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Requirements to Enter Canada

All are required to have a valid passport that does not expire within six months of your trip. To find out if you need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), complete the questionnaire on the Visit Canada page.

For US citizens traveling on an US passport (land, air, or sea) or an US passport card (land or sea) you are not required to have either a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the U.S. must show the following 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)

https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=1053&top=16

Processing times for visa applications  vary depending on the visa office and the time of the year. Participants are encouraged to check  processing times to find out how long it takes to process most applications.  Each application is different and takes a different amount of time to process. Canada can give you an estimate, based on your application type.  If you’ve already applied, learn how to check your application status.

Participants are encouraged to apply at least 12 weeks in advance of their departure date to ensure they receive the visa in time for the start of the event.  

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Special Event Code for this event is: 22ESAC

Biometrics Expansion

Since the summer of 2018, when you apply for a visitor visa, study or work permit (except U.S. nationals), or permanent residence you need to give your fingerprints and a photo. To facilitate repeat travel to Canada, applicants for a visitor visa, study or work permit will only need to give their biometrics once every 10 years.

For additional information on whether or not you require a biometric, please refer to our fast facts about Biometrics.

COVID-19 Travel Requirements

COVID-19 Requirements to be able to enter Canada as of May 15, 2022:

  • No sign or symptoms of COVID-19 (if you have symptoms of COVID-19, you will not be allowed into Canada).
  • If you are not fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine or a combinate of accepted vaccines you are required to quarantine for 14 days at your own expense.
  • If you are fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine or a combination of accepted vaccines you are not required to quarantine for 14 days.
  • You have received your last dose at least 14 days prior to the day you enter Canada (ex: if your last dose was anytime on Wednesday September 1st, then Thursday, September 16th would be the first day that you meet the 14-day condition)
  • You are required to upload your proof of vaccination into the ArriveCAN app within 72 hours before you travel.
  • You must meet all other entry requirements (for example, current passport, visa, if required).
  • As of July 19th, Canada has resumed randomly selecting travelers on arrival to complete a COVID-19 test. The type of test depends on how you are traveling to Canada.
    • If you are arriving by air and have been selected, you will be notified by email within 15 minutes of completing your customs declaration and receiving your kiosk receipt. The email will be sent to the same email address you used for ArriveCAN and will have important information about where and when to get tested. Your test is free and should be completed by the end of the next calendar day.
    • If you are arriving by land and have been selected, you will be given a self-swab kit when you arrive at a border crossing. You will complete your self-swab kit via a virtual telehealth appointment. You will need to follow the instructions in your self-swab kit to complete the test at your destination. If you are unable to complete a video consultation, contact your test provider for alternate testing options.

Checklist items to have with you for assessment by a Border Services Officer:

Due to changing requirements the Government of Canada COVID-19 page will have the most current information about entering the country.