Determine your eligibility–Visit Canada as a tourist

To visit Canada, you must:

• have a valid travel document, such as a passport;
• be in good health;
• satisfy an immigration officer that you have ties, such as a job, home, financial assets and family, that will take you back to your country of origin;
• satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit; and
• have enough money for your stay. The amount of money you will need can vary with the circumstances of the visit, how long you will stay and whether you will stay in a hotel or with friends or relatives. For more information, ask the Canadian visa office in your country or region.

You may also need:

• a temporary resident (visitor) visa, depending on your citizenship (see Visas and exemptions below or find out if you need a visa);
• a medical exam; and
• a letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada.

Travel documents

Transport companies, such as airlines, must make sure you have proper, valid travel documents to enter Canada. If you do not have the proper documents, you may be delayed or not be able to board the plane.

The following travel documents are considered unreliable and are not acceptable for entry into Canada:

• any passport claiming to have been issued by Somalia
• non-machine readable passports issued by the Czech Republic
• temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa
• provisional passports issued by Venezuela

This list is subject to change. Check it regularly for up-to-date information

Visas and exemptions

You may or may not need a temporary resident (visitor) visa to visit Canada, depending on your citizenship. However, even if you are exempt, there is important information you need to know before you plan your trip.

If you need a visa, find out how to apply.

If you do not need a visa, find information for visa-exempt travellers.

If you are not sure, find out if you need a visa.

Inadmissibility

Some people are inadmissible—they are not allowed to come to Canada. Several things can make you inadmissible, including involvement in criminal activity, in human rights violations or in organized crime.

You can also be inadmissible for security, health or financial reasons. Find out more about inadmissibility.