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First visit? Here's how the map works.

Steps run in order. A dashed step is blocked: something before it has to be finished first.

Check a step off when it's done. Whatever it was blocking unlocks by itself.

Some steps are IRCC's to make, not yours. Those show as waiting and can't be checked off.

Start with step 1: Find out what you actually need

Visitors and eTABefore you applyStep 1 of 5

Not startedFree · 10 minutes · RequiredYou are here

1. Find out what you actually need

What you need depends on your citizenship and on how you arrive.

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The rest of the pathway, folded up

This view fits the whole pathway on one screen: the step you're on is enlarged, its neighbours are shown small, and everything further out is folded into a summary bar you can open. The idea is borrowed from degree-of-interest trees (Card and Nation, 2002).

Times and fees on this page are rough and change without notice. Check canada.ca before you pay for anything or make a plan around a date.

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Find out what you actually need

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The authority on this stepWhat you need to enter Canadacanada.ca · Government of Canada

IRCC is the only authority here. Our summary is here to help you find your way. If anything below differs from the official page, the official page is right. Requirements, fees and processing times change without notice.

Our plain-language summaryLast reviewed 29 July 2026

What you need depends on your citizenship and on how you arrive. Visa-exempt travellers flying in need an eTA. Most other travellers need a visitor visa. Arriving by car, bus, train or boat, no eTA is needed at all. The requirement is for air travel only.

Why it's required: Applying for the wrong document wastes the fee, and the fee isn't refunded. The official questionnaire is the only reliable way to tell which one applies to you.

CostFreeThe entry-requirements questionnaire costs nothing to use.

By land or seaNo eTAThe eTA is an air-travel requirement, including for transit.

Dual CanadiansNeed a Canadian passportAn eTA is not an option if you are also a Canadian citizen.

Documents you'll need

Your passport, and the country that issued it
How you plan to arrive: by air, land or sea
Any Canadian or US status you already hold

Finishing this unlocks: Apply for the eTA or the visitor visa