Canada entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
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.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visitor visa | You need a visitor visa to enter Canada. Apply online through the IRCC portal at least 4 weeks before travel. Processing times vary by country — check the IRCC website for current estimates.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your UAE passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Canada. Canada does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but airlines may enforce it — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Canada | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. A bus or train ticket to the US also counts. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Canada. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you're a first-time visitor. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card statement showing enough funds for your stay. There's no set minimum, but a few thousand CAD for a short trip is reasonable. | Recommended |
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 May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years (based on passport validity)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Standard visitor visa for tourism or family visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years (based on passport validity)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Super visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stay2 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
For parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents; requires private health insurance.
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 |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry visitor visa. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries during validity. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most applicants; includes fingerprinting and photo. | CAD 85 (~USD 64) |
| Stay extension feeFee to apply for extending visitor stay beyond initial period. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa; no maximum cap specified. | CAD 200 (~USD 150) per day |
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 passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Canada, unless they qualify for an exemption (e.g., holding a valid US visa).
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a visa for up to 48 hours if arriving from and departing to the US.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa do not need a separate transit visa.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) · Vancouver International Airport (YVR) · Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (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 = 1.38 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 May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.