Canada eTA & Visa Guide for BC Visitors

Who needs what to enter Canada

Canada’s entry requirements divide visitors into three groups:

Group 1 — eTA required (visa-exempt countries): Citizens of the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and most other European and developed-world countries. The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a digital pre-authorization linked to your passport. It costs CAD 7 and takes minutes to apply for. Most people receive it within minutes by email, though the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) notes that some applications may take several days.

Group 2 — Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) required: Citizens of countries that do not have a visa-exempt agreement with Canada, including China, India, the Philippines, Brazil, Mexico, and many others. A TRV (also called a visitor visa) requires an application through the IRCC website or a Canadian visa application centre, a processing fee of CAD 100, and biometric data collection (fingerprints and photo, CAD 85 for an individual or CAD 170 for a family).

Group 3 — Neither required: US citizens and US lawful permanent residents (green card holders) may enter Canada without an eTA or TRV. US permanent residents entering by air must carry their green card.

The full list of countries in each category is maintained at the IRCC website (ircc.canada.ca). Countries change categories occasionally — always verify your current requirements before booking.

The eTA: everything you need to know

What the eTA is and what it is not

The eTA is not a visa. It is an entry pre-authorization that gives Canadian border officers advance information about an incoming traveller. Holding a valid eTA does not guarantee entry to Canada — a border officer retains the right to refuse entry — but in practice, eTA refusals at the border are rare for leisure visitors from visa-exempt countries with straightforward travel histories.

The eTA is valid for five years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires (whichever comes first). During those five years, you may enter Canada as many times as you like. Stays in Canada are generally limited to six months per visit.

How to apply for the eTA

1. Go to the official IRCC eTA application page: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html
2. Have your passport, credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or AmEx), and email address ready
3. Complete the form — name, date of birth, passport number, contact details, basic health and criminal history questions
4. Pay the CAD 7 fee
5. Submit and check your email. Most approvals arrive within minutes; some take longer

Critical: Apply only through the official Government of Canada website. Multiple unofficial sites charge significantly more (CAD 30–100) for the same application and some are outright scams. The URL should be canada.ca — not .com, not .net, not any other domain.

Common reasons for eTA complications

• Name discrepancy: Your name on the eTA must exactly match your passport. Minor spelling variations can cause problems at check-in
• Expired passport: If you renew your passport, your existing eTA does not transfer — apply for a new one linked to your new passport number
• Criminal history: Even minor offences (including DUI/DWI) can affect eTA eligibility. Applicants with relevant history should disclose truthfully
• Previous visa refusals: Refusals from Canada or other countries should generally be disclosed

Applying for a new eTA after passport renewal

Many repeat visitors to Canada overlook this. Your eTA is tied to a specific passport number. When you renew your passport, your old eTA becomes invalid even if it has not expired in terms of date. Apply for a new eTA immediately after renewing. The process is identical and costs the same CAD 7.

The Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

If you require a TRV, the process is more involved than the eTA but straightforward if you follow the steps correctly.

What you need

• Completed online or paper application form (IMM 5257)
• Valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity beyond your planned departure from Canada)
• Passport-size photos meeting IRCC specifications
• Proof of financial means (bank statements, employment letter, pay stubs)
• Proof of ties to your home country (property, employment, family)
• Travel itinerary or accommodation bookings
• Application fee: CAD 100 (individual) or CAD 500 (family)
• Biometrics: CAD 85 per person (CAD 170 for families), collected at a designated biometric collection point

Processing times

Processing times for visitor visas vary significantly by country and time of year. The IRCC’s website lists current processing times by country. In most cases, applications are processed within 2–8 weeks. Apply as early as possible — IRCC advises applying at least several weeks before your travel date.

Online vs paper: Online applications are generally processed faster and allow you to track your application status in real time. Paper applications submitted to a visa application centre take longer and involve additional steps.

If you have visited Canada before

Previous visits to Canada with no issues are generally viewed favourably. If you have been refused entry or have had a visa refused in the past, disclose this — failure to disclose is considered misrepresentation and carries serious consequences.

