How to enter Canada with a visitor visa or eTA

Visitor visa or eTA: which one do you need?

A visitor visa is also called a temporary resident visa. [2] An eTA is an electronic travel authorization, and Canada's visit section presents it as a separate option from the visitor visa. [1] The section covers visits to family and visits on business, and it tells travellers to check whether they need a visa or an eTA before applying. [1]

Each option has its own page setting out what it is, who can apply, how to apply and how to prepare for arrival in Canada. [1] The visitor visa page includes the basic eligibility requirements, while the electronic travel authorization has a separate page. [1] [2]

What are the basic requirements for a Canada visitor visa?

To get a visitor visa, an applicant must meet Canada's basic requirements. [2] The applicant must have a valid travel document, such as a passport; be in good health; and have no criminal or immigration-related convictions. [2] They must also convince an immigration officer that they have ties, such as a job, home, financial assets or family, that will take them back to their home country, and that they will leave Canada at the end of their visit. [2] They must have enough money for their stay. [2]

The amount of money required depends on how long the applicant will stay and whether they will stay in a hotel or with friends or relatives. [2] A medical exam and a letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada may also be needed. [2] Applicants should check the list of documents required for their situation. [2]

What can you do as a visitor to Canada?

Canada's visit pages list several purposes for visitor travel, including visiting family and visiting on business. [1] The business visitor category covers meetings, conferences and trade shows. [1] Transit visas cover travel through Canada by air. [1] A super visa is for visiting children or grandchildren for up to five years. [1]

A visitor record is the route for extending a stay as a visitor. [1] Students and workers can apply for a new visitor visa from inside Canada if their visa has expired and they plan to leave Canada and return. [1]

What documents and checks apply at the Canadian border?

Canada's border information for visitors covers travel tips, what happens at the border, and prohibited or restricted goods. [1] The visitor visa requirements also ask applicants to show that they will leave Canada at the end of the visit. [2]

Canada also states that some people are inadmissible, which means they are not allowed to enter the country. [2] The reasons listed include criminal activity, human rights violations and organized crime, as well as security, health or financial grounds. [2]

Families should check the guidance for minor children. Canada defines a minor child as a child under 18 and covers children travelling with an adult, with someone else, or alone. [2]

Exceptions and limits

• The basic eligibility requirements above are listed for a visitor visa; the eTA has a separate application page. [1] [2]
• A medical exam and a letter of invitation are not automatic for every applicant; Canada says they may be needed. [2]
• Canada lists transit visas, super visas and business visitors as separate visitor categories. [1]
• A visitor record is for extending a stay, and students or workers in Canada who need a new visitor visa use a separate route from inside Canada. [1]
• Inadmissibility can be based on security, health or financial reasons as well as criminal activity, human rights violations and organized crime. [2]

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visitor visa or an eTA to visit Canada?

Canada provides a questionnaire that tells travellers whether they need an eTA or a visa. [1] The two are separate routes, and the visitor visa is also called a temporary resident visa. [1] [2]

What does a Canada visitor visa applicant need to show?

They need a valid travel document, good health, no criminal or immigration-related convictions, ties to their home country, enough money for the stay and an intention to leave Canada at the end of the visit. [2]

Is there a business visitor route to Canada?

Canada lists business visitors as a visitor category and describes it as covering meetings, conferences and trade shows. [1]

How long can someone visit on a super visa?

Canada describes the super visa as a way to visit children or grandchildren for up to five years. [1]

Can a visitor extend their stay in Canada?

Canada provides a visitor record route for extending a stay as a visitor. [1]

Related pages

For definitions of travel and booking terms, see the frequent flyer glossary. Related entries: temporary resident visa and electronic travel authorization.

Sources

Sources accessed on 18 October 2026. This page covers Canada's visitor visa and eTA rules only; visitor programmes for other countries, as well as airline, hotel and credit-card loyalty programmes, are not covered.

1. Visit Canada, checked 18 October 2026
2. Eligibility to apply for a visitor visa, checked 18 October 2026