Visitors Visa
Tourist Visa and eTA Information:
Individuals intending to visit Canada for tourism or leisure purposes will typically require a Visitor Visa, commonly known as a Tourist Visa. However, individuals from specific countries may be exempt from the visa requirement and are instead required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
It is essential to note that obtaining a Tourist Visa or an eTA does not automatically guarantee entry into Canada. The Visitor Visa merely grants permission to present oneself for examination by the Border Services Officer, with the final decision on admission into Canada being made subsequently.
Travel Document Requirements for Visiting Canada:
When planning a trip to Canada for tourism or leisure, the initial inquiry revolves around whether a Visitor Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is needed. The determination hinges on several factors, including:
- Type of Travel Document: The nature of your travel document, such as a passport, refugee travel document, alien’s passport for stateless persons, green card, etc.
- Nationality and Issuing Country: Your nationality and the country that issued your travel document are key considerations.
- Mode of Travel to Canada: The means by which you intend to travel to Canada – whether by air, sea, train, car, or on foot – influences the visa or authorization requirement.
Visa-Exempt Visitors:
Canada has engaged in numerous international agreements with select countries, granting an exemption to citizens of those nations from the obligation of acquiring a Visitor Visa for leisure or tourism purposes, provided their stay is under 6 months. For those who fall under the visa-exempt category, obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is the sole requirement before embarking on travel to Canada.
Non-Visa-Exempt Individuals:
If your country lacks an international agreement with Canada that establishes a visa-free arrangement, you are required to obtain a Visitor Visa stamped in your passport before being permitted to board the plane and enter a Canadian Port of Entry.
The Visitor Visa permits individuals to remain in Canada for periods under 6 months. It is imperative to demonstrate the genuine intention to stay temporarily in Canada and depart the country before the expiration of the authorized stay.
To substantiate the commitment to leave Canada within the authorized timeframe, presenting evidence of ties to the country of residence is essential. The specific documents and proofs that can be presented to the immigration officer vary based on the individual’s unique circumstances
Visa exempt countries
Applicants from the countries which are visa exempt are not required to apply for tourist visa. However, they are required to obtain eTA before coming to Canada.