Visit your family members in Canada or as a tourist
Every year, millions of people visit Canada to enjoy the many opportunities Canada has to offer, including visiting family and friends. Depending on where you live, you will need to meet certain entry requirements.
Determine your eligibility
To visit Canada, you must:
- have a valid travel document, such as a passport,
- be in good health,
- convince an immigration officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country,
- convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit, and
- have enough money for your stay. (The amount of money you will need can vary. it depends on things like how long you will stay, and whether you will stay in a hotel or with friends or relatives.)
To visit Canada, you must:
- temporary resident (visitor) visa, depending on your citizenship (see Find out if you need a visa),
- medical exam and
- letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada.
Travel documents
Transport companies, such as airlines, must make sure you have proper, valid travel documents when you enter Canada. If you do not have the proper documents, you may be delayed or unable to board the plane.
The following travel documents are not considered reliable. You cannot use them to enter Canada:
- passports supposedly issued by Somalia,
- non-machine readable passports issued by the Czech Republic
- temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa and
- provisional passports issued by Venezuela.
This list can change. Check it regularly for up-to-date information.
Visas and exemptions
You might need a temporary resident (visitor) visa to visit Canada, depending on your citizenship. Even if you do not need a visa, read the following. It includes important information you need to know before you plan your trip.
Carry proper travel documents and identification
While you may not need a visa to visit or transit Canada, you still need
- Show an immigration officer that you satisfy all other requirements to enter Canada. For instance, you may need a medical exam before arriving. If you do not meet all the requirements, you may not be allowed to enter.
- Carry proper travel documents and identification for yourself and any children travelling with you. Visit the Canada Border Services Agency website for more information.
Inadmissibility
Some people are inadmissible—they are not allowed to come to Canada. Several things can make you inadmissible, including involvement in criminal activity, in human rights violations or in organized crime.
You can also be inadmissible for security, health or financial reasons.
How long can I stay in Canada as a visitor?
A border services officer at the port of entry in Canada will determine how long you can stay in Canada. Most visitors are allowed a six-month stay from the day they entered Canada. If the officer authorizes a stay of less than six months, they will indicate in your passport the date by which you must leave Canada.
If you want to stay longer than your authorized stay, you should apply for an extension at least 30 days before the authorized end of your stay.
