CanadaAmericas · North America
6 visa-free · Data updated 2026-09-09
Entry overview
Visa free
No visa needed in advance — enter with a valid passport for the permitted period.
Permitted stay
180 days
Entry overview
Canada sits in North America, part of Americas, and is one of the 233 countries and territories covered by VisaMap. This page summarises how to enter Canada, the visa categories available, standard document checklists, the application process and frequently asked questions. Always confirm current rules with official sources before departure.
Visa categories available
Visa-free entry
No visa or permit is needed before departure — you receive a stay permit at the border with a valid passport. There is usually a cap on the length of each stay and on the total time within a rolling period (for example, 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Area).
Suited to short tourism, family visits, transit and informal business meetings — paid work is not allowed.
Transit visa / transit without visa
Needed when connecting through a third country. Some places offer 24–240 hours of transit without visa (China 240 hours, Singapore 96-hour VFTF, Japan shore pass), usually requiring onward tickets and staying within a designated area.
Long layovers, airport changes, or a short stopover en route.
Work, study and residence permits
For long-term work, study or residence. Usually requires sponsorship from an employer or school, qualifications, a police clearance certificate and a medical exam, plus residence registration after arrival.
When staying longer than a visa-free or short-stay entry allows.
Standard documents
- 1Passport valid at least 6 months beyond arrival with two blank pages
- 2Recent passport photo on a white background (35×45mm or as required)
- 3Return or onward flight booking
- 4Proof of accommodation for the whole stay
- 5Proof of funds covering the trip (3–6 months of bank statements, deposit certificate or payslips)
- 6Travel medical insurance for the whole trip (Schengen requires €30,000 minimum cover)
- 7Itinerary and address of stay (border officers may ask)
- 8Some countries require a digital arrival card in advance
Application process
- 1
72 hours before
Check passport validity and complete any digital arrival card or customs declaration.
- 2
24 hours before
Save or print return tickets, hotel bookings and insurance for inspection.
- 3
On arrival
Use the visa-free / foreign passport lane, present your documents and be stamped in.
- 4
After entry
Watch your permitted stay — overstaying brings fines and affects future trips.
FAQ
Do United States passport holders need a visa for Canada?+
According to our policy database, United States passport holders enter Canada under “Visa free”, normally for 180 days. Rules change — always confirm with official sources before you fly.
Are visa validity and permitted stay the same thing for Canada?+
No. Validity is the window in which you may use the visa; permitted stay is how long you may remain per entry. Multi-entry visas may also cap total days (for example 90 days in any 180).
Can I extend my stay or change my status in Canada?+
Some places allow in-country extensions or a change of status, usually with a valid reason, proof of funds and an application before your current stay expires. Check with the local immigration authority before travelling.
Do I need a transit visa to connect through Canada?+
If you stay airside and do not change terminals, most countries do not require one. If you need to enter the country, collect baggage or change airports, a transit visa or transit exemption may apply.
Can I work or study long term in Canada on this basis?+
Visa-free, VOA and tourist entries normally exclude paid work and long-term study — you need a dedicated work, study or residence permit.
