What is required to go into canada

Crossing the border to Canada is Easy!

Effective October 1, 2022, all travellers, regardless of citizenship, will no longer have to:

Show
  • submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website;
  • provide proof of vaccination;
  • undergo pre- or on-arrival testing;
  • carry out COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation;
  • monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving to Canada.
  • undergo health checks for travel on air and rail; or
  • wear masks on planes and trains.

Although the masking requirement is being lifted, all travellers are strongly recommended to wear high quality and well-fitted masks during their journeys.

Individuals are reminded that they should not travel if they have symptoms of COVID-19. If travellers become sick while travelling, and are still sick when they arrive in Canada, they should inform a flight attendant or a border services officer upon arrival. They may then be referred to a quarantine officer who will decide whether the traveller needs further medical assessment as COVID-19 remains one of many communicable diseases listed in the Quarantine Act.

NEWS RELEASE


When you enter Canada, a Canada Border Services Agency officer may ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if one is necessary. If you are a citizen of the United States over the age of 16, you will need a Passport, a Passport Card or Enhanced Driver's Licence (only issued by certain states) to enter Canada. If you are travelling by air, you are required to have a passport, regardless of age.

As of March 15, 2016, visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada, will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid visa.

Inadmissibility: You may be deemed inadmissible to Canada (not allowed to enter the country) by the Border Services Officer for a number of reasons. Reasons for inadmissibility include involvement in criminal activity (which may include impaired driving convictions), human rights violations, organized crime, etc.

For further information about documentation required and border procedures please visit the Canada Border Services Agency's website.

Minors age 15 and under must have proper identification, such as a birth certificate, passport, citizenship card, permanent resident card or Certificate of Aboriginal Status. While passports are recommended, they are not required for American minors age 15 or younger crossing the border by land - a birth certificate will suffice.

If a minor is travelling alone or with an adult that is not their parent or guardian, they should carry a letter from their parents/ guardians. This letter should authorize the person meeting them or travelling with them to take responsibility for the minor while visiting Canada. The letter should also include addresses and telephone numbers where the parents or guardian can be reached.

Divorced or separated parents should carry custody or legal separation documents and a letter of authorization from the other parent to facilitate their entry into Canada.

If you are travelling with a group of vehicles, make sure you arrive at the border in the same vehicle as your children, to avoid any confusion.

Depending on the length of stay, American citizens are entitled to take goods back to the U.S. duty free. Be aware that goods purchased in a duty free shop are not automatically free of duty upon your return to the U.S.

You can find a list of duty free items to bring back to the U.S. here, as well as a list of prohibited and restricted items here. For further information on U.S. customs regulations, please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

About 30 million visitors cross the border every year into Canada and an additional 18 million visitors arrive by boat or airplane. Visit the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission's website for detailed information to make crossing easier, and get hourly updates regarding border wait times or see wait times below for:

Rainbow Bridge Peace Bridge Lewiston-Queenston Bridge

While we try our best to provide accurate and up to date border information, we always recommend that you contact the Canadian Border Services Agency for specific questions or concerns pertaining to crossing our borders.

For people affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine

You can apply for the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) to come to Canada temporarily, if you’re

  • Ukrainian
  • a family member of a Ukrainian

Find out more about the CUAET.

For visits of up to 6 months for most purposes.
Cost: CAN $100

Get details about visitor visa

Answer: You need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

For visits of up to 6 months or to transit via a Canadian airport.
Cost: CAN $7

Get details about eTA

Answer: You need a valid passport or travel document to travel to Canada by car, train, bus or boat

If you decide to fly to a Canadian airport instead, you'll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

Learn about documents you may need

Answer: You need official proof of status in the U.S.

Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. must present these documents for all methods of travel to Canada:

  • a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and
  • a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)

Answer: You need a transit visa 

To connect between 2 international flights, in less than 48 hours.
Cost: Free

Note: If you have more than 48 hours between international flights OR if you decide to visit Canada, you need to apply for a visitor visa.

