10 Frequently Asked Questions by Visitors to Canada

Updated August 2026. Visitor rules change slowly, but fee amounts and eTA eligibility do not. Read the section below before the 10 questions.

Visa or eTA? The question that comes first

Before anything else, settle this one: nationals of most non-visa-exempt countries, including Brazil, need prior authorization to enter Canada. The question is which of the two.

eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) — $7 CAD You can only use an eTA if you meet all of these conditions:

• You have held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years or currently hold a valid US visa; and
• You are entering Canada by air.

The eTA is approved within minutes in most cases and is valid for 5 years (or until your passport expires). It does not cover land or sea entry — if you plan to cross the border from the United States by car or bus, an eTA will not do.

Visitor visa (TRV) — $185 CAD per person This is the route for anyone who does not qualify for an eTA. The amount breaks down into $100 CAD application fee + $85 CAD biometrics. It requires documentation, proof of funds, and takes considerably longer than an eTA.

Classic mistake: paying through a third-party website thinking it is the official one. The eTA costs $7 CAD, full stop — anything meaningfully above that is a middleman charging for the service.

1. How long can I stay in Canada as a visitor?

In general, visitors to Canada are allowed to stay in the country for up to six months from the date of their entry (or until their passport expires, whichever comes first). The authorized departure date is indicated by an entry stamp in the visitor’s passport or a document issued by a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer.

You can verify your eligibility on the official IRCC portal here.

If you wish to stay longer than the initial period allowed, you must apply for an extension.

Read also: “8 things you must do on an exploratory trip to Canada before immigrating”

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2. What is the difference between a single-entry and a multiple-entry visa?

A single-entry visa allows you to enter Canada only once, while a multiple-entry visa allows you to enter and leave Canada repeatedly as long as the visa is valid.

All visitor visa applicants are automatically considered for a multiple-entry visa. However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) assesses each application individually and issues the appropriate visa.

Single-entry visa holders will need a new visa to re-enter Canada once they leave, unless they are traveling directly to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon.

Multiple-entry visas are typically valid for up to 10 years or until one month before your passport expires (whichever is shorter). Each entry allows you to stay for up to six months.

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3. Can I submit one visa application for my whole family if we are traveling together?

No. Each family member must complete and sign their own visitor visa application form, although you can submit them together in a single online IRCC account portal.

This policy applies to all forms, except for the Family Information form, which is only required for applicants aged 18 and older.

Parents or guardians can assist their children in filling out forms, and any applicant under 18 must have their documents signed by a parent or guardian.

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4. Can a friend or relative living in Canada help me visit the country?

Yes, they can write and send you a letter of invitation. This is a formal letter written by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to support a loved one’s visitor visa application.

Read also: “How to write an Invitation Letter for someone visiting you in Canada”

The letter details how the host will assist the applicant (such as providing accommodation or financial support). Please note that while a letter of invitation helps, it does not guarantee that the visa will be approved.

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5. Do I need a medical exam to get a visitor visa?

Whether you need a medical exam depends on the planned duration of your stay and your country of residence.

Generally, visitors staying in Canada for six months or less do not require a medical exam, unless they plan to work in jobs where public health protection is critical (e.g., healthcare, childcare, education). You can check the list of designated occupations here.

If you plan to stay in Canada for more than six months, you will need a medical exam if:

• You have lived or resided in a designated country or territory for six consecutive months or more within the last year.
• You are applying for a Super Visa for parents or grandparents.

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6. Is a visitor visa the same as a visitor record?

No. They are different documents serving different purposes.

• A visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa or TRV) is an entry document placed in your passport allowing you to travel to a Canadian border.
• A visitor record is a status document issued by immigration officers (CBSA or IRCC) to extend or restrict your stay in Canada. It does not go in your passport and does not authorize re-entry if you leave the country.

You can read more about the differences here.

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7. I have a new passport, but my visa is in my old one. Can I still use it?

Yes, you can travel to Canada using a valid visitor visa in your old, expired passport. However, you must carry both documents:

1. Your old passport containing the valid visa.
2. Your new, valid passport or travel document.

You may be asked by CBSA officers at the border to explain why your previous passport was replaced. To avoid delays, IRCC recommends applying for a new visa to be placed in your new passport.

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8. How can I extend my stay as a visitor in Canada?

To extend your stay, you must submit biometric data (if not already done) and apply online for a visitor record before your current status expires (we recommend applying at least 30 days before expiry).

A visitor record allows you to remain in Canada:

1. As a visitor.
2. As a worker authorized to work without a permit.
3. As a student authorized to study without a permit.

The application steps are detailed on the official IRCC page.

Read also: “Can I continue working in Canada after my work permit expires?“

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9. Can I appeal if my visitor visa is refused?

There is no formal appeal process for a refused visitor visa.

If your application is refused, you can apply again. However, IRCC recommends re-applying only if your personal circumstances have changed or if you can provide new, relevant information that addresses the reasons for the refusal.

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10. Do I need a visa if I am only transiting through Canada to another country?

Transit documentation requirements depend on your nationality and mode of transport.

• Visa-required countries (like Brazil): You must apply for a Transit Visa if you are connecting between flights in a Canadian airport and your transit is under 48 hours. If your transit is longer than 48 hours, or if you enter Canada by car, bus, train, or cruise ship, you must hold a valid visitor visa.
• Visa-exempt countries: You will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if transiting Canada by air.

Tip! Travelers from visa-exempt countries arriving by train, bus, or boat do not require an eTA to enter Canada but must present correct alternative travel documents.

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We hope this FAQ guide clarifies the entry rules for visiting Canada. To receive weekly tips about relocating or visiting, subscribe to our newsletter.

See you in the next post! 😉