One of the world’s most beautiful nations is Canada.
From the majesty of Niagara Falls to the wide-open spaces of the state, there is a lot to see and do in Alberta.
To make sure you have everything you’ll need before you depart, you should start planning your trip as soon as possible.
One of the most crucial things to keep in mind is your visa.
In Canada, how long can you remain without a visa?
Let’s find out.
Can I Stay in Canada Without a Visa?
You won’t have many options if you’re coming from a nation where you need a visa to visit Canada.
You will need one if your name is not on the list of permitted visitors in order to enter the country.
If you are from a nation that does not require a visa, you are permitted a maximum stay of six months in Canada. The countries in the following list can visit Canada without a visa:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belgium
- British citizen
- Anguilla
- Bermuda
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
- Gibraltar
- Montserrat
- Pitcairn Island
- Saint Helena
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Brunei Darussalam
- Bulgaria
- Chile
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel must have a national Israeli passport
- Italy
- Japan
- Republic of Korea
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Papua New Guinea
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania (electronic passport holders only)
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan, must have an ordinary passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that includes the personal identification number
- United Arab Emirates
- Vatican City State, must have a passport or travel document issued by the Vatican.
So, what are your options for staying in Canada without a visa?
You’ll need to apply for an electronic Go Authorization in order to lawfully travel to Canada without a visa (eTA).
What is an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)?
If you are not a citizen of Canada and have a valid passport from a nation that does not require a visa for entry, you may apply for an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter the country by air.
An eTA is a digital document that links your passport electronically and attests that you meet Canada’s entry requirements.
Your eTA is going to be valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Unless you intend to take a connecting flight within Canada to fly back home, you do not require an eTA if you are entering Canada by land or sea.
How Can I Apply for an eTA?
You must submit biographical data together with a legitimate payment option, like a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit card, when requesting an eTA.
You can complete the application in less than 10 minutes.
There is a video that explains everything you need to know if you’re having difficulty filling out the form, and it’s available in several different languages.
Until your passport expires or five years from now, whichever comes first, the authorization is valid.
The fee for processing is $7 CAD.
You need a working email address in order to receive your confirmation email from the eTA.
You’ll get an email with directions on how to access and print your eTA if you’ve been accepted.
Please note if you have already applied for an eTA and would like to review the status of your application, please visit the eTA Check Status page.
Places to Go in Canada as a Tourist
— The Falls of Niagara
Actually, there are three separate waterfalls that makeup Niagara Falls. On the Canadian side are the largest, Horseshoe Falls.
In New York, Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls are both visible from that vantage point across the river.
Both a ground view from the Skylon Tower and a lovely boat excursion to the base of the falls are available. Both single travelers and families should visit this location.
— Whistler, British Columbia
In the Canadian province of British Columbia, the town of Whistler is a ski resort.
It takes about two hours to get there from Vancouver by car, and somewhat longer by bus or train.
The best skiers in the world are renowned to visit Whistler Blackcomb.
Summertime activities include hiking, mountain biking, and participating in water sports at surrounding lakes.
Numerous activities that take place in Whistler throughout the year bring visitors from all over the world.
There are several top-notch restaurants in Whistler that provide a wide variety of international cuisines.
Fast food restaurants like Subway, Quiznos and McDonald’s are options if you’re on a budget or pressed for time.
— The Island of Vancouver
The best-kept secret in Canada is Vancouver Island.
It’s on the west coast and only a short ferry trip from the mainland.
There is plenty of space for you to explore with a surface area of more than 30,000 square kilometers and a length of over 500 kilometers.
The largest island off the west coast of North America offers exploration opportunities in over 4,000 provincial parks and marine areas.
Additionally, you may encounter a climate that is different from that of British Columbia’s main island depending on where you go.
There are several ways to explore Vancouver Island, including kayaking, strolling the beaches, and swimming in the saltwater rivers at Rathetrevor Beach.
— Gros Morne National Park
As far as natural beauty goes, Gros Morne National Park is unmatched.
With its high cliffs, beautiful beaches, and several lakes, Gros Morne National Park offers something for everyone.
Actually, the second-highest mountain in Eastern Canada is whence this national park gets its name.
Among the numerous wildlife species that can be found in the national park are moose and black bears.
There are many hiking trails here, and if you’re lucky, you might even see some caribou!
One of Gros Morne National Park’s most visited attractions is Western Brook Pond.
This stunning expanse of water is located at the end of a mountainous fjord.
The fjord was formed by glaciers thousands of years ago, during the ice age.
You do not need a visa to enter Canada if you are a national of one of the nations mentioned above.
The next step is to start the eTA application process.
What happens if you stay in Canada longer than 6 months?
If at all possible, try to stay away from this.
This is due to the possibility of losing your travel authorization and losing future access to the eTA.
You should extend your eTA if you need to stay in Canada for a longer period of time.
How can I extend my stay in Canada as a visitor?
You can submit an online or physical application to extend your stay in Canada through courier or mail.
However, submitting an application online is substantially faster, and the IRCC will get it right away.
How many times can I travel to Canada on an eTA?
Within a 6-month period, you may make as many trips as you desire to Canada.
This can be done up until the earlier of your eTA’s or your passport’s expiration date.