Get details about transit visa

Answer: You can apply for a parent and grandparent super visa to visit for more than 6 months

  • For visits of up to 5 years at a time.
  • You must meet all eligibility criteria to qualify for a super visa. Key criteria include:
    • A letter from your child or grandchild with a promise to financially support you for the duration of your visit in Canada.
    • Proof of payment for medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company
      • valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry to Canada, and
      • for at least $100,000 in emergency coverage.
    • You must apply for a super visa from outside Canada.
  • Cost: CAN$100

Note: If you don't meet the criteria for a super visa, you need to apply for a visitor visa.

Get details about super visa

Answer: You can apply for a parent and grandparent super visa to visit for more than 6 months

  • For visits of up to 5 years at a time.
  • You must meet all eligibility criteria to qualify for a super visa. Key criteria include:
    • A letter from your child or grandchild with a promise to financially support you for the duration of your visit in Canada.
    • Proof of payment for medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company
      • valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry to Canada, and
      • for at least $100,000 in emergency coverage.
    • You must apply for a super visa from outside Canada.
  • Cost: CAN$100

Note: If you don’t meet the criteria for a super visa, you need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).  An eTA allows for visits of up to 6 months.

Get details about super visa

Answer: You can apply for a parent and grandparent super visa to visit for more than 6 months

  • For visits of up to 5 years at a time.
  • You must meet all eligibility criteria to qualify for a super visa. Key criteria include:
    • A letter from your child or grandchild with a promise to financially support you for the duration of your visit in Canada.
    • Proof of payment for medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company
      • valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry to Canada, and
      • for at least $100,000 in emergency coverage.
    • You must apply for a super visa from outside Canada.
  • Cost: CAN$100

Note: If you don’t meet the criteria for a super visa, you can visit Canada for up to 6 months with a valid identity document. Bring identification such as a valid passport. Or, if a member of an official program such as Nexus, you may present your valid membership card.

Get details about super visa

Answer: You can apply for a parent and grandparent super visa to visit for more than 6 months

  • Length of stay: visits of up to 5 years at a time.
  • You must meet all eligibility criteria to qualify for a super visa. Key criteria include
  • a letter from your child or grandchild with a promise to financially support you for the duration of your visit in Canada
    • proof of payment for medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company
      • valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry to Canada and
      • for at least $100,000 in emergency coverage
    • applying for a super visa from outside Canada
  • Cost: CAN$100

If you don’t meet the criteria for a super visa, you can visit Canada for up to 6 months with

  • a valid passport from your country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document ) and
  • official proof of lawful permanent resident status in the U.S., such as a green card

Answer: You need a valid identity document

Bring identification such as a valid passport. Or, if a member of an official program such as Nexus, you may present your valid membership card.

Learn about the documents you may need

Answer: If we approve your study permit application, we’ll issue a visitor visa

  • You don’t need to submit a separate application for a visitor visa.

When you travel to Canada, bring your

  • letter of introduction that says your study permit application is approved, if you received one
  • valid passport that has your visitor visa stuck to one of its pages

Learn about studying in Canada

Answer: You should already have a valid visitor visa

We automatically issued a visitor visa to you when we approved your first study or work permit.

If you leave and return to Canada, you must travel with:

  • your valid study or work permit
  • your valid visitor visa
    • If you don’t have a valid visa when you check-in for a flight, it may result in travel delays (or a missed flight).
  • your valid passport

Exception: If you return directly from a visit only to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon, you don’t need a valid visitor visa if your study or work permit is still valid.

If your visa has expired or was only valid for a single entry to Canada

You need to apply for a new visa .

  • A visa costs CAN$100.
  • It’s valid for up to 10 years.

Answer: You need a visitor visa

If your study or work permit will expire soon, you must extend it before you can apply for a new visitor visa.

You need a visitor visa to leave and return to Canada.  Apply for your visa before you leave.

