Travel to Canada
IMPORTANT INFORMATION - POSSIBLE DELAY IN ISSUING VISAS
Due to the strike of federal agents, Immigration Canada has warned the national federations that there will be many delays in issuing visas. If some athletes need a visa for our events, they should submit their request as soon as possible and if they need letters of invitation, we should receive their request ideally as soon as possible too.
eTA - Electronic Travel Authorization
Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada. Go the The Government of Canada's official website to apply for an eTA. It only costs $7 CAD. Most eTA applications are approved within minutes of applying.
What is an eTA ?
An eTA is an entry requirement for travellers from visa-exempt countries who fly to or transit through Canada and is valid for up to five years or until the passport you used to apply for your eTA expires.
An eTA allows you to travel to Canada many times, and stay for up to six months (the border officer will tell you know how long you can stay).
Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA.
Be prepared: Apply for an eTA before you book your flight to Canada. Most applicants get approved within minutes. However, some applications can take several days to process so don’t wait until the last minute.
Find answers to questions about applying for an eTA HERE
Canadian Visa Documentation and Requirements from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)
DO YOU NEED A TRAVEL VISA FOR CANADA ?
YES! Review the process below and apply soon. Visa processing time varies depending on your home country, from 4 to 99 days. Check for more information from CIC HERE.
Some countries requiring a Canadian temporary resident’s visa may experience difficulties during the application process. To avoid unexpected delays, a key component of the application will be strong proof that you WILL return home for personal reasons such as work, family etc.
APPLY FOR TEMPORARY RESIDENCE VISA AS A VISITOR, NOT A STUDENT OR WORKING VISA.
NO! You can skip the rest of the process below, but you still need:
• A valid passport issued from a country that does not require travel visas for Canada.
• Your return airline ticket.
• Address while in Montreal / Canada – hotel or residence.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE TO APPLY ONLINE ? Click HERE
To apply online you must have:
• Access to a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents to upload
• A valid credit card for payment.
DO YOU NEED TO PROVIDE BIOMETRICS (fingerprints, photograph) ?
Several countries need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) when they apply for a visa.
If you need to give biometrics (fingerprints and photograph), and you are applying on paper, do not mail in your application. Submit your application in person to the visa application centre (VAC) nearest you. VAC staff will check that your application is complete and will confirm that you have paid the correct fees before you can give your biometrics. If you are applying from within the United States, submit your application online.
DO YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION ?
Here are some useful web links:
• Do you need a visa? click here
• Do you need application forms? click here
• What is the expected processing time for my country? click here
• If I need a medical certificate, where can I find a panel doctor: click here
