One of the most stunning nations on earth is Canada. In Alberta, there is a lot to see and do, from the breathtaking magnificence of Niagara Falls to the expansive regions of the state. You should begin organizing your trip as soon as you can to make sure you have everything you’ll need before you depart.
One of the most crucial things to keep in mind is your visa. So how long can you stay in Canada without a visa? Let’s look at what is happening.
Can I Stay in Canada Without a Visa?
Your alternatives will be constrained if you’re coming from a nation where a visa is necessary to enter Canada. You will need one to enter the country if your name is not on the list of permitted tourists. If you’re from a nation that doesn’t require a visa for entry, you can stay in Canada for up to six months without one. The following countries 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 good 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 trouble 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 visit the eTA Check Progress website if you have previously applied for an eTA and would like to check the status of your application.
Places to Go in Canada as a Tourist
The Falls of Niagara
Three distinct waterfalls combine to form Niagara Falls. The biggest waterfall, Horseshoe Falls, is located in Canada. From there across the river you can view both American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls in New York.
Both a boat excursion to the base of the falls and an aerial view from the Skylon Tower are options. Both families and lone travelers will like this location.
Whistler, British Columbia
The Canadian province of British Columbia is home to the ski resort town of Whistler. It takes about two hours to get there by car, and about three hours to get there by bus or train from Vancouver. World-class skiers are known to flock to Whistler Blackcomb.
Summertime activities include mountain biking, hiking, and water sports on the neighboring lakes. Whistler hosts a multitude of activities all year long that bring visitors from all around the world.
Numerous top-notch eateries serving a wide variety of international cuisines may be found in Whistler. Fast food restaurants like Subway, Quiznos, and McDonald’s are available if you’re on a tight schedule or budget.
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
Gros Morne National Park is as breathtaking as natural beauty gets. With its towering cliffs, beautiful beaches, and several lakes, Gros Morne National Park offers something for everyone. In reality, this national park was named after the second-highest mountain in Eastern Canada.
The national park is home to numerous species of wildlife, including moose and black bears. There are numerous hiking trails here, and if you’re lucky, you might even see a caribou!
Western Brook Pond is one of Gros Morne National Park’s most prominent features. This lovely body of water is located at the end of a mountainous fjord. During the ice age, glaciers sculpted the fjord thousands of years ago.
If you are a citizen of one of the above countries, you do not require a visa to enter Canada. 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, you should strive to avoid this. This is because you risk losing your travel authorization and being unable to use the eTA in the future. If you need to stay in Canada for a longer period of time, you should extend your eTA.
How can I extend my stay in Canada as a visitor ?
You can apply to extend your stay in Canada online or through a paper application via courier or mail. However, applying online is much quicker and the IRCC will receive your application immediately.
How many times can I travel to Canada on an eTA?
You can travel to Canada as many times as you like within a 6-month timeframe. You can do so until your eTA or passport expires, whichever comes first