Canada entry requirements for Australia 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
In 2026, Australian passport holders need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to fly to or transit through Canada. It's a quick online application — not a full visa — and it allows stays of up to 180 days for tourism, business, or family visits. Apply well before your flight, even though approval is usually instant.
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 need this online permit before boarding your flight to Canada. Visa-exempt entry permit | Australian citizens must obtain an eTA before flying to Canada. Apply online at the official eTA website (https://eta.cic.gc.ca/). The eTA costs CAD $7 and is usually approved within minutes, but can take a few days if additional documents are requested. It is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire soon after your trip. Valid for at least 6 months | Your Australian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Canada. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesBorder officers need a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketNot a legal requirement, but carrying one can avoid airline issues. Not required by regulation | Canadian immigration does not require proof of a return or onward ticket for Australian citizens entering as visitors. However, airline staff may ask to see one at check-in, so it's wise to have one. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsHave some accessible funds or a credit card just in case. Not required by regulation | There is no official minimum amount of funds required for Australian citizens visiting Canada. However, you should be able to support yourself during your stay if asked by a border officer. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out anything before you land. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Australian citizens entering Canada. You will complete a customs declaration upon arrival, either via a kiosk or the ArriveCAN app if directed. | Not required |
| Maximum stayYou must leave before the 180-day limit or before the date the officer gives you. Up to 180 days | As a visitor, you may stay in Canada for up to 180 days per entry. This period is set by the border officer at entry and cannot be extended. | Required |
Processing times are rising
In 2026, many applicants wait 5–6 weeks. Apply at least 8 weeks before you plan to leave. Summer and December backlogs can push it to 10 weeks.
Biometric appointments fill quickly
At the Sydney VAC, slots often fill 2–3 weeks ahead. Book your appointment as soon as you get the biometric instruction letter. Weekend slots are rare.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eTA online
Go to Canada.ca/eTA and fill out the application. You'll need your passport, an email address, and a credit card for the CAD $7 fee. Approval is usually instant, but sometimes it takes a few days if they ask for extra documents.
2
Check your passport
Before you book anything, confirm your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from Canada and has at least 1 blank page. If not, renew it first.
3
Book your flights and accommodation
While not mandatory, having a return ticket and a place to stay makes the border interview smoother. You'll likely be asked about your plans.
4
Arrive in Canada
At the airport, go through passport control. The border officer will scan your passport, which automatically checks your eTA. They may ask about your trip, funds, and ties to Australia. Answer honestly and have your documents ready.
5
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a date by which you must leave — usually 6 months from entry. Keep track of this date; overstaying is serious.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia 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:
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
Max stayUp to 6 months (or as stamped)
ValidityUsually up to 10 years or until passport expiry
Cost$100 CAD (plus biometrics fee if applicable)
For those who do not qualify for eTA (e.g., if you have a criminal record or are inadmissible). Requires full application and biometrics.
Work Permit
Max stayVaries (up to 2 years typical)
ValidityTied to job offer and LMIA or exempt
Cost$155 CAD (plus $100 open work permit holder fee if applicable)
For Australians with a valid job offer in Canada. Allows longer stay and work.
Study Permit
Max stayDuration of study program + 90 days
ValidityFor length of program
Cost$150 CAD
For Australians enrolled in a designated learning institution in Canada.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
Employer pays; worker may pay CAD 155 (~USD 116) for open work permit
For skilled workers with a job offer and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Requires employer sponsorship and valid contract.
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 and off campus.
Apply digital nomad visa
Canada's Digital Nomad Strategy (no specific visa)
Up to 6 months as visitor
No additional fee beyond visitor visa
Canada allows remote workers to stay as visitors for up to 6 months. No dedicated digital nomad visa yet; must not work for a Canadian employer.
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 active management.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) application feeNon-refundable, paid online via official Government of Canada website. | $7 CAD |
| eTA extension (if eligible)Rare; only for those already in Canada with an eTA who need to extend stay. Apply online before status expires. | $100 CAD |
| Visitor record (extension of stay)For stays longer than 180 days; apply before your eTA or visitor status expires. | $100 CAD |
| Airport improvement fee (departure tax)Most Canadian airports include this in your ticket; no separate payment at airport. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete or expired documents20%
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
Australian citizens are visa-exempt for transit through Canada. You only need an eTA if transiting by air (including a stopover at a Canadian airport). No visa required for land transit (e.g., driving through Canada to Alaska).
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you are inadmissible to Canada (e.g., criminal record), you may need a TRV even for transit.
- If you are transiting through Canada to or from the U.S. and have a valid U.S. visa, you still need an eTA (unless you are a U.S. permanent resident).
Transit hubsToronto Pearson (YYZ) · Vancouver International (YVR) · Montréal–Trudeau (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is seasonal (summer) in some regions.
InfluenzaModerate risk
Seasonal flu circulates widely; vaccination recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Vancouver
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – Vancouver Office
1148 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2C3
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For in-person inquiries, appointments may be required; check IRCC website.
Toronto
IRCC – Toronto Office
55 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4T 1M2
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and visa applications; bring all supporting documents.
Practical information for AU 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. Australians are visa-exempt for Canada and only need an eTA for air travel. You don't need to apply for a visitor visa. If you plan to work or study, you'll need the appropriate permit, not a visitor visa.
Up to 180 days per visit. The border officer sets the exact date on your passport. You cannot extend your stay beyond that; if you need more time, you'd have to leave and re-enter, but that's not guaranteed.
eTA applications are usually approved, but if yours is denied, you'll need to apply for a visitor visa instead. That's a longer process (weeks) and requires biometrics. Check the IRCC website for instructions.
No. The eTA is for tourism and limited business activities (meetings, conferences). Paid work for a Canadian employer is prohibited, and even remote work for an Australian company is technically not allowed without a work permit. Canada's digital nomad strategy allows you to stay as a visitor for up to 6 months, but you must not work for a Canadian employer.
Not legally required, but highly recommended. Canada's healthcare is not free for visitors; a hospital stay can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Get a policy that covers medical evacuation.
You'll be fined CAD 200 per day, and you could be banned from re-entering Canada. Overstaying also hurts future visa applications. Always leave before your stamped date.
If you're flying through a Canadian airport and staying airside (not clearing customs), you don't need an eTA. But if you leave the airport or clear customs, you'll need an eTA or visitor visa. Most travellers will need an eTA anyway, so it's easiest to just get one.
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.