Canada Tourist Visa Requirements (2026)

A Canada tourist visa — officially called a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) — allows you to visit Canada for tourism, sightseeing, recreational activities, and leisure travel. Most nationalities from South Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia need a TRV to enter Canada. This page covers all requirements specifically for tourist visits — documents, financial proof, and what visa officers look for in tourist applications.

Last updated: June 2026

What Is a Canada Tourist Visa?

Canada does not issue a separate "tourist visa" category. All short-stay visitors use the same Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), regardless of whether they are visiting for tourism, family visits, or short business trips. If you are applying for a tourist trip, you declare "tourism/recreation" as your purpose of visit on the application form.

Visa-exempt nationalities (UK, EU, Australia, Japan, etc.) flying into Canada only need an eTA — they do not apply for a TRV.

Who Needs a Canada Tourist Visa?

Nationals of these countries (among others) require a TRV for tourist visits:

• India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal
• Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania
• Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand
• China, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan
• Most countries in Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia

Check your exact requirement using the IRCC entry requirements tool.

Canada Tourist Visa Requirements — Document Checklist

Identity Documents

• Valid passport — must be valid for the full duration of your intended stay; at least one blank page
• All previous passports (copies of biographical pages and visa pages)
• Digital photograph — 35×45mm, white background, taken within the last 6 months

Application Form

• IMM 5257 — Temporary Resident Visa Application (completed online on the IRCC portal)

Financial Documents

• Bank statements — last 3–6 months showing sufficient funds
• Salary slips (last 3 months) or income proof
• Fixed deposit or savings certificates
• Income Tax Returns — last 2 years
• Proof of assets (property documents, investments)

Employment / Purpose Documents

• Employment letter confirming your designation, salary, approved leave dates, and return-to-work date
• Business documents (if self-employed)
• Retirement letter or pension proof (if retired)

Trip-Specific Documents

• Flight itinerary — confirmed or tentative round-trip booking
• Accommodation confirmation — hotel reservations or Airbnb for the duration
• Travel plan / itinerary — a day-by-day outline of planned activities, cities to visit, and attractions
• Travel insurance (highly recommended, especially given Canada's healthcare costs)

Financial Requirements for a Tourist Visa

Canada does not publish a mandatory minimum balance. For tourist applications, visa officers assess whether you can cover:

• Accommodation costs in Canada
• Daily expenses (food, transport, activities)
• Return flight
• Emergency medical expenses (if uninsured)

A rough guide for a 2–3 week tourist trip: show at least CAD $3,000–$5,000 in accessible funds per person. The key is a stable bank history over 3–6 months rather than a sudden deposit.

Proof of Strong Ties to Home Country

For a tourist visa, demonstrating you will return home is as important as showing you can afford the trip. Strong evidence includes:

• Current stable employment with a letter confirming your return date
• Property ownership in your home country
• Spouse, children, or dependent parents remaining at home
• Ongoing business or professional practice
• Children enrolled in school in your home country

Canada Tourist Visa Fees

Fees are non-refundable. See the full Canada visa fees guide for a complete cost breakdown including VFS service charges.

How Long Can You Stay in Canada as a Tourist?

A Canada tourist visa typically authorises stays of up to 6 months per entry. The actual stay length is determined by the CBSA officer at the port of entry. Your visa may be valid for up to 10 years, but each individual visit is capped at 6 months unless the officer stamps a different date in your passport.

If you want to stay longer, you must apply for a Visitor Record (extension) before your authorised stay expires — from within Canada, online through IRCC. The extension fee is CAD $100.

Can You Work or Study on a Canada Tourist Visa?

Work: No. Engaging in work — paid or unpaid — is not permitted on a TRV. You need a valid work permit.

Study: Short courses up to 6 months are permitted on a tourist visa if the course is at a recognised institution. Courses longer than 6 months require a Student Permit.

Official References

• IRCC — Apply for a Visitor Visa (TRV)
• IRCC — Extend Your Stay in Canada
• IRCC — Entry Requirements by Country

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I stay in Canada on a tourist visa?

Up to 6 months per entry. The exact duration is stamped in your passport by a CBSA officer at the airport. Your visa may be valid for 10 years, but each visit is limited to 6 months. Apply for a Visitor Record extension if you need to stay longer.

Can I extend my Canada tourist visa from inside Canada?

Yes. You can apply for a Visitor Record (extension) online through IRCC before your current authorised stay expires. The fee is CAD $100. Apply at least 30 days before your authorised stay expires. If you apply before it expires, you have "implied status" to remain while IRCC processes your extension.

Can I apply for Canada tourist visa without a hotel booking?

A hotel booking is not mandatory, but you must provide accommodation proof. Staying with friends or family is acceptable — in that case, include the host's invitation letter and proof of their Canadian address and status. A confirmed booking (even refundable) significantly strengthens your application.

How long does Canada tourist visa processing take from India?

Online applications from India typically take 2–8 weeks. Processing times vary and are updated weekly by IRCC. Apply at least 10–12 weeks before your travel date. See the Canada visa processing time guide for full details.

Can I travel to the USA on a Canada tourist visa?

No. A Canadian TRV only authorises entry to Canada, not the United States. To visit both countries, you need separate authorisations — a Canadian TRV and either a US B1/B2 visa or US ESTA (if you hold a visa-waiver-eligible passport).