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Which documents does a visitor need to enter Canada?

There are certain documents you must have to enter Canada as a visitor. Which one you need will depend on your situation and where you are from.

You may need:

An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

What is an eTA?

An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an electronic document linked to your passport that allows you to fly to Canada or through Canada to your final destination. You will usually be approved within a few minutes, but sometimes it may take a few days. It is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can read more about the cost and how to apply on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s website.

It is not required for travel within Canada or by car, bus, train, or boat. It is only necessary to enter Canada by air./p>

What do I do when I get to Canada with an eTA?

The eTA is linked to your passport, so you will not need anything else. However, you should keep the email indicating the eTA's validity in case you are asked additional questions at immigration.

What is a Visitor Visa?

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is often referred to as a Visitor Visa. A TRV is a document put into your passport to show that you may be granted entry to Canada.

What are the different types of visitor Visas?

Single-entry visas allow you to enter Canada only once; if you plan to return, you will need another visa.

Multiple Entry Visas let you travel to Canada as many times as you want, as long as you arrive in Canada on or before the expiry date on your visa. They may be valid for up to 10 years, until the expiry of either your passport or your biometrics, or at the Officer’s discretion.

Super Visas are for parents and grandparents who wish to visit their children or grandchildren for up to 5 years at a time. It is a type of multiple-entry visa because it allows multiple entries. Super visas require you to get a minimal level of private health coverage.

Please remember that while you are in Canada, you are responsible for any hospital or medical services you receive. It is a good idea to make sure you have basic travel health insurance to cover your medical costs before you leave for Canada.

Which one do I need?

Whether you will need an eTA or a TRV will depend on:

Your nationality/citizenship
How you enter Canada for the trip: by air, land or sea.

You can learn more about which documents you need to enter Canada on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

For More Information

Visit Canada - Check if you need a visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada, to visit family or for business. Find out about transiting through Canada to another destination and extending your stay. From Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) - This is the Government of Canada’s official web page to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to fly to, or transit through, a Canadian airport.
Crossing the border into Canada: Know what to expect and be prepared. Whether you're returning home or visiting. From the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Produced in partnership with Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC). First Published in 2026.