Citizens from approximately 148 countries need a Canadian visa for entry. These visas cater to tourism, education, work, and immigration purposes. Here’s a list of countries whose citizens require a visa:
- Albania
- Algeria
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Belize
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brazil
- United Kingdom
- Burkina Faso
- Myanmar
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cabo Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- China
- Colombia
- Comoros
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Republic of the Congo
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Djibouti
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Timor-Leste
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Equatorial Guinea
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Georgia
- Ghana
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Israel
- Ivory Coast
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- North Korea
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Macau
- North Macedonia
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mali
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nauru
- Nepal
- Nicaragua
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palau
- Palestine
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sri Lanka
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Sudan
- Suriname
- Switzerland
- Syria
- Taiwan
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Togo
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tunisia
- Turkiye
- Turkmenistan
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
- Western Sahara
- Yemen
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Note: Visa requirements can change, and exceptions exist, such as for certain Brazilian citizens eligible for an eTA. Additionally, citizens of Israel with a valid “Travel Document in lieu of National Passport” and Romanian citizens holding non-electronic passports may have specific requirements.
Factors Influencing Visa Requirements
Your need for a Canadian visa depends on several key factors:
- Travel Document: The type of travel document you hold, such as a passport or national ID, significantly impacts your visa process.
- Issuing Country: The country that issued your travel document influences your visa requirement status.
- Nationality: Your nationality is a major determining factor, as various countries have different agreements with Canada.
- Mode of Travel: The mode of your travel (air, sea, or land) also affects the type of visa or entry requirement.
Countries Requiring a Canada eTA
Some countries are exempt from the visa requirement but need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for air travel to Canada. The eTA system evaluates eligibility based on personal information. Travelers from these countries must apply for an eTA:
Official List of eTA-Required Countries
Visa Exemptions
Certain travelers are exempt from both visa and eTA requirements, including:
- Those with a valid Canada visa from a previous application.
- Individuals with valid status in Canada who left the country for a visit to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon.
- French citizens residing in Saint Pierre and Miquelon flying directly to Canada from there.
- Foreigners transiting through a Canadian airport under specific transit privileges.
- Flight crews, accident investigators, or civil aviation inspectors working in Canada.
- Members of the Armed Forces (excluding civilian components) from countries covered by the Visiting Forces Act, on official duties in Canada.
- Accredited diplomats by the Government of Canada.
Stay informed about the latest requirements, as they can change over time. For up-to-date information, refer to the official Government of Canada resources and consult your nearest Canadian embassy or consulate before planning your trip. Your Canadian adventure awaits!
