Travelling for tourism or to visit family and friends? If you are a citizen of a country that is not visa-exempt, you must apply for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) to enter Canada for tourism, vacations or visits with family and friends.
Validity and length of stay
A Canadian visitor visa can be valid for up to 10 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During each visit, you can stay in Canada for a maximum of 6 months.
Even if you plan to stay for less than 6 months, apply for your visitor visa ahead of your trip to avoid problems at entry. Nationals of visa-exempt countries may only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), but most visitors from countries that are not visa-exempt must have a valid visa in their passport.
Common reasons to visit
- Family visits: Spending time with loved ones.
- Transit: Travelling through Canada to another destination.
- Vacations: Exploring Canada’s vibrant cities.
Whether you are exploring Canada’s vibrant cities or spending time with loved ones, a visitor visa makes sure your stay is legal.
Required documents
- Valid passport: Your passport must be current and valid for your whole stay. We recommend at least 6 months of validity left from your planned entry date.
- Proof of funds: Show that you have enough money to cover your stay in Canada, such as bank statements, pay stubs or other financial documents showing that you can support yourself without working during your visit.
- Proof of employment or enrolment: If you work or study in your home country, provide proof. This shows Canadian authorities that you have strong ties to your home country and are likely to return after your visit.
- Letter of invitation and supporting documents: If you are visiting family or friends, you may need a letter of invitation from them. It should include their status in Canada (such as proof of citizenship or permanent residence), their relationship to you and the purpose of your visit. Supporting documents such as their utility bills or pay slips may be needed to show that they can host you.