Canada entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
180 days
Max stay
180 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders need a visa to visit Canada in 2026. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before you travel — there is no visa waiver or eTA option for Emirati citizens. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Apply for Canada eVisaOnly required when arriving by air; not needed for land/sea entry from the US. Linked electronically to your passport — no printout required.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)You must get an approved eTA before boarding your flight to Canada. Required for visa-exempt travellers | Apply online at the official eTA website (https://eta.cic.gc.ca/) before flying. The fee is CAD $7. Processing is usually within minutes, but can take a few days if additional documents are requested. Your eTA is linked electronically to your passport. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport doesn't expire soon — it must be valid for 6 months after you leave Canada. Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your UAE passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Canada. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIt's wise to have a return or onward ticket ready in case the officer asks. May be requested at the border | Although not always required, be prepared to show proof of onward travel (return ticket or itinerary) to the border officer. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry bank statements or a credit card to show you can support yourself during your visit. May be requested at the border | You may be asked to show that you have sufficient funds for your stay. No specific amount is set, but you should have enough to cover accommodation, food, and other expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form — just go through border control as usual. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for UAE passport holders entering Canada. | Not required |
Apply early — processing can take weeks
Don't wait until the last minute. Visa processing times from the UAE can be 2–6 weeks or longer during peak seasons. Start your application at least 2 months before your intended travel date.
Biometrics are mandatory
Almost all applicants aged 14–79 must give biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a VAC. You'll need to book an appointment in person — it cannot be done online.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, recent photo (digital), bank statements, employment letter, travel itinerary, and any previous visas. Scan everything as PDFs or JPEGs.
2
Apply online
Go to the IRCC website and create an account. Fill out the application form, upload your documents, and pay the CAD 100 visa fee (plus biometrics fee of CAD 85). Submit.
3
Give biometrics
After submitting, you'll get a Biometric Instruction Letter. Book an appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) — in the UAE, that's in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. Bring your passport and the letter. They'll take your fingerprints and photo.
4
Wait for processing
Processing times vary — typically 2–6 weeks. You can check status online. If approved, the visa will be stamped in your passport.
5
Travel to Canada
At the airport in Canada, go to the 'Visitors' queue. Present your passport with the visa, and be ready to show your return ticket and accommodation details. The border officer may ask about your trip purpose and funds.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Super Visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stayUp to 5 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years (or passport validity)
Cost$100 CAD (application fee) + $85 CAD biometrics
Requires proof of Canadian host's income and medical insurance
Study permit
Max stayDuration of study program + 90 days
ValidityVaries with program
Cost$150 CAD
Requires acceptance from a designated learning institution
Work permit
Max stayDuration of job offer (usually up to 2 years)
ValidityVaries with LMIA or exemption
Cost$155 CAD (plus $100 open work permit holder fee if applicable)
Requires job offer and often LMIA
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD 155 (~USD 116) employer compliance fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from a Canadian employer. Requires Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of study program + 90 days
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For international students accepted at a designated learning institution. Allows part-time work on campus.
Apply investor visa
Start-Up Visa Program
Permanent residence
CAD 2,140 (~USD 1,600) processing fee
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (TRV) application feePer person; non-refundable | $100 CAD |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most applicants; per person | $85 CAD |
| Visa extension (visitor record)To extend stay beyond 180 days; apply before expiry | $100 CAD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Unclear travel purpose20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Canada
Transit visa required
UAE citizens transiting through a Canadian airport to a third country generally need a transit visa (TRV) unless they qualify for the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program. However, UAE is not on the TWOV eligible list, so a visa is required even for airside transit.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Canadian visitor visa or eTA (if applicable) do not need a separate transit visa
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may have exemptions under bilateral agreements
Transit hubsToronto Pearson (YYZ) · Vancouver (YVR) · Montréal-Trudeau (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease in wooded areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is highest in summer in southern regions.
HypothermiaModerate risk
Risk in winter months; dress warmly and limit outdoor exposure.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Vancouver
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) – Vancouver International Airport
3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, BC V7B 0A4
Mon–Sun 24 hours
For immigration inquiries at the airport; extensions handled via IRCC online.
Toronto
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – Toronto Office
55 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 300, Toronto, ON M4T 1M2
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa and extension applications; appointments required.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalOttawa
LanguageEnglish, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid in Canada.
Money
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.42 CAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame to -3h depending on province
vs Los AngelesSame to +3h depending on province
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in all major cities.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Canada
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. UAE passport holders are not eligible for an eTA. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before travelling.
Processing times vary, but typically 2–6 weeks. Check the IRCC website for current estimates. Apply well in advance of your planned travel.
The visa application fee is CAD 100 per person. Biometrics cost an additional CAD 85. Fees are non-refundable even if the visa is refused.
You can book an appointment at the Canada Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. You'll need your passport and the biometric instruction letter from IRCC.
You need to provide a travel itinerary. A flight reservation (not necessarily a paid ticket) is acceptable for the application. However, on arrival in Canada, immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket.
Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current status expires. You must show valid reasons and sufficient funds. Extensions are not guaranteed.
You'll receive a letter explaining the reasons. Common reasons include insufficient funds, weak ties to your home country, or incomplete documents. You can reapply after addressing the issues.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.