Canada entry requirements for Argentina 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
Argentine 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-free access or eTA option for Argentine citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visitor visa | Argentina passport holders need a visitor visa before traveling to Canada. Apply online through the IRCC portal — processing takes 2–4 weeks for most applications. You'll need to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre in Buenos Aires.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your 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 before flying. | 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 showing you leave Canada before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, Airbnb reservation, or a letter from your host with their address and contact details. Officers may ask where you're staying on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card statement showing you have enough money for your stay. There's no fixed minimum, but officers expect at least CAD $200–$300 per day of your trip. | Recommended |
Start your visa application early
Canadian visitor visa processing can take 2–6 weeks or longer during peak season. Don't book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
Biometrics appointment required
After submitting your online application, you'll need to visit the Visa Application Centre in Buenos Aires to give fingerprints and a photo. Book your appointment as soon as you get the biometric instruction letter.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visitor visa online
Go to the IRCC website and create an account. Fill out the application form, upload your documents (passport scan, photo, travel history, proof of funds, itinerary), and pay the fee (CAD 100 for a single entry, CAD 500 for multiple entries). Processing takes 2–6 weeks on average.
2
Wait for visa approval and receive the visa counterfoil
Once approved, you'll get a letter and a visa counterfoil (sticker) placed in your passport. You must submit your physical passport to the Canadian visa office in Buenos Aires for the sticker. This adds a few days.
3
Book your flights and accommodation
After you have the visa, book your round-trip flights and first night's accommodation. Keep all confirmations saved on your phone.
4
Arrive at a Canadian airport and go through immigration
When you land (e.g., Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Montreal), follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then to 'Canada Border Services'. Have your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation address ready. The officer will ask a few questions about your trip and may stamp your passport.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Argentina 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 stayUp to 6 months
ValidityTypically 6 months from issue date
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Standard visitor visa for tourism or family visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years (or until passport expiry)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Super Visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stayUp to 2 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
For parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or PRs; requires private health insurance.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
Employer pays; no direct fee to worker
For skilled workers with a job offer and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Requires employer sponsorship and work permit application.
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of study program + 90 days
CAD 150 (~USD 113)
For international students accepted at a designated learning institution. Allows part-time work on campus and off-campus after 6 months.
Apply investor visa
Start-Up Visa Program
Permanent residence
CAD 2,140 (~USD 1,600) for principal applicant
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. Requires minimum investment and language proficiency.
Apply retirement visa
Super Visa (for parents/grandparents)
Up to 2 years per entry, renewable
CAD 100 (~USD 75)
For parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or PRs. Requires private health insurance and proof of financial support from child.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a 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) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity; enforced by CBSA. | CAD 200 per day |
| Stay extension costFee to apply for an extension of stay as a visitor. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
No transit visa needed
Argentina passport holders do not need a transit visa to change flights in Canada, provided they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or clearing customs, a visitor visa is required.
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)EssentialInfluenza (flu)RecommendedCOVID-19EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but present in summer months.
HypothermiaModerate risk
Risk in cold climates; dress warmly and limit exposure.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Ottawa
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) - Ottawa
365 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
National headquarters; for inquiries and applications.
Toronto
IRCC - Toronto Office
55 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4T 1M2
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Major processing center; appointments required for in-person services.
Practical information for AR 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
Yes. Argentina is not visa-exempt for Canada. You must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before traveling. There is no eTA option for Argentine passport holders.
Processing times vary, but typically 2–6 weeks. Apply at least 2 months before your planned departure. You can check current processing times on the IRCC website.
The application fee is CAD 100 for a single-entry visa or CAD 500 for a multiple-entry visa. There may also be a biometrics fee (CAD 85) if you need to give fingerprints and a photo.
Yes. Most applicants from Argentina need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). The nearest VAC is in Buenos Aires. You'll book an appointment after submitting your online application.
Yes, you can apply for an extension of your visitor status before your current status expires. You must apply online and pay a fee. Extensions are not guaranteed and are granted at the officer's discretion.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa-on-arrival or eTA for Argentine passport holders. Always get your visa before you travel.
Yes, a valid Canadian visitor visa allows you to enter by air, land, or sea. If you're driving from the US, you'll still need to present your passport with the visa at the border crossing.
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.