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Do I need a visa or an eTA to come to Canada?

It depends on your citizenship and how you travel: by air, or by land or sea. IRCC's own lists decide it.

Answer for your situation

Every quote below was checked word for word on IRCC’s own pages on October 24, 2026. Each answer names its source page and that page’s date.

What IRCC says, situation by situation

Yes

You need a visitor visa

In IRCC’s words:
“If you’re a citizen of any of the countries or territories listed below, you need a valid visitor visa and a valid passport to visit or transit through Canada.”
“You need your visitor visa to enter Canada by any method of travel , including by”
Source: IRCC, page dated July 31, 2026
Yes

You need a visitor visa

In IRCC’s words:
“Stateless individuals and those with a refugee travel document also need a visa to visit or transit through Canada.”
Source: IRCC, page dated July 31, 2026
Yes

You need an eTA, not a visa, to fly to Canada

In IRCC’s words:
“You need an eTA and a valid passport to board your flight to Canada if you’re a citizen of any of the countries or territories listed below. You don’t need a visitor visa.”
Source: IRCC, page dated July 31, 2026
No

No eTA by land or sea; bring a valid passport

In IRCC’s words:
“If you’re a citizen of an eTA-required country or territory listed above and arriving by car, bus, train or boat (including a cruise ship), you don’t need an eTA to enter Canada. You still need a valid passport.”
Source: IRCC, page dated July 31, 2026
Yes, but maybe an eTA instead of a visa, if eligible.

Possibly an eTA instead of a visa, if you meet IRCC's requirements

In IRCC’s words:
“If you’re from one of the countries listed below, you may be eligible to apply for an eTA, instead of a visa, if you”

IRCC: who can apply for an eTA instead of a visa

Source: IRCC, page dated July 31, 2026
Yes

You need a visitor visa by land or sea

In IRCC’s words:
“You need a valid visitor visa if you’re coming to Canada by car, bus, train or boat, including a cruise ship (even if you’re not leaving the ship).”
Source: IRCC, page dated July 31, 2026
No

You don't need a visa or an eTA

In IRCC’s words:
“a US national or permanent resident”
“You don’t need a visa or an eTA to travel to Canada if you are one of the following:”
Source: IRCC, page dated July 31, 2026
No

You don't need a visa or an eTA

In IRCC’s words:
“someone who has valid status in Canada (for example, visitor, student or worker) and are re-entering Canada after only visiting the US or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon”
“You don’t need a visa or an eTA to travel to Canada if you are one of the following:”
Source: IRCC, page dated July 31, 2026
No

You don't need a visa or an eTA

In IRCC’s words:
“Canadian travellers don’t need a visa or an eTA to enter Canada.”
Source: IRCC, page dated July 31, 2026

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Written by AHI Life from IRCC’s own pages; the quotes are IRCC’s words, re-read on their pages every day. General information, not legal advice, and not yet reviewed by a licensed consultant (RCIC). Only a licensed representative may charge you for immigration advice.