Visas

Visas for Canada

Citizens of the US, most Western European and Commonwealth countries, as well as Mexico, Japan, South Korea and Israel don’t need visas to enter Canada for stays of up to 180 days. US permanent residents are also exempt.

Nationals of around 150 other countries including South Africa and China need to apply to the Canadian visa office in their home country for a temporary resident visa. For full details visit Citizenship & Immigration Canada (www.cic.gc.ca). A separate visa is required if you plan to study or work in Canada.

Single-entry Temporary Resident Visas are usually valid for a maximum stay of six months from the date of arrival in Canada and cost approximately AU$75. Multiple-entry visas allow you to enter Canada from all other countries multiple times while the visa is valid (usually two to three years provided no single stay lasts for longer than six months) and costs approximately AU$150.

You may be required to show immigration officials that you have return or onward tickets and adequate means of support and accommodation upon entering Canada, as well as satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit. Also if you have committed or been convicted of a criminal offense, you may not be allowed to enter Canada.

As entry requirements may change from time to time it is strongly advised that you check with the department of foreign affairs or your local consulate or embassy for the current requirements.