Planning a trip to Canada? This guide covers exactly who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes and where to apply — using figures from Canada's official immigration authorities.
Quick answer
Most visitors to Canada need electronic travel authorization (eta), with an official government fee of CAD 7 per applicant.
Canada visa at a glance
| Visa required? | Yes, for many nationalities |
|---|---|
| Main visa type | Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) |
| Government fee | CAD 7 per applicant |
| Processing time | Often within minutes; some cases take several days if documents are requested |
| Validity | Up to 5 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first (multiple entries) |
| Permitted stay | 180 days |
| Where to apply | https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html |
| HolidaySG assistance fee | S$65 per applicant (usually S$100) |
Who needs a visa for Canada?
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting Canada by air (includes Singapore). Also open to Indian passport holders who currently hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa OR held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years, when arriving by air.
Visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa): Nationals of visa-required countries, including most Indian passport holders, travelling to Canada for tourism, family visits or business.
Canada visa options, fees and processing times
| Option | Official fee | Max stay | Processing | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) | CAD 7 per applicant | 180 days | Often within minutes; some cases take several days if documents are requested | https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html |
| Visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) | CAD 100 (visitor visa processing fee) | 180 days | Varies by country; check IRCC's published processing times (often several weeks) plus biometrics | https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/visit-visa.html |
Documents required
For the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA):
- Valid passport
- Payment card (credit/debit)
- Valid email address
- Travel details
How to apply
- Check your requirement by nationality (table below) or use our checker.
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html — allow Often within minutes; some cases take several days if documents are requested.
- Visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/visit-visa.html — allow Varies by country; check IRCC's published processing times (often several weeks) plus biometrics.
- Arrival formalities: None (ArriveCAN optional for customs)
- Keep your approval/receipt with your passport; carry proof of accommodation, onward travel and funds.
Canada visa for children and families
Children usually need their own visa or entry authorisation, even infants. For family applications, prepare each traveller's passport and photo, and add birth certificates for minors and, where a child travels with one parent or a guardian, a consent letter. Applying for the whole family together keeps travel dates and reference numbers consistent.
Common mistakes, delays and rejection reasons
From handling Canada visa applications, these are the issues that most often cause delays or refusals. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:
- Passport validity: many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close.
- Insufficient proof of funds: bank statements that are too thin, too new, or not in your name are a common reason for delays. Show a stable balance over the last 3–6 months.
- Photo specification errors: wrong size, background colour, glasses or a smile can bounce an application. Follow the exact spec for Canada.
- Applying too late: submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer, not the minimum.
- Mismatched documents: names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight and hotel bookings.
- Weak ties to your home country: employment letters, leave approval and return bookings help show you intend to return.
- Prior overstays or refusals: declare them honestly; hiding history causes more problems than the history itself.
- Forgetting the arrival card: None (ArriveCAN optional for customs) — complete it in the correct window or you can be delayed at the border.
Practical timeline: application → approval → travel
- 6–8 weeks before travel: check your passport validity, confirm your requirement, and start gathering documents.
- 3–4 weeks before: book refundable flights and accommodation (immigration may ask for these), then submit your Canada application.
- Processing: allow Often within minutes; some cases take several days if documents are requested. Do not make non-refundable bookings until approved.
- On approval: print/save the approval, keep it with your passport, and complete any arrival card before you fly.
Before you travel to Canada
- Arrival card / declaration: None (ArriveCAN optional for customs)
- Onward or return ticket: carry proof — airlines and immigration can ask for it.
- Funds: have evidence of enough money for your stay (card and some local currency).
- Travel insurance: strongly recommended, and mandatory for some destinations.
- Copies: keep a digital and paper copy of your visa/approval and passport photo page.
Good to know
- eTA needed only for air arrivals; land/sea entry needs passport only.
- Biometrics valid 10 years. Check IRCC "Do I need a visa" tool.
Canada visa requirements by nationality
| Passport | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Canada visa?
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): CAD 7 per applicant. HolidaySG's assistance fee is a separate flat S$65.
How long does it take?
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Often within minutes; some cases take several days if documents are requested.
Things to do once your Canada visa is sorted
Popular experiences in Canada you can book on HolidaySG:
- Canada - Unlimited 4G/5G Data eSIM — from USD 22
- Toronto Pearson International Airport Transfer — from CAD 12
- eSIM Amerika T-Mobile Call SMS & Data | SIM America USA Mexico Canada — from IDR 275,128
Official sources
- IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) — verified 19 August 2026
- IRCC — verified 19 August 2026
Last updated 20 August 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team and checked against the official sources above (facts verified 19 August 2026). Visa rules change and depend on your passport, residence and purpose of travel — always confirm with the official source before booking, or use our visa checker. HolidaySG re-confirms current requirements at the time of your application.