At the Canadian border: what to expect

Whether you arrive by air at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), by land crossing from Washington State, or by other means, the border process for leisure visitors is generally smooth.

At YVR (Vancouver International Airport)

CBSA kiosk: Most international passengers proceed through a row of automated kiosks that scan your passport, take your photo, and print a receipt. Canadian citizens and permanent residents use the NEXUS/fast-track lanes. All others join the primary inspection line.

Primary inspection: A Canada Border Services Agency officer reviews your passport and kiosk receipt, asks the purpose and duration of your visit, where you are staying, and how much money you have. Honest, brief answers are best. “Touring British Columbia — Vancouver, Whistler, Victoria and Tofino — for 10 days” is a complete answer.

Secondary inspection: A small percentage of travellers are referred to secondary inspection for more detailed questioning. This is not necessarily a sign of any problem — it can be random. If referred, cooperate fully and answer questions honestly.

What to have ready:

• Passport (and eTA if applicable — it is linked digitally, but have your email confirmation)
• Completed customs declaration card (or the digital version via the ArriveCAN app)
• Your accommodation address for the first night
• Return flight details or evidence of onward travel
• Credit cards or cash evidence of sufficient funds

Land crossings from the United States

The main BC land crossings are at Blaine, WA (Peace Arch and Pacific Highway), which connect to Vancouver. Queues can be significant on summer weekends, particularly on Friday evenings northbound. The CBSA and US CBP both publish current wait times on their websites and apps.

ArriveCAN and digital tools

The ArriveCAN app was mandatory during the COVID-19 pandemic period and is now optional but convenient. It allows you to submit customs and immigration information before you arrive, speeding up the kiosk process. Download it from the App Store or Google Play. It is maintained by the CBSA.

Entry requirements for specific situations

Travelling with children

Children travelling with only one parent or with adults who are not their parents should carry a letter of consent from the other parent or parents, including contact information. CBSA officers may ask for this, particularly in cases where the adult’s surname differs from the child’s.

Criminal records

Canada has strict policies on criminal inadmissibility. Even charges that were dropped or convictions for which you have served your sentence may affect your admissibility. DUI/DWI convictions are a particularly common issue for US visitors — Canada treats DUI as an indictable offence (equivalent to a felony) and people with DUI convictions may be refused entry.

If you have any criminal history, consult the IRCC website or an immigration lawyer before travelling. Criminal Rehabilitation and Temporary Resident Permits are mechanisms for addressing inadmissibility — both require advance application.

Medical insurance

Canada has no universal health coverage for visitors. Medical costs for non-residents are high — an emergency room visit, hospitalisation, or evacuation can run tens of thousands of dollars. Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended for all visitors to BC. Check whether your existing credit card travel insurance provides adequate coverage.

Planning your BC trip after entry

Once in Canada, BC visitors typically base themselves in Vancouver for the first days. The airport (YVR) is connected to downtown by the Canada Line SkyTrain (26 minutes, CAD 9) — no need for a taxi or rideshare unless you have heavy luggage.

For a road trip around BC, see the 7-day BC itinerary or the 10-day extended Pacific loop. For driving logistics, the car rental in BC guide covers the YVR pickup strategy, one-way options, and driving tips.

For general best time to visit BC, the seasonal guide covers month-by-month weather, events, and booking considerations.

Browse Vancouver arrival tours and experiences

Key facts summary

Detail	eTA	Visitor Visa (TRV)
Who needs it	Visa-exempt country citizens	Non-visa-exempt country citizens
Cost	CAD 7	CAD 100 + biometrics (CAD 85/person)
Validity	5 years or passport expiry	Single or multiple entry, typically 6 months per stay
Processing	Usually minutes; sometimes days	2–8 weeks typically
Application	Online only (canada.ca)	Online or via visa application centre
Biometrics	Not required	Required

Entry requirements and processing times change. Always verify current requirements at ircc.canada.ca before your trip.