Entry rules
Canadaentry requirements
U.S. citizens don’t need a visa or an eTA to visit Canada; carry proper identification, and the Government of Canada recommends a valid passport. British, Australian and EU citizens flying to or through Canada need an eTA (official fee CAD $7).
Checked against official sources Oct 29, 2026 · Sources
Do you need a visa or travel authorization?
| Passport | What you need | Maximum stay |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. citizens | No visa needed No eTA or visa. U.S. green card holders who aren’t U.S. citizens also don’t need an eTA, but must show their passport and valid green card when flying. | Usually up to 6 months |
| British citizens | Canada eTA required Official fee CAD $7. About Canada eTA The eTA is needed only when flying in or connecting by air. The border officer may ask for a return ticket and proof of funds. | Usually up to 6 months |
| Canadians | Citizen | No limit |
| Australians | Canada eTA required Official fee CAD $7. About Canada eTA | Usually up to 6 months |
| EU citizens | Canada eTA required Official fee CAD $7. About Canada eTA All 27 EU countries are eTA countries. Different for: RO (eta). Use the trip check for your country. | Usually up to 6 months |
Passport rules
Your passport must be valid for your whole stay. The eTA is linked to your passport and ends when it expires.
- U.S. citizens: U.S. citizens: carry proper identification; the Government of Canada recommends traveling with a valid passport.
Airlines check this at check-in. If your passport is close to the limit, renew it first: see the 6-month passport rule explained.
Changing planes in Canada
- U.S. citizens: Nothing extra if you stay airside. No eTA or visa needed.
- British citizens, Australians and EU citizens: Canada eTA needed even to connect. You need an eTA even to connect through a Canadian airport.
- Canadians: Nothing extra if you stay airside.
More: Do I need a transit visa?
Official links
Watch for look-alike sites. Use only the official addresses above. Sites that “process” your application charge extra for the same official form. How to spot a fake visa site.
Official sources
- IRCC – eTA: who can apply / facts (page details date 2024-04-23; read via WebFetch) ·
U.S. citizens are exempt from the eTA requirement and must carry proper identification
· checked 2026-10-29 - IRCC – Entry requirements by country/territory (page details date 2026-07-31; read via WebFetch) ·
valid passport from your country of nationality
· checked 2026-10-29 - GOV.UK FCDO – Canada entry requirements (updated 2 June 2026) ·
To enter or transit through Canada, most people need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – not both.
· checked 2026-10-29
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Get an email when these rules change
Only when an official entry rule we track changes: a new travel authorization, a fee, a start date or a passport rule. At most once a week, with the official source for every change.