A clear path to your application
The right application channel depends on your destination and where you legally live.
Prepare your application
Apply online through the IRCC Portal. Choose the purpose of your visit to get a personalized document checklist; biometrics may be required after you apply.
Submit through the official channel
Use Canadian visitor visa application. Check the current instructions and total government charges before paying.
Review the decision before departure
Check the passport details, dates and entry conditions on the permission you receive.
Check your trip dates
Count your travel days and compare your passport expiry with the entry rule.
What to prepare for your trip
Check each item as you prepare it. Labels show which documents are required, conditional, or recommended.
Your circumstances may require additional documents. Ticks track preparation, not eligibility or admission.
Costs & timing
Government charges and decision times for this route. Check the official service for your final fee.
Government fees
- Visitor visa processing fee
- CAD 100
If you apply for a visitor visa, biometrics are required in most cases. IRCC lists CAD 85 per person or up to CAD 170 for an eligible family; some applicants may be exempt from some or all fees. Check whether you must give biometrics and the total before paying. Read the official fee guidance.
Details that can change your plans
Your arrival mode can change the document you need
An eTA is required only for eTA-listed passports travelling to or transiting through Canada by air; those travelers do not need an eTA when arriving by car, bus, train or boat. Visa-required travelers need a visitor visa for land or sea arrival, including travelers who may qualify for the air-only eTA exception. Check the official tool for your passport and travel mode.
Official guidanceU.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents follow different rules
U.S. citizens do not need a Canadian visitor visa or eTA. A U.S. permanent resident travelling by air generally needs their passport and proof of U.S. status; they are exempt from the eTA, but may still need a visitor visa based on passport nationality. Other existing visas and travel documents can also change the route.
Official guidanceTemporary Canadian document suspensions may affect your application
IRCC’s temporary measures are based on the last country of residence listed on your visa, permit or eTA application, not your citizenship. If that country was the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan or Uganda, existing immigration documents may be suspended and you cannot travel even with previously approved permission; applications are not being finalized. The measures run through 23:59:59 ET on 27 November 2026. Case-by-case exemptions are possible; contact IRCC to confirm your case before travel.
Official guidanceRecent travel in Ebola affected areas may change boarding rules
Until 27 November 2026, IRCC says foreign nationals cannot board a flight to Canada if they have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo at any time in the previous 21 days. People recently in South Sudan or Uganda may also face document and health-screening conditions. Check the current IRCC measures before departure.
Official guidanceThe border officer sets your permitted stay
Most visitors can stay up to six months, but a border officer may authorize less or more and can stamp a required departure date in your passport. If you receive no stamp, IRCC says you may stay six months from entry or until your passport or biometrics expire, whichever comes first.
Official guidancePractical tips for Canada
Small preparation steps to keep your travel information within reach.
Prepare documents that explain your trip
IRCC’s online checklist is specific to your purpose and situation. Its examples include travel history, an itinerary, evidence that you can support the visit, employment information and an invitation where relevant; these are not a single mandatory checklist for every applicant.
Canada at a glance
- Capital
- Ottawa
- Currency
- CAD
- Calling code
- +1
Questions for this route
Do travelers with an ordinary passport from Republic of the Congo need a visa for Canada?
For tourism in Canada, travelers using an ordinary passport from Republic of the Congo should obtain a visa before travel. Apply online through the IRCC Portal. Choose the purpose of your visit to get a personalized document checklist; biometrics may be required after you apply. The published short-visit limit is 6 months per visit; follow any shorter period on your granted permission.
How long can I stay in Canada?
The short-visit limit is 6 months per visit. Your actual permission can be shorter; check the dates and conditions you receive.
How much passport validity do I need?
Valid for your entire stay.
How much is the government fee?
Visitor visa processing fee: CAD 100 per person. Check the official payment page for exemptions and any additional charges.
How long can I stay in Canada with a visitor visa?
Most visitors can stay up to six months, but a border officer may authorize less or more and can stamp a required departure date in your passport. If you receive no stamp, IRCC says you may stay six months from entry or until your passport or biometrics expire, whichever comes first.
What fees apply for a Canada visitor visa?
If you apply for a visitor visa, biometrics are required in most cases. IRCC lists CAD 85 per person or up to CAD 170 for an eligible family; some applicants may be exempt from some or all fees. Check whether you must give biometrics and the total before paying.
What if I’m going to work, study or stay longer?
This guide is for a short tourist visit on an ordinary passport. It does not establish eligibility for employment, study or residence. Use the destination’s official guidance for your actual purpose.
Does my country of residence change the answer?
Passport nationality and legal residence are different. This page starts with your passport. Residence can change where you apply and which application channel is available; an existing visa or residence permit may also create an exception. Check the official eligibility guidance for your circumstances.
Official websites
Use these government websites to confirm requirements and complete any application.
Open Canadian visitor visa application
Apply online through the IRCC Portal. Choose the purpose of your visit to get a personalized document checklist; biometrics may be required after you apply.
Check Canada’s official entry requirements
Confirm the rule for your citizenship, passport or travel document, U.S. status and arrival mode.
Check current visitor visa processing times
The estimate depends on where you apply and can change; IRCC says it is not a maximum or guarantee.
About this guide
This guide covers short tourist visits on an ordinary passport. Your nationality, residence, travel document and purpose can affect the entry conditions. Check the linked official guidance before travel; the border authority decides admission and your permitted stay.
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