You can apply for a visitor visa from inside Canada if you meet all the conditions below:

  • you’re already in Canada
  • you hold a valid study or work permit
  • you want to leave and return to Canada in the near future
  • your existing visitor visa  is expired or was valid for only one entry

Exception: If you return directly from a visit only to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon, you don’t need a valid visitor visa if your study or work permit is still valid.

Processing times vary by country. You may need to give fingerprints and photo (biometrics)  with your application. Processing times don’t include the time you need to give biometrics.

Apply for a visitor visa

Answer: Before you continue, find out if you need a study permit

You’ll need to answer some questions on another page to find out.

If you’re eligible to study without a study permit, you’ll need to come back to this page to find out what you need to travel to Canada.

Find out if you need a study permit

Answer: If we approve your work permit application, we’ll issue a visitor visa for you

  • You don’t need to submit a separate application for a visitor visa.

When you travel to Canada, bring your

  • letter of introduction that says your work permit application is approved, if you received one
  • valid passport that has your visitor visa stuck to one of its pages

Learn about working in Canada

Answer: You should already have a valid visitor visa

We automatically issued a visitor visa to you when we approved your first work permit.

If you leave and return to Canada, you must travel with:

  • your valid study or work permit
  • your valid visitor visa
    • If you don’t have a valid visa when you check-in for a flight, it may result in travel delays (or a missed flight).
  • your valid passport

Exception: If you return directly from a visit only to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon, you don’t need a valid visitor visa if your study or work permit is still valid.

If your visa has expired or was only valid for a single entry to Canada

You need to apply for a new visa .

  • A visa costs CAN$100.
  • It’s valid for up to 10 years.

Answer: You need a visitor visa

If your study or work permit will expire soon, you must extend it before you can apply for a new visitor visa.

You need a visitor visa to leave and return to Canada.  Apply for your visa before you leave.

You can apply for a visitor visa from inside Canada if you meet all the conditions below:

  • you’re already in Canada
  • you hold a valid study or work permit
  • you want to leave and return to Canada in the near future
  • your existing visitor visa  is expired or was valid for only one entry

Exception: If you return directly from a visit only to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon, you don’t need a valid visitor visa if your study or work permit is still valid.

Processing times vary by country. You may need to give fingerprints and photo (biometrics)  with your application. Processing times don’t include the time you need to give biometrics.

Apply for a visitor visa

Answer: You need a visitor visa

You need a visitor visa to travel to Canada.

A visitor visa:

  • is a sticker we put in your passport
  • costs CAN$100

Processing times vary by country. You may need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) with your application. Processing time doesn’t include the time you need to give biometrics.

Apply for a visitor visa

Answer: Before you continue, find out if you need a work permit

You’ll need to answer some questions on another page to find out.

If you’re eligible to work without a work permit, you’ll need to come back to this page to find out what you need to travel to Canada.

Find out if you need a work permit

Answer: If we approve your study permit application, we’ll issue an electronic travel authorization (eTA)

  • You don’t need to submit a separate application for an eTA.

When you travel to Canada, bring your

  • letter of introduction that says your study permit application is approved, if you received one
  • valid passport that has your visitor visa stuck to one of its pages

If you get a new passport before you come to Canada, you’ll need to apply for a new eTA if you plan to fly to a Canadian airport.

Learn about studying in Canada

Answer: You need an eTA to leave and return to Canada

Your study permit lets you study in Canada. If you plan to leave and return to Canada, you need to make sure you have what you need to re-enter the country.

What you need depends on your travel plans.

What is required to go into canada

If you re-enter by a Canadian airport (fly back to Canada)

You must have:

  • the passport that’s linked to a valid eTA and
  • your valid study permit

An eTA:

  • costs CAN $7
  • is electronically linked to your passport

If you received your current study permit on or after August 1, 2015, you may have a valid eTA.

If you don’t have an eTA or yours has expired, you’ll need to apply for a new eTA.

