Can you travel to canada from us

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

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  • 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.

Can you travel to canada from us

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

Can you travel to canada from us

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.

Can you travel to canada from us

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

Can you travel to canada from us

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.

Can you travel to canada from us

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

Can you travel to canada from us

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.

Can you travel to canada from us

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

Can you travel to canada from us

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.

Can you travel to canada from us

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

Can you travel to canada from us

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.

Can you travel to canada from us

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

Can you travel to canada from us

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.

Can US citizens travel freely to Canada?

Citizens of the United States need a valid U.S. passport to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport. Citizens of the United States coming to Canada by car, bus, train or boat need to carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada.

What are the rules for crossing the border into Canada?

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 USA citizens need to enter Canada?

Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. Children under 16 only need proof of U.S. citizenship.