Entry rules by passport
Canada · 233
(233)- 🇦🇸American SamoaVisa free · 180d
- 🇬🇺GuamVisa free · 180d
- 🇲🇵Northern Mariana IslandsVisa free · 180d
- 🇵🇷Puerto RicoVisa free · 180d
- 🇻🇮U.S. Virgin IslandsVisa free · 180d
- 🇺🇸United StatesVisa free · 180d
- 🇦🇽Åland IslandsElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇦🇱AlbaniaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇦🇩AndorraElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇦🇬Antigua and BarbudaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇦🇷ArgentinaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇦🇼ArubaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇦🇺AustraliaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇦🇹AustriaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇧🇸BahamasElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇧🇭BahrainElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇧🇧BarbadosElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇧🇪BelgiumElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇧🇿BelizeElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇧🇴BoliviaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇧🇦Bosnia and HerzegovinaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇧🇷BrazilElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇧🇳BruneiElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇧🇬BulgariaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇨🇱ChileElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇨🇽Christmas IslandElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇨🇨Cocos (Keeling) IslandsElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇨🇴ColombiaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇨🇷Costa RicaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇭🇷CroatiaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇨🇼CuraçaoElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇨🇾CyprusElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇨🇿CzechiaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇩🇰DenmarkElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇩🇴Dominican RepublicElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇪🇨EcuadorElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇸🇻El SalvadorElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇪🇪EstoniaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇫🇮FinlandElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇫🇷FranceElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇬🇫French GuianaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇬🇪GeorgiaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇩🇪GermanyElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇬🇷GreeceElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇬🇱GreenlandElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇬🇩GrenadaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇬🇹GuatemalaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇬🇬GuernseyElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇬🇾GuyanaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇭🇳HondurasElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇭🇰Hong KongElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇭🇺HungaryElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇮🇸IcelandElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇮🇪IrelandElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇮🇲Isle of ManElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇮🇱IsraelElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇮🇹ItalyElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇯🇵JapanElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇯🇪JerseyElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇯🇴JordanElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇰🇮KiribatiElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇽🇰KosovoElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇰🇼KuwaitElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇱🇻LatviaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇱🇮LiechtensteinElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇱🇹LithuaniaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇱🇺LuxembourgElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇲🇴MacaoElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇲🇾MalaysiaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇲🇹MaltaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇲🇭Marshall IslandsElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇲🇺MauritiusElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇾🇹MayotteElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇲🇽MexicoElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇫🇲MicronesiaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇲🇩MoldovaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇲🇨MonacoElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇲🇪MontenegroElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇳🇱NetherlandsElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇳🇿New ZealandElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇳🇮NicaraguaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇲🇰North MacedoniaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇳🇴NorwayElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇴🇲OmanElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇵🇼PalauElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇵🇦PanamaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇵🇬Papua New GuineaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇵🇾ParaguayElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇵🇪PeruElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇵🇱PolandElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇵🇹PortugalElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇶🇦QatarElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇷🇴RomaniaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇰🇳Saint Kitts and NevisElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇱🇨Saint LuciaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇵🇲Saint Pierre and MiquelonElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇻🇨Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇼🇸SamoaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇸🇲San MarinoElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇸🇦Saudi ArabiaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇷🇸SerbiaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇸🇨SeychellesElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇸🇬SingaporeElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇸🇽Sint MaartenElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇸🇰SlovakiaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇸🇮SloveniaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇸🇧Solomon IslandsElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇰🇷South KoreaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇪🇸SpainElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇸🇪SwedenElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇨🇭SwitzerlandElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇹🇼Taiwan, ChinaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇹🇱Timor-LesteElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇹🇴TongaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇹🇹Trinidad and TobagoElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇹🇻TuvaluElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇺🇦UkraineElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇦🇪United Arab EmiratesElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇬🇧United KingdomElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇺🇾UruguayElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇻🇦Vatican CityElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇻🇪VenezuelaElectronic authorisation · 180d
- 🇦🇫AfghanistanVisa required
- 🇩🇿AlgeriaVisa required
- 🇦🇴AngolaVisa required
- 🇦🇮AnguillaVisa required
- 🇦🇲ArmeniaVisa required
- 🇦🇿AzerbaijanVisa required
- 🇧🇩BangladeshVisa required
- 🇧🇾BelarusVisa required
- 🇧🇯BeninVisa required
- 🇧🇲BermudaVisa required
- 🇧🇹BhutanVisa required
- 🇧🇼BotswanaVisa required
- 🇻🇬British Virgin IslandsVisa required
- 🇧🇫Burkina FasoVisa required
- 🇧🇮BurundiVisa required
- 🇨🇻Cabo VerdeVisa required
- 🇰🇭CambodiaVisa required
- 🇨🇲CameroonVisa required
- 🇰🇾Cayman IslandsVisa required
- 🇨🇫Central African RepublicVisa required
- 🇹🇩ChadVisa required
- 🇨🇳ChinaVisa required
- 🇰🇲ComorosVisa required
- 🇨🇬CongoVisa required
- 🇨🇰Cook IslandsVisa required
- 🇨🇺CubaVisa required
- 🇩🇯DjiboutiVisa required
- 🇩🇲DominicaVisa required
- 🇨🇩DR CongoVisa required
- 🇪🇬EgyptVisa required
- 🇬🇶Equatorial GuineaVisa required
- 🇪🇷EritreaVisa required
- 🇸🇿EswatiniVisa required
- 🇪🇹EthiopiaVisa required
- 🇫🇰Falkland IslandsVisa required
- 🇫🇴Faroe IslandsVisa required
- 🇫🇯FijiVisa required
- 🇵🇫French PolynesiaVisa required
- 🇬🇦GabonVisa required
- 🇬🇲GambiaVisa required
- 🇬🇭GhanaVisa required
- 🇬🇮GibraltarVisa required
- 🇬🇳GuineaVisa required
- 🇬🇼Guinea-BissauVisa required
- 🇭🇹HaitiVisa required
- 🇮🇳IndiaVisa required
- 🇮🇩IndonesiaVisa required
- 🇮🇷IranVisa required
- 🇮🇶IraqVisa required
- 🇨🇮Ivory CoastVisa required
- 🇯🇲JamaicaVisa required
- 🇰🇿KazakhstanVisa required
- 🇰🇪KenyaVisa required
- 🇰🇬KyrgyzstanVisa required
- 🇱🇦LaosVisa required
- 🇱🇧LebanonVisa required
- 🇱🇸LesothoVisa required
- 🇱🇷LiberiaVisa required
- 🇱🇾LibyaVisa required
- 🇲🇬MadagascarVisa required
- 🇲🇼MalawiVisa required
- 🇲🇻MaldivesVisa required
- 🇲🇱MaliVisa required
- 🇲🇷MauritaniaVisa required
- 🇲🇳MongoliaVisa required
- 🇲🇸MontserratVisa required
- 🇲🇦MoroccoVisa required
- 🇲🇿MozambiqueVisa required
- 🇲🇲MyanmarVisa required
- 🇳🇦NamibiaVisa required
- 🇳🇷NauruVisa required
- 🇳🇵NepalVisa required
- 🇳🇨New CaledoniaVisa required
- 🇳🇪NigerVisa required
- 🇳🇬NigeriaVisa required
- 🇳🇺NiueVisa required
- 🇰🇵North KoreaVisa required
- 🇵🇰PakistanVisa required
- 🇵🇸PalestineVisa required
- 🇵🇭PhilippinesVisa required
- 🇷🇪RéunionVisa required
- 🇷🇺RussiaVisa required
- 🇷🇼RwandaVisa required
- 🇸🇭Saint HelenaVisa required
- 🇸🇹Sao Tome and PrincipeVisa required
- 🇸🇳SenegalVisa required
- 🇸🇱Sierra LeoneVisa required
- 🇸🇴SomaliaVisa required
- 🇿🇦South AfricaVisa required
- 🇸🇸South SudanVisa required
- 🇱🇰Sri LankaVisa required
- 🇸🇩SudanVisa required
- 🇸🇷SurinameVisa required
- 🇸🇾SyriaVisa required
- 🇹🇯TajikistanVisa required
- 🇹🇿TanzaniaVisa required
- 🇹🇭ThailandVisa required
- 🇹🇬TogoVisa required
- 🇹🇳TunisiaVisa required
- 🇹🇷TürkiyeVisa required
- 🇹🇲TurkmenistanVisa required
- 🇹🇨Turks and Caicos IslandsVisa required
- 🇺🇬UgandaVisa required
- 🇺🇿UzbekistanVisa required
- 🇻🇺VanuatuVisa required
- 🇻🇳VietnamVisa required
- 🇪🇭Western SaharaVisa required
- 🇾🇪YemenVisa required
- 🇿🇲ZambiaVisa required
- 🇿🇼ZimbabweVisa required
- 🇨🇦CanadaHome country
Visa category guide
Visa-free entry
Visa free · Suited to short tourism, family visits, transit and informal business meetings — paid work is not allowed.
Electronic travel authorisation (eTA / ESTA)
eTA · Mandatory for visa-exempt travellers heading to countries that pre-screen arrivals electronically — without it you will be denied boarding.
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival · A fallback for late bookings — expect queues at peak times.