What do you need to do to go to canada

All are required to have a valid passport that does not expire within six months of your trip. To find out if you need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), complete the questionnaire on the Visit Canada page.

Table of Contents Show

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Biometrics Expansion
COVID-19 Travel Requirements
All travellers
If you’re transiting through Canada
Check your passport and travel documents before you travel
Passport validity
UK Emergency Travel Documents
Travelling with children
Do you need to be vaccinated to get into Canada?
What do you need to cross the Canadian border by car?

For US citizens traveling on an US passport (land, air, or sea) or an US passport card (land or sea) you are not required to have either a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the U.S. must show the following documents for all methods of travel to Canada:

a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and

a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)

https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=1053&top=16

Processing times for visa applications vary depending on the visa office and the time of the year. Participants are encouraged to check processing times to find out how long it takes to process most applications. Each application is different and takes a different amount of time to process. Canada can give you an estimate, based on your application type. If you’ve already applied, learn how to check your application status.

Participants are encouraged to apply at least 12 weeks in advance of their departure date to ensure they receive the visa in time for the start of the event.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Special Event Code for this event is: 22ESAC

Biometrics Expansion

Since the summer of 2018, when you apply for a visitor visa, study or work permit (except U.S. nationals), or permanent residence you need to give your fingerprints and a photo. To facilitate repeat travel to Canada, applicants for a visitor visa, study or work permit will only need to give their biometrics once every 10 years.

For additional information on whether or not you require a biometric, please refer to our fast facts about Biometrics.

COVID-19 Travel Requirements

COVID-19 Requirements to be able to enter Canada as of May 15, 2022:

No sign or symptoms of COVID-19 (if you have symptoms of COVID-19, you will not be allowed into Canada).
If you are not fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine or a combinate of accepted vaccines you are required to quarantine for 14 days at your own expense.
If you are fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine or a combination of accepted vaccines you are not required to quarantine for 14 days.
You have received your last dose at least 14 days prior to the day you enter Canada (ex: if your last dose was anytime on Wednesday September 1st, then Thursday, September 16th would be the first day that you meet the 14-day condition)
You are required to upload your proof of vaccination into the ArriveCAN app within 72 hours before you travel.
You must meet all other entry requirements (for example, current passport, visa, if required).
As of July 19th, Canada has resumed randomly selecting travelers on arrival to complete a COVID-19 test. The type of test depends on how you are traveling to Canada.
- If you are arriving by air and have been selected, you will be notified by email within 15 minutes of completing your customs declaration and receiving your kiosk receipt. The email will be sent to the same email address you used for ArriveCAN and will have important information about where and when to get tested. Your test is free and should be completed by the end of the next calendar day.
- If you are arriving by land and have been selected, you will be given a self-swab kit when you arrive at a border crossing. You will complete your self-swab kit via a virtual telehealth appointment. You will need to follow the instructions in your self-swab kit to complete the test at your destination. If you are unable to complete a video consultation, contact your test provider for alternate testing options.

Checklist items to have with you for assessment by a Border Services Officer:

ArriveCAN receipt with uploaded proofs of vaccination
– 2 images for 2 doses
Your original proof of vaccination
This Canadian Border Control letter for ESA/CSEE meeting attendees
Other travel documents (passport, itineraries, etc.)

Due to changing requirements the Government of Canada COVID-19 page will have the most current information about entering the country.

This page has information on travelling to Canada.

This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Canada set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Canada’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.

All travellers

Visitors travelling to Canada by air are now expected to get an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) to enter Canada.

If you’re visiting Canada you’ll need an eTA to board your flight unless you’re otherwise exempted (for example, if you have a valid Canadian visa or a permanent resident card). If you have British-Canadian dual nationality you won’t be able to apply for an eTA and you’ll need to present a valid Canadian passport to board your flight to Canada.

If you’re travelling by land or sea, you won’t need an eTA when you enter Canada. However, you must travel with acceptable travel documents and identification.

For more information about the eTA system, and to apply online, visit the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) website.

Effective 1 October 2022, all travellers, regardless of citizenship, no longer have to:

submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website
provide proof of vaccination
undergo pre- or on-arrival testing
carry out COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation
monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving to Canada
undergo health checks for travel on air and rail; or
wear masks on flights and intercity trains.

Also with effect from 1 October 2022, COVID-19 measures for cruise ships have been lifted. Travellers are no longer required to take pre-board tests, be vaccinated, or submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app.

Travellers who entered Canada in the 14 days prior to 1 October 2022 will not be required to complete the remainder of their quarantine or isolation, or complete their testing requirements.

Although the masking requirement has been lifted, the Government of Canada strongly recommends that all travellers wear high quality and well-fitted masks during their journeys.

The Government of Canada requests that you do not travel if you have symptoms of COVID-19. If you are sick on arrival in Canada you may be referred to a quarantine officer.

You must continue to follow any provincial or territorial COVID-19 requirements as applicable. Check guidance for each province and territory.

While you no longer have to submit your quarantine and vaccination information through the ArriveCAN app, you may use the optional Advance Declaration feature in ArriveCAN to submit your customs and immigration declaration in advance of arrival.

See Government of Canada website for further details.

If you’re transiting through Canada

You may be permitted to transit through Canada to reach another country. If you are transiting through Canada, you must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), unless you are otherwise exempted (for example, if you have a valid Canadian visa or a permanent resident card).

Further information about transiting through Canada can be found on the Transit through Canada webpage. If you have any further questions, you should contact your airline, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, or your nearest Canadian high commission, embassy or consulate.

Check your passport and travel documents before you travel

Passport validity

If you are visiting Canada, your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.

Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Visas

British Citizens don’t usually need a visa to visit Canada for short periods, but you’ll need to get an Electronic Travel Authorisation before you travel (see below).

If you have a different type of British nationality or intend to travel for a longer period, such as for work or study, check entry requirements with the Canadian High Commission. Effective from 31 July 2018, you may need to give your fingerprints and photos (biometrics) at a visa application centre when applying for a study or work permit, or permanent residence. When you arrive in Canada, you will need to be able to show that you have enough funds available to support yourself during your stay, even if you’re staying with family and friends.

If you have any doubts about whether you’re eligible to enter Canada (eg if you have a criminal record or have been arrested even if it did not result in a conviction), or about visa matters generally, contact the Canadian High Commission before you travel.

Some unauthorised websites charge for submitting visa applications. These websites are not endorsed by or associated with the Canadian government. Be wary of such sites and businesses, particularly those that seek additional fees.

UK Emergency Travel Documents

UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Canada. You can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation using an ETD.

Travelling with children

If you’re travelling with children and only one parent is present, you should carry a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent. Immigration officers have the right to question children using simple and appropriate language to establish whether there are any concerns about child abduction. A letter of consent may help to dispel potential concerns.

For further information check with the Canadian High Commission or the Canada Border Services Agency.

Do you need to be vaccinated to get into Canada?

Do you need to be vaccinated to enter Canada? According to the Canadian government travel website, vaccination is no longer required to enter the country. Previous policies including mandatory use of the ArriveCAN app, proof of vaccination, pre- or on-arrival testing, quarantine and health checks have also been lifted.

What do you need to cross the Canadian border by car?

If you are a citizen of the United States over the age of 16, you will need a Passport, a Passport Card or Enhanced Driver's Licence (only issued by certain states) to enter Canada. If you are travelling by air, you are required to have a passport, regardless of age.