Canada · study · guide
Canada entry requirements: documents and visas
This guide explains the documents and visas you need to enter or transit through Canada.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 10 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/entry-requirements-country.html
Requirements for citizens and permanent residents
Canadian citizens must have a valid Canadian passport if they are travelling to Canada by air. Dual Canadian citizens also need a Canadian passport to travel to or transit through the country.[1][2]
If you are an American-Canadian citizen travelling with a US passport, you must carry identification that shows your Canadian citizenship.[3]
Canadian permanent residents must have a valid permanent resident card or a permanent resident travel document when travelling to Canada by commercial vehicle.[4]
Minor children under 18 years old must meet the same entry requirements as any other traveller to Canada.[5]
Visas and electronic travel authorizations
If you are a citizen of a visa-required country, you need a valid visitor visa and a valid passport to visit or transit through Canada. You must also give your fingerprints and a photo after you apply for your visitor visa.[6][7]
You need a valid visitor visa if you enter Canada by car, bus, train, or boat. This rule applies even if you are from a country that is normally eligible for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).[8]
If you are a citizen of an eTA-required country, you need an eTA and a valid passport to board your flight to Canada. You also need an eTA to board your boat if you are travelling by sea from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.[9][10]
Checklist
- Get a Canadian passport if you are a dual Canadian citizen travelling to or transiting through Canada.[2]
- Apply for an eTA and ensure your passport is valid before boarding a flight if you are from an eTA-required country.[9]
- Carry proof of Canadian citizenship if you are an American-Canadian citizen using a US passport.[3]
- Provide your fingerprints and photo after submitting your visitor visa application.[7]
- Obtain a visitor visa if you plan to enter Canada by car, bus, train, or boat, even if you are from an eTA-eligible country.[8]
Questions people ask
Do dual Canadian citizens need a Canadian passport to travel to Canada?
Yes. You need a Canadian passport to travel to or transit through Canada if you are a dual Canadian citizen.[2]
What do I need to enter Canada if I am under 18?
Minor children under 18 must meet the exact same entry requirements as any other traveller to Canada.[5]
Do I need a visa if I enter Canada by car or bus?
Yes. You need a valid visitor visa if you are coming to Canada by car, bus, train, or boat, even if you are from an eTA-eligible country.[8]
What documents do I need to fly to Canada if I am from an eTA-required country?
You need an eTA and a valid passport to board your flight to Canada.[9]
Do I need to give biometrics for a Canadian visitor visa?
Yes. You must give your fingerprints and photo after you apply for a visitor visa.[7]
What documents do permanent residents need when travelling by commercial vehicle?
You need a valid permanent resident card or a permanent resident travel document when travelling to Canada by commercial vehicle.[4]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.