International Travel Documents
A plain-English guide to the paperwork you need to enter Canada — and to travel home again smoothly.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
Please note: This guide is general information, not official advice. Entry rules change often. Always confirm your specific requirements with official government sources before you travel.
Passports
A valid passport is the primary travel document for almost all international visitors to Canada. Check that yours will remain valid for the duration of your stay, and be aware that some airlines and countries prefer at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates. Keep a photograph or secure digital copy separate from the original.
Do you need a visa or an eTA?
What you need depends on your nationality and how you arrive:
| Traveller | Usually needs |
|---|---|
| Visa-exempt visitors arriving by air (e.g. many European nationals) | An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), linked to your passport |
| Visitors from visa-required countries | A visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) |
| U.S. citizens | Generally no eTA or visa, but valid identification/passport as required |
| Permanent residents & work/study visitors | Relevant PR card, permit or visa |
Apply for an eTA or visa well in advance through official Government of Canada channels only. Be wary of third-party sites that charge inflated fees.
Travelling with children
Children need their own passport and, where applicable, eTA or visa. If travelling without both parents, carry a consent letter and any relevant custody or identity documents, as border officers may ask for them.
At the border
- Have your passport and any authorization ready;
- Know your accommodation address — confirm it with the property or with whoever confirmed your booking, not from a review page;
- Be prepared to explain the purpose and length of your visit;
- Declare goods, currency over the reporting threshold, and any food or plants.
Health & insurance documents
Carry proof of travel and medical insurance, and keep prescriptions in their original packaging with a copy of the prescription. Some travellers keep a card listing allergies and emergency contacts.
Before you fly home
Check your home country's re-entry requirements and any documents needed for connecting countries. Keep boarding passes and accommodation records in case they're requested.
Official sources
For authoritative, up-to-date information, consult the Government of Canada immigration and border services websites and your own country's foreign-travel advice. When in doubt, contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.