What is the Canadian Tourist Visa?

The Canadian Tourist Visa is an official permit issued by the Canadian government that allows individuals to visit the country for tourism purposes. It offers them the opportunity to explore Canada’s diverse culture and connect with local communities. Canada welcomes a large number of adventure enthusiasts and culture lovers annually who are eager to learn more about the people and landscapes of Canada. The country’s tourism sector is highly developed, and tourism is open to foreign citizens from all origins. While nationals from some countries may enter without a visa or with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), others must apply for a Canadian tourist visa beforehand.

Who Needs a Canadian Visa?

Passport holders from the following countries must obtain a visa before entering Canada:

Azerbaijan, Argentina, Armenia, Afghanistan, Ecuador, Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Angola, Bahrain, Brazil, Belize, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bolivia, Belarus, Chad, East Timor, Algeria, Comoros, Central African Republic, Dominican Republic, Djibouti, Dominica, Cape Verde, El Salvador, China, Cameroon, Cambodia, Cuba, Costa Rica, Colombia, Congo, Egypt, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Macau (SAR), North Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestinian Authority, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Romania (non-electronic passports), Russia, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Validity of Canadian Tourist Visa

The Canadian Tourist Visa is a type of visitor visa or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) issued specifically for tourism purposes. Visitor visas can be issued for up to six (6) months, with the final duration of stay determined by an immigration officer at Canadian entry points.

Requirements for Canadian Tourist Visa

To apply for a tourist visa to Canada, prospective travelers must submit the following required documents:

• Valid Passport: Applicants must hold a valid passport or travel document with at least one (1) blank page for official use. A copy of the biometric data page with identity details and a clear photograph must be provided, along with copies of previous visas.
• Two Recent Photos: Two recent (within 6 months) passport-sized photos (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) with a white or light background. No facial expressions (smiling or frowning), closed mouth, and head and shoulders must be included in the photo.
• Biometric Data: Applicants must provide fingerprints and have their photo taken at the nearest Visa Application Center.
• Complete IMM 5654 Form: Applicants aged 18 or above must fill out this form and provide all family information.
• Visa Fee Payment: A valid credit or debit card is required to pay the visa and biometric data fees online.

Additional documents may be required by Canadian immigration officers depending on the applicant’s nationality and intended purpose of stay.

Canadian Tourist Visa Application

The process to apply for a Canadian tourist visa is straightforward and can be completed in a few simple steps online:

1. Gather required documents.
2. Create an account.
3. Complete the visa application.
4. Upload the required documents.
5. Pay the visa fee.
6. Attend a biometric data appointment.
7. Submit passport for visa stamping.

Canadian Tourist Visa Fees

Fees vary by nationality but generally start at 100 CAD for the visa and 85 CAD for biometric data. All fees are non-refundable.

Where to Apply

Visa applications can be submitted online through the official Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Applicants can create an account and log in using GCKey or with login information from a recognized partner of the Canadian government. In some cases, applicants may need to attend a Visa Application Center (VAC) for biometrics or other steps.

Processing Time for Tourist Visa

The processing time depends on the clarity of the application and the applicant’s nationality. Applicants should check the estimated processing time during the visa application process and plan their travel accordingly.

Visa Application Approval

If the tourist visa application is approved, the applicant will receive two notifications in their registered account on the IRCC website: one for the decision and another with instructions for passport submission for visa stamping. Travelers can then proceed with their plans to Canada. The final length of stay is determined by Canadian border security officers.

Visa Application Rejection

If a tourist visa application is rejected, the applicant will receive a letter via their IRCC account explaining the reason for refusal. There is no formal appeal process, but applicants may reapply if circumstances change or if new information is available that could alter the application result.