Apply for an eTA

What is required to go into canada

If you re-enter Canada by car, boat, bus or train

You must have:

  • a valid passport and
  • your valid study permit

Answer: You need an eTA to leave and return to Canada

Your study permit lets you study in Canada. If you plan to leave and return to Canada, you need to make sure you have what you need to re-enter the country.

What you need depends on your travel plans.

What is required to go into canada

If you re-enter by a Canadian airport (fly back to Canada)

You must have:

  • the passport that’s linked to a valid eTA and
  • your valid study permit

An eTA:

  • costs CAN $7
  • is electronically linked to your passport

If you received your current study permit on or after August 1, 2015, you may have a valid eTA.

If you don’t have an eTA or yours has expired, you’ll need to apply for a new eTA.

Apply for an eTA

What is required to go into canada

If you re-enter Canada by car, boat, bus or train

You must have:

  • a valid passport and
  • your valid study permit

Answer: If you fly to a Canadian airport, you need an eTA

An eTA:

  • costs CAN$7
  • is electronically linked to your passport

Most applicants get their eTA approval (via an email) within minutes. However, some requests can take several days to process if you’re asked to submit supporting documents.

If you drive or arrive by train, bus or boat

You just need a valid passport or travel document  to get to Canada by car, train, bus or boat.

Get details about eTA

Answer: Before you continue, find out if you need a study permit

You’ll need to answer some questions on another page to find out.

If you’re eligible to study without a study permit, you’ll need to come back to this page to find out what you need to travel to Canada.

Find out if you need a study permit

Answer: If we approve your work permit application, we’ll issue an electronic travel authorization (eTA) for you

  • You don’t need to submit a separate application for an eTA.

When you travel to Canada, bring your

  • letter of introduction that says your work permit application is approved, if you received one
  • valid passport that you used to apply for your work permit

If you get a new passport before you come to Canada, you’ll need to apply for a new eTA if you plan to fly to a Canadian airport.

Learn about working in Canada

Answer: You need an eTA to leave and return to Canada

Your work permit lets you work in Canada. If you plan to leave and return to Canada, you need to make sure you have what you need to re-enter the country.

What you need depends on your travel plans.

What is required to go into canada

If you re-enter by a Canadian airport (fly back to Canada)

You must have:

  • the passport that’s linked to a valid eTA and
  • your valid work permit

An eTA:

  • costs CAN $7
  • is electronically linked to your passport

If you received your current work permit on or after August 1, 2015, you may have a valid eTA.

If you don’t have an eTA or yours has expired, you’ll need to apply for a new eTA.

Apply for an eTA

What is required to go into canada

If you re-enter Canada by car, boat, bus or train

You must have:

  • a valid passport and
  • your valid work permit

Answer: You need an eTA to leave and return to Canada

Your work permit lets you work in Canada. If you plan to leave and return to Canada, you need to make sure you have what you need to re-enter the country.

What you need depends on your travel plans.

What is required to go into canada

If you re-enter by a Canadian airport (fly back to Canada)

You must have:

  • the passport that’s linked to a valid eTA and
  • your valid work permit

An eTA:

  • costs CAN $7
  • is electronically linked to your passport

If you received your current work permit on or after August 1, 2015, you may have a valid eTA.

If you don’t have an eTA or yours has expired, you’ll need to apply for a new eTA.

Apply for an eTA

What is required to go into canada

If you re-enter Canada by car, boat, bus or train

You must have:

  • a valid passport and
  • your valid work or study permit

Answer: If you fly to a Canadian airport, you need an eTA

An eTA:

  • costs CAN$7
  • is electronically linked to your passport

Most applicants get their eTA approval (via an email) within minutes. However, some requests can take several days to process if you’re asked to submit supporting documents.

If you drive or arrive by train, bus or boat

You just need a valid passport or travel document  to get to Canada by car, train, bus or boat.

Get details about eTA

Answer: Before you continue, find out if you need a work permit

You’ll need to answer some questions on another page to find out.

If you’re eligible to work without a work permit, you’ll need to come back to this page to find out what you need to travel to Canada.

