Tourists from countries other than the U.S. must apply for a tourist visa before visiting Canada. American citizens can enter and exit the country with valid passports at least six months before the expiration date. Other visitors who do not require visas include: permanent residents of the U.S. with documentation; British citizens or British overseas citizens who can be readmitted to the UK; citizens of British dependent territories; travelers with a British national passport; travelers with a Special Administrative Region passport and travelers with Holy See passports or travel documents.
Download a tourist visa application in advance from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website. Read the guide to learn if you are eligible for a temporary visa. Fill out the required documents and return them with the necessary fees. Additional documentation you will need: valid travel documents, two passport photos and proof of travel funds. Processing times for the tourist visa application vary.
Canadian officials may ask for copies of airline tickets, train tickets and/or travel itineraries. If you are visiting Canadian friends or family, be prepared to show an invitation from them.
Permanent U.S. residents need to show a valid green card, or a front and back copy of one; non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent residents need a visa.
