Side by side
| Visitor visa (temporary resident visa) | eTA (electronic travel authorization) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who needs it | Citizens of visa-required countries, however they travel | Citizens of visa-exempt countries flying to or through a Canadian airport |
| Fee | $100 per person ($500 maximum for a family of 5 or more) | $7 per person |
| Biometrics | Usually required: $85, or $170 for a family | No |
| Validity | Up to 10 years, or until your passport or biometrics expire | Up to 5 years, or until your passport expires |
| Length of each stay | Most visitors up to 6 months | Normally up to 6 months |
| Processing | Varies by country — currently 12 days from inside Canada; see times by country | Currently 5 minutes; most are approved within minutes |
| Arriving by car, bus, train or boat | Still need the visa | No eTA needed |
eTA for some visa-required countries
Citizens of certain visa-required countries can apply for an eTA instead of a visa if they're flying to Canada and have either held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years or currently hold a valid US nonimmigrant visa. IRCC's eligibility page lists Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, the Philippines, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago and Uruguay. IRCC also says that, as of May 26, 2026, some citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia may be eligible. They still need a visa to enter by land or sea.
Who needs neither
US citizens need only proper ID such as a valid US passport. US lawful permanent residents are also exempt from the eTA but must travel with their green card and a valid passport.
Studying or working?
A visitor visa or eTA lets you visit. To study or work you need a study permit or a work permit; IRCC issues the visa or eTA you need with the first permit.
Visiting children or grandchildren for longer?
Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents can apply for a super visa to stay up to 5 years at a time. It needs a host who meets a minimum income and 1 year of super visa insurance.