Visiting Canada

Here is what you need to know to prepare for your trip to Canada.

Entry Documents

To enter Canada as a visitor, you will need one of two documents: a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). 📄 Which one you need depends on your country of citizenship.

• Visitor Visa: This is an official document placed in your passport that shows you meet the requirements to enter Canada. You can check if you need a visitor visa on the official Government of Canada website. https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp

• Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): If you are from a visa-exempt country, you need an eTA to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for up to five years.

Access to Services

As a visitor, you have limited access to services in Canada. ✈️ You cannot work or study without the correct permits. You are also not covered by provincial or territorial health insurance plans. This means you must pay for all medical services yourself.

Healthcare Costs

Medical care is expensive for visitors. A trip to an urgent care clinic or a hospital emergency room (ER) can cost from several hundred to over a thousand dollars. 🏥 This price does not include the cost of tests, treatments, or follow-up appointments.

To protect yourself from these high costs, consider buying private health insurance before you arrive. This is often called "visitor's insurance" and can cover emergency medical expenses during your stay.

This information is for guidance and not legal or medical advice. Always check official government sources for the most up-to-date information.