Knowing how to apply for a Canada tourist visa in 2026 means starting in the right place: almost all applications now go through the IRCC Portal rather than the paper-based process this guide previously described. Below is the current process, current fees, and the documents most tourist applicants need.
Visitor Visa or eTA — Confirm Which You Need First
Before you learn how to apply for a Canada tourist visa specifically, confirm you actually need a visitor visa rather than an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Citizens of eTA-required countries flying to Canada generally need only the lighter-weight eTA, not a full visitor visa; citizens of visa-required countries need the visitor visa described in this guide. For the difference between an eTA and a visitor visa, and who’s exempt from each, see our complete guide to the types of Canadian visa.
Eligibility Basics
To qualify, you’ll generally need to show a valid travel document, that you’re in good health, that you have enough funds for your stay, that you have ties abroad — a home, job, or family — that will bring you back, and that you intend to leave Canada at the end of your visit. A criminal record or certain health or security concerns can make you inadmissible regardless of how complete your application is.
How to Apply for a Canada Tourist Visa: Gathering Your Documents
Every applicant needs a digital copy of a valid passport or travel document — valid for at least 6 months from your planned travel date — including the biodata page and any pages with stamps or prior visas. Tourist applicants specifically also need a letter of invitation from the person or business hosting them in Canada, along with proof of the relationship (a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or similar document, where relevant).
Canada Tourist Visa: Document Checklist
| Category | Documents |
|---|---|
| Required for all applicants | Valid passport/travel document (6+ months validity); letter of invitation with proof of relationship to your host |
| Recommended — travel history | Previous passports/visas, entry-exit stamps, or prior study/work permits from the last 10 years |
| Recommended — itinerary | Flight details, proof of accommodation, event registration |
| Recommended — financial | Bank letter with contact details, account numbers, 6-month average balances |
| Recommended — employment | Employer letter on letterhead confirming your job, salary and return-to-work plans |
How to Apply for a Canada Tourist Visa: Submitting Your Application
Applications for a Canada tourist visa are submitted online through the IRCC Portal, using a scanner or camera to create digital copies of your documents and a valid credit or debit card to pay. First-time applicants must pay the biometrics fee when submitting their application to avoid delays.
Paper applications are only available if you can’t apply online — for example, because of a disability, or if you’re travelling on a refugee or stateless-person travel document. IRCC’s own instructions for how to apply for a visitor visa cover the exact steps for your specific situation, since the required documents vary depending on your purpose of travel.
Canada Tourist Visa: Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa processing — individual | CAD $100 |
| Visitor visa processing — family (5 or more people) | CAD $500 |
| Biometrics — individual | CAD $85 |
| Biometrics — family | Up to CAD $170 (if eligible for the family rate) |
Biometrics
After you apply, most applicants receive a biometrics instruction letter and need to book an appointment to give fingerprints and a photo. You may need to give biometrics again even if a previous set is still technically valid — for example, if it’s close to expiring, if you applied for permanent residence and were refused, or if you only gave partial biometrics previously. Giving biometrics again doesn’t automatically extend your visa’s validity to the maximum 10 years.
Visa Validity and Extensions
A visitor visa can be single-entry or multiple-entry, and can be issued for up to 10 years or until your passport or biometrics expire, whichever comes first — an officer may also set a shorter validity based on your circumstances. If you want to extend your stay, apply before your current status expires; leaving this too late can put you out of status.
Faster Processing for Spousal Sponsorship Applicants
If you’ve been sponsored for permanent residence by a spouse or partner and have received an acknowledgement of receipt for that application, you may automatically qualify for faster visitor visa processing — you don’t need to request it separately, but you still need to meet all the standard visitor visa requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to apply for a Canada tourist visa in 2026: what’s the process?
Most applicants apply online through the IRCC Portal: gather your documents, complete the application, pay the processing and biometrics fees by credit or debit card, and give biometrics if instructed. Paper applications are limited to specific situations, such as applicants who can’t apply online.
How much does a Canada tourist visa cost?
Visitor visa processing costs CAD $100 per individual, or CAD $500 for a family of 5 or more. Biometrics add CAD $85 per person, up to CAD $170 per eligible family.
Do I need a visitor visa or just an eTA to visit Canada as a tourist?
It depends on your citizenship. Many nationalities only need an eTA when flying to Canada, while citizens of visa-required countries need a full visitor visa. Check the specific requirement for your citizenship before applying.
How long is a Canada tourist visa valid for?
Up to 10 years, or until your passport or biometrics expire, whichever comes first. An immigration officer may issue a shorter validity depending on your application.
What documents do I need to apply for a Canada tourist visa?
At minimum, a valid passport and a letter of invitation with proof of your relationship to your host. Recommended supporting documents include travel history, a clear itinerary, bank statements, and an employer letter confirming your job and intent to return.
The Bottom Line
The biggest change in how to apply for a Canada tourist visa since this guide was first written is the process itself — digital, IRCC Portal-based, and paid by card rather than paper forms and bank drafts. Confirm whether you actually need a visitor visa or just an eTA first, then work through the document checklist and current fees above before you submit.
Also Read