Find out if you need a work permit

Answer: You don’t need to apply for a visitor visa or eTA

When you travel to Canada, bring your

  • letter of introduction that says your study permit application is approved, if you received one
  • valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your work or study permit

Learn about studying in Canada

Answer: You don’t need to apply for a visitor visa or eTA

When you travel to Canada, you must bring your:

  • letter of introduction that says your study permit application is approved
  • valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your work or study permit

Answer: You don’t need an eTA or a visitor visa

If you’re driving or arriving by train, bus, or boat

You just need to bring the right travel documents .

If you fly to or transit through a Canadian airport

You just need to travel with your valid U.S. passport if you fly or transit through a Canadian airport.

Answer: Before you continue, find out if you need a study permit

You’ll need to answer some questions on another page to find out.

If you’re eligible to study without a study permit, you’ll need to come back to this page to find out what you need to travel to Canada.

Find out if you need a study permit

Answer: You don’t need to apply for a visitor visa or eTA

When you travel to Canada, bring your

  • letter of introduction that says your work permit application is approved, if you received one
  • valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your work permit

Learn about working in Canada

Answer: You don’t need to apply for a visitor visa or eTA

When you travel to Canada, you must bring your:

  • valid work or study permit
  • valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your work or study permit

Answer: You don’t need an eTA or a visitor visa

If you’re driving or arriving by train, bus, or boat

You just need to bring the right travel documents .

If you fly to or transit through a Canadian airport

You just need to travel with your valid U.S. passport if you fly or transit through a Canadian airport.

Answer: Before you continue, find out if you need a work permit

You’ll need to answer some questions on another page to find out.

If you’re eligible to work without a work permit, you’ll need to come back to this page to find out what you need to travel to Canada.

Find out if you need a work permit

Answer: Your permit is not an eTA or a visa

Your study permit lets you study in Canada. If you plan to leave and return to Canada, you need to make sure you have what you need to re-enter the country.

What you need depends on your travel plans.

What is required to go into canada

If you re-enter by a Canadian airport (fly back to Canada)

When you extend your study permit, you’ll also be issued an eTA if you don’t already have one. When you fly to a Canadian, you must have:

  • the passport that’s linked to your valid eTA and
  • your valid study permit

Apply for an eTA

What is required to go into canada

If you re-enter Canada by car, boat, bus or train

You must have:

  • a valid visitor and
  • your valid study permit

Apply for visitor visa

Answer: Your permit is not an eTA or a visa

Your work permit lets you work in Canada. If you plan to leave and return to Canada, you need to make sure you have what you need to re-enter the country.

What you need depends on your travel plans.

What is required to go into canada

If you re-enter by a Canadian airport (fly back to Canada)

When you extend your work permit, you’ll also be issued an eTA if you don’t already have one. When you fly to a Canadian, you must have:

  • the passport that’s linked to your valid eTA and
  • your valid work permit

Apply for an eTA

What is required to go into canada

If you re-enter Canada by car, boat, bus or train

You must have:

  • a valid visitor visa and
  • your valid work permit

Apply for visitor visa

Answer: You’re eligible to apply for an eTA

You can apply for an eTA if you travel to Canada by air only.

An eTA:

  • costs CAN$7
  • is electronically linked to your passport
  • is only valid when flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport

Most applicants get their eTA approval within minutes (via email). However, some requests can take several days to process if you’re asked to submit supporting documents.

If you already have a valid Canadian visitor visa you don’t need to apply for an eTA. You can travel with your visa until it expires.

If your travel plans change

You need a visitor visa (not an eTA) if you decide to get to Canada by car, train, bus or boat instead.

Apply for an eTA

Answer: You’re eligible to apply for an eTA

You can apply for an eTA if you travel to Canada by air only.

An eTA:

  • costs CAN$7
  • is electronically linked to your passport
  • is only valid when flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport

Most applicants get their eTA approval within minutes (via email). However, some requests can take several days to process if you’re asked to submit supporting documents.

