If you’re a US citizen and want to travel to Canada, here’s what you need to know.
Yes, U.S. citizens can travel to Canada. They do not need a visa for travel, but they will need a passport. U.S. citizens can stay in Canada for up to six months.
While Canada limits non-essential overseas travel by land, sea, and air, properly vaccinated US citizens and lawful permanent residents may be able to enter.
To enter Canada, all Americans, including dual citizens, must have valid identification and complete basic standards. If you have a valid US passport, you can enter Canada without a Canadian passport, visa, or eTA.
If you are a citizen of the United States, you will need a valid passport to enter Canada.
You do not need a visa if you are traveling for business or pleasure and will be staying in Canada for less than six months.
If you plan to stay longer than six months, you will need to apply for a temporary resident visa. You will also need to have a valid U.S. green card if you are a permanent resident of the United States.
How to get Temporary Visa to Canada
The first step is to determine if you need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. If you are not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada, and you want to visit Canada for tourism, business, work, study, or to live with family, for more than six months, you will need a TRV.
There are two ways to apply for a TRV: online or on paper.
If you are applying online, you will need to:
- Create an account and log in to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website
- Fill out the online application form
- Pay the application fee
- Submit your biometrics (fingerprints and a photo)
- Receive your TRV
If you are applying on paper, you will need to:
- Get the application package
- Fill out the application form
- Include all the required documents
- Pay the application fee
- Mail your application to the IRCC office
- Receive your TRV
You will need to include the following documents with your application:
- A valid passport or travel document
- Two recent passport photographs
- Proof of funds
- A letter of invitation from someone in Canada (if applicable)
- Other documents that may be required (depending on your situation)
Once you have submitted your application, you will need to wait for a decision from the IRCC.
If your application is approved, you will receive your TRV in the mail. You will need to present your TRV when you arrive in Canada.
Documents needed for US citizens to travel to Canada
If you’re a US citizen, here are the documents you need to carry with you when traveling to Canada.
- ArriveCAN receipt
An ArriveCAN receipt is a physical or electronic document that proves that a person has arrived at their destination. It can be used to confirm travel plans, track arrival times, or simply provide proof of travel. The receipt usually includes the date, time, and location of arrival, as well as the name and contact information of the traveler. - Pre-entry test results (for COVID)
- Proof of vaccination
- Other travel documents and IDs
Acceptable ID and citizenship documents
Arriving at a Canadian port of entry, visitors must convince a CBSA border services officer (BSO) that they fit the entrance requirements. Questioning and confirming documentation such as:
Things to keep in mind when visiting Canada from USA
- A valid passport is required for travel to Canada.
- A visa may also be required for travel to Canada, depending on your citizenship.
- If you are planning to visit Canada from the United States, you will need to obtain a passport and possibly a visa, depending on your citizenship.
- It is important to note that Canadian and American currencies are not interchangeable.
- You will need to exchange your American dollars for Canadian currency before you can make any purchases in Canada.
- Be sure to research the customs and laws of Canada before your visit, as they may be different from those in the United States.
All the best!
