How long can I stay in Canada as a visitor?
When you arrive at the air, land or sea port of entry, we’ll assess your health.
- If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you won’t be allowed to enter Canada.
You must have a plan to quarantine for 14 days when you arrive in Canada. This plan is mandatory, even if you have no symptoms.
- If you don’t have a plan, you may not be allowed to enter the country.
Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada.
If you’re allowed to enter Canada, the border services officer may allow you to stay for less or more than 6 months.
- If so, they’ll put the date you need to leave by in your passport. They might also give you a document.
- If you don’t get a stamp in your passport, you can stay for 6 months from the day you entered Canada or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- If you need a stamp, you can ask a border services officer for one. If you arrive at an airport that uses primary inspection kiosks, ask the border services officer after you finish at the kiosk.
If you want to stay longer than your authorized stay, you should apply for an extension at least 30 days before the authorized end of your stay.
Was this answer useful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Contact us about your application
Use this Web form to:
- ask about an application that has passed the normal processing times
- provide additional information about your application
- report a technical issue
Answers others found useful
- Do I need a visa to visit Canada?
- Do I need a Canadian visa if I have a United States visa?
- How do I apply for an eTA for travel to Canada?
- I am visiting the U.S. I want to come to Canada. Do I need an eTA?
- Do I need a visa if I am travelling through Canada without stopping or visiting?
- How do I help a family member or friend apply to visit Canada?
- I am travelling with my minor child without my spouse. What documents must I present?
- What’s the difference between a visitor visa and a visitor record?
- Do I need to apply for both a visitor visa and an eTA?
Help tool
Help tool
How-to video

A Step-by-step look at biometrics
Form and guide
Glossary term
- Date modified: