Canada eTA and visa guide for BC visitors

Entry requirements for Canada depend on three factors: your citizenship, how you are arriving (air, land, sea), and the purpose of your visit. For the majority of international travellers visiting British Columbia, the process is straightforward — either nothing is needed (US citizens), a quick online eTA is required (UK, EU, Australia, and most developed economies), or a Temporary Resident Visa is needed (citizens of many Asian, African, Latin American, and Middle Eastern countries).

This guide covers the practical reality of entering Canada for a BC holiday. For official and up-to-date information, always consult canada.ca/eta or your nearest Canadian visa office — rules change periodically.

Who needs what: a quick overview

US citizens (and US green card holders travelling by air): No eTA and no visa needed. Bring a passport for air travel; passport or enhanced driver’s licence is accepted for land/sea entry.

Visa-exempt visitors arriving by air: eTA required. Covers UK, EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, most of Latin America (Chile, Argentina, Mexico under certain conditions), Israel, and about 50 other countries. See the full list at canada.ca/eta.

Visa-exempt visitors arriving by land or sea: No eTA needed. Just bring your passport.

Visitors from visa-required countries: Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) required regardless of mode of travel. This applies to citizens of India, China, Philippines, Brazil (air only), Thailand, Vietnam, most African countries, and many more. Application can take 2-8 weeks depending on nationality and processing centre.

Permanent residents of the US (Green Card holders): Historically exempt from eTA but as of 2022, must hold a valid eTA or a Canadian visa depending on nationality. A special PR-based eTA process exists — check the Canada.ca site.

The Canada eTA: how it works

The Electronic Travel Authorisation is an online pre-screening linked to your passport. It costs CAD $7, is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, and allows multiple entries of up to six months each.

Application process:

1. Visit canada.ca/eta (the only official site — beware of third-party scam sites charging CAD $50+)
2. Complete the online form (passport details, employment, contact info, travel history)
3. Pay CAD $7 by credit card
4. Receive email approval — usually within minutes, occasionally within 72 hours

Common reasons for delayed or refused eTAs:

• Prior criminal convictions (including DUIs)
• Prior immigration violations (overstays in any country)
• Medical inadmissibility
• Misrepresentation on the form

If your eTA is refused, you may be instructed to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa instead, which requires a full application with supporting documents.

eTA is required only for air travel to Canada. If you are driving across from the US or arriving by cruise or ferry, no eTA is needed — show your passport at the border.

The Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

Citizens of visa-required countries need a TRV for any Canadian visit, regardless of mode of arrival.

Application process:

1. Gather documents: passport, proof of funds, itinerary, proof of ties to home country (job, property, family)
2. Apply online through the IRCC portal or at a Visa Application Centre
3. Pay the CAD $100 application fee plus biometrics (CAD $85)
4. Attend biometrics appointment (fingerprints, photo)
5. Wait for processing — 2 to 8 weeks typical, longer for some nationalities

Single-entry vs. multiple-entry: Canada generally issues multiple-entry visas valid for up to 10 years (or until passport expiry). You can request single-entry if needed, but multiple-entry is default.

Approval factors: Immigration officers assess whether you have convincing ties to your home country (so you will return), sufficient funds for your trip, and a genuine travel purpose. Strong employment, family, and previous travel history all help.

Arriving at Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

For most international visitors to BC, the first encounter with Canadian immigration is at YVR. The process is generally smooth:

1. Primary Inspection Kiosk (PIK) — self-service kiosks where you scan your passport, answer questions, and receive a printed receipt. Most visitors use these. Canadian/US citizens use the same kiosks.
2. Customs declaration — built into the PIK process. Declare any goods over CAD $800 duty-free limit, commercial samples, or anything of concern.
3. Secondary inspection — about 5% of travellers are routed for additional questioning. Be patient, answer truthfully, and provide any documentation requested (onward ticket, hotel booking, etc.).

Typical documents to have ready:

• Valid passport (must be valid for at least the duration of your stay)
• Printed or digital copy of your eTA approval (for visa-exempt air travellers)
• Hotel booking or accommodation confirmation for the first few nights
• Proof of onward travel (return flight ticket)
• Travel insurance policy (recommended but not mandatory)
• Proof of funds (bank statement, credit card, cash)

Length of stay: Most tourist admissions are granted for six months by default. Some officers specify a shorter period based on your stated travel dates — the date will be stamped in your passport.

Land border entry from the US

Road travellers from the US enter BC via multiple border crossings: Peace Arch/Douglas (Blaine-Surrey, busiest), Pacific Highway (Blaine-Surrey, truck-focused), Aldergrove/Lynden, Abbotsford-Sumas, and smaller crossings further east. The busiest crossings can have 1-3 hour waits on summer weekends — use the CBSA Border Wait Times tool at cbsa-asfc.gc.ca to plan.

Requirements are simpler than air entry: passport (Canadian/US citizens and residents) or passport with eTA/TRV for others. NEXUS card holders can use the expedited NEXUS lane for very fast crossing.

NEXUS — for frequent US-Canada border crossers, the NEXUS programme is worthwhile. USD $50 for five years of expedited border clearance in both directions. Application requires an interview at an enrolment centre and background check.

Canada eTA scams to avoid

Only apply for your eTA at canada.ca/eta. Third-party sites offer the same service at inflated prices (CAD $50-100) while doing nothing more than submitting the official form on your behalf. Official eTA is CAD $7, paid directly to the Government of Canada by credit card, and approval is typically instant.

Working, studying, or other visit purposes

This guide covers tourist visits. If you intend to work, study, or settle in Canada, different immigration streams apply — work permits, study permits, Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, etc. These require applications through IRCC and are outside the scope of eTA/TRV.

Casual work (even unpaid volunteering that replaces a local job) on a tourist visa can result in refused entry. If in doubt, consult a licensed Canadian immigration consultant.

Practical BC trip planning links

Once entry is sorted, see:

• BC car rental guide — pickup logistics at YVR
• BC driving distances — planning realistic routes
• BC Ferries guide — essential for Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands
• Best time to visit BC — seasonal planning

Browse BC tours and experiences to plan your trip

Frequently asked questions about Canada eTA and visa guide for BC visitors

How much does a Canada eTA cost?

CAD $7 if applied for directly at canada.ca/eta. Any third-party site charging more is a re-seller — use the official site.

How long does eTA approval take?

Usually within minutes. Occasionally up to 72 hours if manual review is triggered. Apply at least one week before travel to allow for any delays.

Do I need an eTA if I’m driving into Canada from the US?

No. eTA is required only for air travel. Land entry requires only your passport and (if applicable) your TRV.

Can I enter Canada with a DUI?

A Driving Under the Influence conviction in your home country is grounds for refusal of entry to Canada. Options exist — Temporary Resident Permit, Criminal Rehabilitation — but require preparation. Consult an immigration professional before travel if you have a DUI or similar conviction.

How long can I stay in Canada as a tourist?

Typically six months, but the specific duration is determined by the border officer and may be stamped in your passport. Your stated travel plans inform the decision. For extensions, apply before your current admission expires.

Does my passport need validity beyond my stay?

Canada requires that your passport be valid for the duration of your stay. Unlike many countries, there is no 6-month validity rule. But most airlines will not let you board if your passport expires within 6 months of travel — check airline rules separately.

Is travel insurance required to enter Canada?

Not legally required, but strongly recommended. Canadian healthcare is not free for visitors — emergency hospital costs can exceed CAD $5,000 per day without insurance. Border officers may ask whether you have coverage.