Canada Tourist Visa: Requirements for Visiting Vancouver

1. Do You Need a Tourist Visa to Visit Vancouver?

Not every international visitor needs a Canadian tourist visa. Depending on your citizenship and travel arrangements, you may need one of the following:

Visa-Required Travellers

If your nationality is on Canada's visa-required list, you will generally need a valid visitor visa and passport to visit Vancouver. You should apply before travelling.

Visa-Exempt Travellers

Many visa-exempt foreign nationals need an eTA when flying to Canada. However, an eTA is generally not required when an eligible visa-exempt traveller arrives by car, bus, train or boat. A valid passport is still required.

Travellers Who May Qualify for an eTA Instead of a Visa

Some citizens of countries that normally require a visitor visa may qualify for an eTA when travelling to Canada by air if they meet specific conditions. This is a limited exception, not a general exemption.

Check your exact requirements using the official government tool:

Canada entry requirements by country and travel document

Official information: Who can apply for a Canadian visitor visa?

2. What Is a Canadian Visitor Visa?

A Canadian visitor visa, also called a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is an official travel document placed in your passport. It allows you to travel to Canada and request entry as a visitor.

A visitor visa may be issued for a single entry or multiple entries. The immigration officer decides which type to issue and how long it remains valid.

• Single-entry visa: Generally allows one entry to Canada during the visa's validity, subject to the conditions that apply.
• Multiple-entry visa: Allows repeated travel to Canada while the visa remains valid, subject to entry requirements.
• Visa validity: A visa may be valid for several years, potentially up to the maximum permitted period, but it cannot normally extend beyond the validity of your passport or biometrics.
• Length of stay: The visa's expiry date is not necessarily the date you must leave Canada. Your permitted stay is determined when you enter Canada.

Most visitors are allowed to stay for up to six months, but a border services officer can authorize a shorter or longer period. If a specific departure date is recorded in your passport or visitor record, you must follow it.

Official resource: About the Canadian visitor visa

3. What Is an eTA for Canada?

An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for many visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. It is electronically linked to the passport used when applying.

• An eTA is generally required for eligible visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada.
• It is also required for many eligible travellers transiting through a Canadian airport.
• It is not normally required for eligible visa-exempt travellers arriving by car, bus, train or boat.
• An eTA is generally valid for up to five years or until the associated passport expires, whichever comes first.
• You must apply for a new eTA if you receive a new passport.
• An eTA does not guarantee admission to Canada.

How Much Does an eTA Cost?

The official Canadian eTA application fee is CAN$7.

Apply through the official Government of Canada website: Apply for an eTA .

4. Required Documents for a Canadian Tourist Visa

The documents required depend on your nationality, personal circumstances and the purpose of your visit. The following are commonly relevant when applying for a Canadian visitor visa.

• Valid passport: Your passport or travel document must be acceptable for travel to Canada.
• Application information: Complete the applicable visitor visa application and provide accurate personal details.
• Photograph: Provide a photograph if required by the application instructions.
• Travel purpose: Explain why you want to visit Vancouver and what you plan to do during your stay.
• Travel itinerary: Include planned travel dates, accommodation arrangements and relevant reservations if available.
• Financial evidence: Provide evidence that you can pay for accommodation, food, transportation and other expenses.
• Employment or study evidence: Documents showing your current job, business, education or other commitments may help explain your circumstances.
• Travel history: Previous passports, visas and travel records may be relevant to your application.
• Invitation letter: If visiting family, friends or an organization in Canada, an invitation letter may be useful where appropriate.
• Additional documents: You may be asked for a medical examination, police certificate, translations or other supporting information.

Proof of Financial Support

You must demonstrate that you have enough money for your visit. There is no single amount that applies to every tourist. The amount you need depends on factors such as:

• How long you intend to stay in Vancouver.
• Whether you will stay in a hotel, rental accommodation or with family and friends.
• Your planned activities and transportation expenses.
• Whether you are travelling alone or with family members.
• Whether another person will pay for some or all of your trip.

