What is a Canada Tourist Visa?
A Canada Tourist Visa is an official authorization issued by the Canadian government that permits individuals to visit the country for leisure, exploration of its diverse culture, and engagement with its hospitable local communities. Canada annually opens its doors to numerous visitors seeking outdoor adventures, distinct cultural encounters, and the warmth of its populace. The Canadian tourism sector is highly developed and easy to navigate for foreign nationals from all destinations. While some nationalities can enter Canada visa-free or by obtaining an electronic travel authorization (eTA), others must apply for their Canada tourist visa in advance.
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Who Needs a Canada Visa?
Passport holders from the following countries must obtain a visa before entering Canada:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo (Democratic Republic of), Congo (Republic of), Costa Rica, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, 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, Macao Special Administrative Region, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives Islands, 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 (holder of non-electronic passports), Russia, Rwanda, Sao Tomé e Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sudan, Surinam, 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
Canada Tourist Visa Validity
The Canada tourist visa is a type of Visitor Visa or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) that is specifically issued for tourism purposes. Visitor Visas can be issued for stays of up to six (6) months. The final duration of stay is determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry in Canada.
Canada Tourist Visa Requirements
To apply for a Canada tourist visa, applicants must submit the following required documents:
A valid passport
The applicant should hold a valid passport or travel document with at least one (1) blank page for official use. They should also provide a copy of the bio-data page with the identification details and photograph clearly shown and a copy of any relevant visas or stamps.
Personal photographs
Two (2) recent, personal photographs must be provided that measure at least 3.5cm x 4.5cm and were taken on a white or light background. Applicants must have a neutral expression with their mouth closed and their head and shoulders must be included. The photographs must have been taken within the last six (6) months. You may not need to submit a paper photograph if you have already taken a biometric photo. The digital photograph captured during the biometrics process will be utilized for your application.
Biometric data
Applicants must provide their fingerprints and have their photograph taken at the nearest VAC.
Completed IMM 5654 Form
Applicants 18 and above must complete this form with all their family information.
Payment for visa fees
Applicants must possess a valid credit or debit card to pay the visa fees online. Biometric fees will also apply that must be paid at the relevant VAC.
Additional documents may be required by the IRCC or the border service officers depending on the applicant’s nationality and their intended purpose of stay in Canada.
Canada Tourist Visa Application
Applying for a Canada tourist visa is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps online.
The following are the basic steps applicants can follow to complete their tourist visa application:
Required documents may vary depending on the applicant’s nationality so it’s important to check the guidelines before beginning the application process.
Applicants must register for an account if they don’t have one already. They can create their account online and log in through the GCKey or a Sign-in Partner.
The application form must be completed accurately and all personal/contact details must match the applicant’s passport and/or official documents.
The required documents can be uploaded online and must meet all guidelines as stipulated by the IRCC online.
Visa fees can be paid online using a valid credit or debit card. In some cases, fees can be paid at a VAC when the application is filed.
Applicants must provide their biometrics including fingerprints and a photograph at the nearest VAC. Fees will apply, so applicants must provide a valid form of payment.
If the application is approved, the applicant will receive instructions for sending in their passport. Once officials receive the passport, the new tourist visa will be stuck inside on one of the blank visa pages.
Canada Tourist Visa Fees
The fees for a Canada tourist visa will vary depending on the applicant’s nationality. The fees typically start at 100 CAD. The fees for the biometrics appointment start at 85 CAD. Regardless of the application outcome, all fees are nonrefundable.
Where to Apply
Applications for a Canada tourist visa can be submitted online through the official IRCC website. To initiate the application process, individuals can create an account and log in using the provided GCKey. For added accessibility, those with an existing account through one of Canada’s recognized government partners can also utilize their online Canadian banking information for streamlined sign-in.
In certain cases, depending on the applicant’s specific circumstances, additional steps may be necessary. Some individuals might need to attend a Visa Application Center (VAC) for biometric data submission or other essential procedures.
Canada Tourist Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a Canada tourist visa will depend on the complexity of the application and the applicant’s nationality. Applicants should check the most up-to-date processing estimates while preparing to submit their visa application and plan accordingly.
Approved Visa Applications
If the Canada tourist visa application is approved, the applicant will receive two letters to their IRCC online account. One will be a decision letter and the second will be a letter with instructions to send their passport to the relevant officials to have their new visa stuck inside.
New tourist visa holders can proceed with their travel plans to Canada. It’s important to note that the final duration of stay will be determined by the border officers at the port of entry in Canada.
Denied Visa Applications
If the Canada tourist visa application is denied, the applicant will also be sent a letter to their IRCC online account. The letter will explain why the application was refused. There is no official process to appeal a negative application decision. Applicants can re-apply if their situation changes or they have new information they can submit that might change the application outcome.
FAQ
A Canada tourist visa is a travel document that allows the holder to travel to Canada for up to six (6) months for tourism purposes. The tourist visa is a type of Canada Visitor Visa.
Yes, most applicants can obtain their Canada tourist visa by submitting the application online and attending a biometrics appointment at their nearest Visa Application Center (VAC).
Most tourist visa holders can stay in Canada for up to six (6) months. However, it’s important to note that the final decision on the duration of stay is made by the border officer upon arrival at the port of entry in Canada.
The fees for the Canada tourist visa can vary depending on the applicant’s nationality. Fees generally start at 100 CAD. There is also a fee for the biometrics appointment which starts at 85 CAD.