If you already have a valid Canadian visitor visa you don’t need to apply for an eTA. You can travel with your visa until it expires.

If your travel plans change

You need a visitor visa (not an eTA) if you decide to get to Canada by car, train, bus or boat instead.

Apply for an eTA

Answer: You don’t need to apply for a visitor visa or eTA

When you travel to Canada, bring your

  • letter of introduction that says your study permit application is approved, if you received one
  • valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your study permit and
  • official proof of U.S. lawful permanent resident status

Learn about studying in Canada

Answer: You don’t need to apply for a visitor visa or eTA

When you travel to Canada, bring your

  • valid work or study permit
  • valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your study permit and
  • official proof of U.S. lawful permanent resident status

Answer: You need valid proof of lawful permanent resident status of the U.S. to leave and return to Canada

Your study permit lets you study in Canada. If you plan to leave and return to Canada, you need to make sure you have what you need to re-enter the country.

When you travel to Canada, bring your

  • valid study permit,
  • valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your study permit, and
  • official proof of U.S. lawful permanent resident status

Answer: You don’t need an eTA or a visitor visa

When you travel to Canada, bring your

  • valid passport or travel document and
  • official proof of U.S. lawful permanent resident status

Answer: Before you continue, find out if you need a study permit

You’ll need to answer some questions on another page to find out.

If you’re eligible to study without a study permit, you’ll need to come back to this page to find out what you need to travel to Canada.

Find out if you need a study permit

Answer: You don’t need to apply for a visitor visa or eTA

When you travel to Canada, bring your

  • letter of introduction that says your work permit application is approved, if you received one
  • valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your work permit and
  • official proof of U.S. lawful permanent resident status

Learn about working in Canada

Answer: You don’t need to apply for a visitor visa or eTA

When you travel to Canada, bring your

  • valid work permit
  • valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your work permit and
  • official proof of U.S. lawful permanent resident status

Answer: You need valid proof of lawful permanent resident status of the U.S. to leave and return to Canada

Your work permit lets you work in Canada. If you plan to leave and return to Canada, you need to make sure you have what you need to re-enter the country.

When you travel to Canada, bring your

  • valid work permit,
  • valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your study permit, and
  • official proof of U.S. lawful permanent resident status

Answer: You don’t need an eTA or a visitor visa

When you travel to Canada, bring your

  • valid passport or travel document and
  • official proof of U.S. lawful permanent resident status

Answer: Before you continue, find out if you need a work permit

You’ll need to answer some questions on another page to find out.

If you’re eligible to work without a work permit, you’ll need to come back to this page to find out what you need to travel to Canada.

Find out if you need a work permit

Answer: You’re eligible to apply for an eTA

You can apply for an eTA if you travel to Canada by air only.

An eTA:

  • costs CAN$7
  • is electronically linked to your passport
  • is only valid when flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport

Most applicants get their eTA approval within minutes (via email). However, some requests can take several days to process if you’re asked to submit supporting documents.

If you already have a valid Canadian visitor visa you don’t need to apply for an eTA. You can travel with your visa until it expires.

If your travel plans change

You need a visitor visa (not an eTA) if you decide to get to Canada by car, train, bus or boat instead.

What are the requirements to enter Canada right now?

For all travellers entering Canada by air, land or marine mode on or after October 1, 2022:.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required..
COVID-19 pre-entry and arrival tests are not required..
Quarantine after you enter Canada is not required..
Using ArriveCAN is not required..

What do you need to cross the Canadian border by car?

If you are a citizen of the United States over the age of 16, you will need a Passport, a Passport Card or Enhanced Driver's Licence (only issued by certain states) to enter Canada. If you are travelling by air, you are required to have a passport, regardless of age.

Do I need a pre departure Covid test for Canada?

Entry and borders With effect from 1 October 2022, the Government of Canada has removed all COVID-19 entry restrictions, as well as testing, quarantine and isolation requirements, for anyone entering Canada.