Bank statements, employment documents, income evidence and a host's financial information may be relevant, depending on your circumstances.

Letter of Invitation

If a friend, relative or organization in Vancouver invites you, an invitation letter may support your application. It should explain the purpose of the visit and the relationship between the visitor and the person inviting them.

An invitation letter does not guarantee visa approval. The applicant must still satisfy the immigration officer that they meet the requirements for a visitor visa.

Official resource: How to write a letter of invitation for visitors to Canada

5. How to Apply for a Canadian Tourist Visa

Most visitor visa applications are submitted online through the official IRCC system. The exact process and documents depend on your situation.

1. Check whether you need a visa or eTA. Use the official entry-requirements tool and select your nationality, travel document and method of travel.
2. Prepare your documents. Gather your passport, financial evidence, travel details and other supporting documents requested for your application.
3. Create or access your IRCC account. Use the official Government of Canada application system.
4. Complete the application. Answer all questions accurately and provide the required information about your trip and personal circumstances.
5. Upload supporting documents. Follow the personalized document checklist and provide translations where required.
6. Pay the application fee. Pay the applicable visitor visa and biometrics fees, if required.
7. Provide biometrics if requested. Follow the instructions in your biometric instruction letter and attend an authorized collection location.
8. Wait for a decision. IRCC may request additional information, an interview or further documents.
9. Submit your passport if requested. If your application is approved, follow the passport submission instructions so the visa can be issued.
10. Check your travel documents. Before departure, verify your passport, visa or eTA and any other documents needed for your journey.

Start your application through: Official Canadian visitor visa application .

6. Canadian Tourist Visa Fees

The following are the standard published federal application fees. All amounts are in Canadian dollars (CAD).

These fees do not include optional services such as translation, document preparation, travel insurance, courier services or professional immigration advice.

The family fee applies only when the applicants meet IRCC's family application conditions. Not every group travelling together qualifies.

Official resource: Current Canadian immigration application fees

7. Biometrics for a Canadian Visitor Visa

Some visitor visa applicants must provide biometrics, which normally means fingerprints and a photograph. Whether you need to provide biometrics depends on your nationality, age, application history and applicable exemptions.

The usual process is:

1. Submit your visitor visa application and pay the applicable biometrics fee.
2. Receive a biometric instruction letter if biometrics are required.
3. Book an appointment at an authorized biometric collection location.
4. Attend the appointment and provide your fingerprints and photograph.
5. Wait for IRCC to continue processing your application.

The standard individual biometrics fee is CAN$85. Eligible families applying together may pay a maximum combined fee of CAN$170.

Official resource: How to give biometrics for a Canadian visa

8. Canadian Tourist Visa Processing Time

Visitor visa processing times vary depending on the country from which you apply, application volume, completeness of your documents and whether additional checks are needed.

There is no guaranteed processing period for every applicant. Some applications may be processed relatively quickly, while others can take considerably longer.

How to Check Processing Times

• Use the official IRCC processing-time tool.
• Select the visitor visa category that matches your application.
• Choose the relevant country or application location where requested.
• Check the date on which the processing-time information was updated.
• Allow extra time for biometrics, additional document requests and passport submission.

It is generally sensible to apply well before your planned departure date. Avoid purchasing non-refundable travel arrangements based on an assumed approval date.

Official resource: Check Canadian immigration processing times

9. How Long Can Tourists Stay in Vancouver?

Many visitors are allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months. However, the final period is determined when you enter the country.

• A border services officer may authorize a stay shorter or longer than six months.
• If a specific departure date is written in your passport or shown on a visitor record, you must respect that date.
• If no different period is authorized, the usual visitor stay is up to six months or until an earlier applicable passport or biometric expiry.
• Having a multiple-entry visa does not mean you can remain in Canada indefinitely.
• Each entry is subject to the applicable entry requirements and assessment.

Can You Extend Your Stay?

If you are already in Canada and want to remain longer as a visitor, you may be able to apply for an extension. The document issued for an approved extension is called a visitor record.

