in Canada, but you need to obtain the appropriate immigration status, such as a work permit, study permit, or permanent residency. Temporary options like work or study permits are available for those planning to stay in Canada for a limited period. If you intend to live in Canada permanently, you can explore options like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, or family sponsorship to obtain permanent residency. It is important to research and apply for the most suitable immigration program based on your specific circumstances and qualifications.
The processing time for a Canadian visa varies depending on the type of visa, the specific immigration program, and the applicant’s country of residence. Generally, temporary visas, such as visitor visas, study permits, and work permits, can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to process.
For example, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) can be approved within minutes of submitting the application, but it can also take a few days if additional documentation is required. On the other hand, processing times for permanent residency applications, such as Express Entry, can take around 6 months or more, depending on the program and individual circumstances.
To get an accurate estimate of processing times, it’s best to check the Government of Canada’s website for the specific visa category you’re interested in, as these times can change periodically
This page has been reviewed and verified by Michael Gibbons, Regulated Immigration Advisor.
You can confirm details through Our Canada Visa Guidance.