Visiting Canada as a Tourist or Visitor
Planning a short trip to Canada? Whether you’re visiting family, exploring the cities, or just taking in the natural beauty, a visitor visa (or visa-exempt entry) could be your best option.
🧾 What Type of Visa is a Visitor Visa?
A visitor visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), allows people to enter Canada temporarily for tourism, visiting friends or family, or attending certain business or cultural events. Some travellers don’t need a visa and can enter with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead.
🏠 What You Get With a Visitor Visa
- Permission to stay in Canada temporarily
- The opportunity to explore Canada’s provinces and cities
- The chance to visit friends or family
- The ability to attend business meetings, conferences, or short cultural exchanges
- An option to apply to extend your stay in some cases
⏱️ Visitor Visa Processing Time
- Application processing times vary by country
- Usually takes several weeks to a few months
- Visa-exempt travellers can often get faster approval using an eTA
💰 Visitor Visa Costs and Fees
- Visitor visa application fee: CAD $100
- Biometrics fee: CAD $85 (if required)
- Visa-exempt travellers must apply for an eTA: CAD $7
Additional costs may include travel insurance, medical exams, or documentation
✅ Who is Eligible to Visit Canada?
You may be eligible to visit Canada if you:
- Hold a valid passport or travel document
- Have no criminal or immigration-related convictions
- Can show proof of funds to cover your stay
- Have ties to your home country (job, family, financial commitments)
- Plan to leave Canada at the end of your visit
- Meet health and security requirements
📈 How Competitive is the Visitor Visa Process?
- Visitors from visa-exempt countries can enter Canada easily with an eTA
- Visitors from countries that require a visa may have varying approval rates
- Strong applications include travel history, proof of financial support, and clear travel plans
👤 Who Should Consider a Visitor Visa?
This option is ideal for:
- People planning a holiday or vacation in Canada
- Those wanting to visit Canadian friends or family
- Travellers attending a short business trip, event, or cultural visit
- People who want to explore Canada before making long-term plans
⚠️ Who Might Need to Consider Other Options?
A visitor visa is not suitable if:
- You plan to work in Canada
- You intend to study for more than six months
- You are applying for permanent residence
- You don’t have strong ties to your home country or a clear reason for the trip
📌 Next Steps for Visiting Canada
- Check if your country is visa-exempt or requires a visitor visa
- Apply for a visitor visa or eTA online
- Prepare documents such as your itinerary, proof of funds, and reason for travel
- Submit biometrics if required
- Wait for a decision, then plan your travel
💬 Got Questions About Visiting Canada?
Let us know in the comments or explore more resources in your account. We’re here to help you understand your options and make your travel smooth and enjoyable.