You should generally apply at least 30 days before your current status expires. If you submit an eligible application before your status expires, you may be allowed to remain in Canada under maintained status while IRCC makes a decision, provided you comply with the applicable conditions.

A visitor record is not a new visitor visa and does not automatically authorize you to work or study.

Official resource: Extend your stay in Canada as a visitor

10. Travelling to Vancouver with Children

Families visiting Vancouver should check the travel-document requirements for every child. Children need their own acceptable travel documents and may also need a visitor visa or eTA depending on their nationality.

Additional documents may be important when a child travels:

• With only one parent or legal guardian.
• With relatives or another adult.
• Alone, subject to airline and border requirements.
• Under a custody arrangement or other legal restriction.

Depending on the circumstances, a child may need a signed authorization letter from a parent or guardian who is not travelling, as well as custody documents, birth certificates or other supporting evidence.

These documents can help demonstrate that the child's travel is authorized. Requirements depend on the individual situation.

Official resource: Preparing for arrival in Canada, including travel with children

11. What to Expect When Arriving at Vancouver International Airport

Most international visitors arriving by air will enter Canada through Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Having the correct travel authorization allows you to travel to Canada, but it does not guarantee admission.

When you arrive, you may need to:

• Present your passport and required visa or eTA information.
• Answer questions about the purpose and length of your visit.
• Explain where you will stay in Vancouver.
• Show evidence of sufficient funds if requested.
• Provide information about your return or onward travel plans.
• Explain your employment, family or other ties outside Canada if asked.
• Declare goods and answer customs questions accurately.

Official resource: Canada Border Services Agency – Travelling to Canada

12. What Can You Do During a Tourist Visit to Vancouver?

Vancouver offers a combination of oceanfront scenery, urban neighbourhoods, parks, cultural attractions and outdoor activities. Visitors can plan a short city break or use Vancouver as a starting point for exploring British Columbia.

• Stanley Park: Explore forest trails, waterfront views and the famous Seawall.
• Granville Island: Visit the Public Market, shops, galleries and waterfront attractions.
• Gastown: Discover historic streets, restaurants and the famous Steam Clock.
• Canada Place: Enjoy waterfront views and explore the surrounding downtown area.
• Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: Experience forest walks and suspension bridges in North Vancouver.
• Grouse Mountain: Visit a popular mountain destination with seasonal activities.
• Kitsilano Beach: Relax by the water and enjoy views across English Bay.
• Queen Elizabeth Park: Explore gardens and viewpoints overlooking the city.

For more sightseeing ideas and trip-planning information, visit: Things to Do in Vancouver.

13. Important Rules for Canadian Tourists

A visitor visa or eTA is intended for temporary travel. Visitors must follow Canadian immigration rules throughout their stay.

• Do not work without authorization: Visitor status does not normally allow employment in Canada.
• Do not overstay: Leave Canada or obtain an appropriate extension before your authorized stay expires.
• Respect your visa conditions: Follow all conditions imposed by immigration authorities.
• Provide truthful information: False statements or fraudulent documents can lead to refusal and other immigration consequences.
• Maintain valid travel documents: Check passport and authorization validity before travelling.
• Understand healthcare coverage: Tourists should not assume they qualify for British Columbia's public healthcare plan. Consider suitable travel medical insurance.

14. Useful Official Canadian Travel and Visa Resources

Use these government websites to check requirements, submit applications and prepare for your visit.

• Visit Canada – IRCC – Main information about visiting Canada.
• Canada entry requirements by country – Find out whether you need a visa or eTA.
• Apply for a visitor visa – Official visitor visa application information.
• Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – eTA requirements, fees and application.
• Canadian immigration fees – Current visitor visa and biometrics fees.
• Application processing times – Check current processing estimates.
• Canada Border Services Agency – Information about entering Canada.

15. Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Vancouver

Disclaimer: This page provides general travel and immigration information and is not legal advice. Canadian visa and eTA requirements, fees, eligibility rules and processing times can change. Always check the official Government of Canada website before applying or travelling. A visa or eTA does not guarantee entry into Canada.