Travel documents
Everything you need to know
Travel documents
Before you board a plane for your dream trip through Canada, you'll need the correct paperwork to enter Canada. This page provides everything you need regarding travel documents.
Supplies
To enter Canada, you must have the following travel documents with you:
- Valid passport (valid for at least the entire duration of your stay)
- ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) or Visa
- Proof of return travel for border control
ETA
When traveling to Canada on a passport from a country that falls under the Visa Waiver Program, you are required to apply for an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before departure.
You can apply for an eTA via the website of the Canadian Government.
To apply for an eTA, you will need the following documents:
- Valid passport (at least valid for your entire stay)
- Debit or Credit card to pay the fee
- Valid email address
The processing time for an eTA is often a few minutes and costs 7 CAD.
Visa
If you travel to Canada to work, study or travel for more than six months, you will need a visa.
There are different types of visas for Canada:
- Tourist visa
- Work visa
- Study visa
- Permanent Resident Visa
You can apply for your visa through the Canadian Embassy or through the website from the Canadian government.
To apply for a visa, you need the following documents:
- Valid passport (at least valid for your entire stay)
- Passport photos
- Proof of finances
- Proof of visit (invitation letter from employer or school)
Applying for your visa can take up to several weeks, so make sure you apply well in advance.
America and Canada border crossing
From Canada to America
If you are traveling from Canada to the US, you will need some additional documents.
You need an ESTA to enter the US by plane or cruise ship. You'll already be passing through US passport control at a Canadian airport.
By land (car, bus, or train), you don't need an ESTA, but you must complete an I-94 form at the main border. The fee is $6.
From America to Canada
The same rules apply here as in the other direction. If you enter Canada by air, you will need an eTA.
If you enter Canada from the US by land or sea, you don't need an eTA. However, you must demonstrate that you have a return trip and sufficient funds for your stay. Customs will ask you a few questions about your purpose of travel and length of stay.
Helpful tip: If you cross the US/Canada border, allow extra time for border control.
