Canada entry requirements for Belgium 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
Belgian passport holders need an eTA to visit Canada in 2026. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa waiver or full visa option for Belgian citizens. The eTA is quick to obtain, usually approved within minutes, but it's best to apply a few days in advance.
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)An eTA is an electronic entry permit linked to your passport. You must get it before your flight. Required before boarding | Belgian citizens need an eTA to fly to or transit through Canada. Apply online at the official eTA website (https://eta.cic.gc.ca/). The fee is CAD $7 and processing is usually minutes, but can take a few days if extra documents are requested. Apply well in advance of travel. | Required |
| Passport validityCanadian border officials will check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after you arrive. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your Belgian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Canada. If it expires sooner, renew it before traveling. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a blank page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. Ensure you have a clean, unused page available. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a ticket out of Canada helps prove you will not overstay. Not mandatory, but recommended | Canadian immigration may ask to see proof of onward travel. Although not always required, having a return or onward ticket is strongly recommended to show you intend to leave within the 180-day stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry evidence of financial means in case a border officer asks. Not mandatory, but recommended | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay. While no specific amount is set, carrying a credit card or bank statements is advisable. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form before you travel. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Belgian citizens entering Canada. You will complete a customs declaration upon arrival (often via a kiosk or app). | Not required |
| Maximum stayYou must leave Canada before your 180 days are up; extensions are not allowed. Up to 180 days | As a Belgian citizen with an eTA, you may stay in Canada for up to 180 days per visit. This stay is not extendable. | Required |
eTA required — no exceptions
Belgian passport holders cannot use a full visa or visa waiver. You must apply for an eTA before you travel. Do not book flights or accommodation until your eTA is approved.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Canada, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for an eTA online
Go to the official Canada eTA website (eta.cic.gc.ca) and complete the online application. You'll need your passport, an email address, and a debit or credit card. Pay the fee of CAD 7. Processing is usually instant, but can take a few days if extra documents are requested.
2
Wait for eTA approval
After submitting, you'll get an email confirmation. Most approvals are sent within minutes. If additional documents are requested, it may take a few days. You can check the status online. Do not book flights until you have the eTA approved.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you fly, print or save digital copies of: your eTA approval, passport, return ticket, accommodation confirmation, and travel insurance. Keep them in your carry-on, not checked luggage.
4
Arrive at a Canadian airport
At the airport, go to the 'Visitors' line. Present your passport with eTA, and be ready to show your return ticket and accommodation details if asked. The border officer may ask about your plans — answer honestly and briefly.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium 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 authorized by the officer)
ValidityUsually up to 10 years or until passport expiry (multiple entry)
Cost$100 CAD (plus biometrics fee of $85 CAD if applicable)
Required if you do not qualify for an eTA (e.g., if you have been refused an eTA, or if you are travelling for purposes not covered by the eTA, such as work or study). Apply at a Canadian visa application centre (VAC).
Work Permit
Max stayVaries (typically up to 2 years, depending on the job offer and LMIA)
ValidityDuration of the job offer (up to 2 years, extendable)
Cost$155 CAD (plus $100 CAD open work permit holder fee if applicable, and biometrics if required)
For Belgian citizens who have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. You must apply before entering Canada, unless you are eligible for a work permit at the port of entry under specific programs.
Study Permit
Max stayDuration of the study program (plus 90 days to leave Canada)
ValidityLength of the program (usually up to 4 years)
Cost$150 CAD (plus biometrics fee if applicable)
Required for Belgian citizens who wish to study in Canada for more than 6 months. You must have a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD 155 (~USD 116) employer compliance fee + work permit fee CAD 155
For skilled workers with a job offer from a Canadian employer. Requires Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Allows work and potential path to permanent residence.
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 and off-campus after 6 months.
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. Requires minimum investment and active management.
Apply retirement visa
No specific retirement visa; use Super Visa or PR
Varies
Varies
Canada does not have a dedicated retirement visa. Retirees may use the Super Visa (for parents/grandparents) or apply for permanent residence through family sponsorship or other programs.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)Mandatory for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada. Apply online via the official Government of Canada website. | $7 CAD |
| Visitor record (extension of stay)If you wish to stay longer than 6 months as a visitor, you must apply for a visitor record before your initial authorized period ends. | $100 CAD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
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
No transit visa needed
Belgian citizens are visa-exempt for transit through Canada. However, you must obtain an eTA before boarding your flight, even if you are just transiting through a Canadian airport to another country.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you are a Belgian citizen with a valid Canadian visitor visa, you do not need an eTA.
- If you are a Belgian citizen travelling on a diplomatic or official passport, you may be exempt from the eTA requirement under certain conditions.
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, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabies (for remote or outdoor activities)ConsiderTick-borne encephalitis (for rural/forest areas)Consider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in wooded/grassy areas; risk in southern Canada from spring to fall.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; rare in urban areas but present in some regions during summer.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard food safety; risk low but can occur from undercooked meat or unpasteurized dairy.
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 Office
365 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main processing center; appointments may be required for in-person services.
Toronto
IRCC – Toronto Office
55 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4T 1M2
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa applications and extensions; large volume of visitors.
Practical information for BE 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, Belgian passport holders do not need a full visitor visa. You need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Canada. Apply online at the official eTA website (eta.cic.gc.ca) before you travel.
Most eTA applications are approved within minutes. Some take a few days if extra documents are requested. Apply at least a few days before your planned travel date to be safe.
The eTA fee is CAD 7. There are no additional biometrics fees for eTA applicants.
Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current status expires. You must show you have a valid reason and sufficient funds. The extension fee is CAD 100. Apply online at least 30 days before your status expires.
You will be denied boarding by the airline. There is no eTA on arrival. Always have your eTA approved before you travel.
No, biometrics are not required for an eTA application. You only need to provide your passport details and answer a few questions online.
No, an eTA only allows tourism, visiting family, or short business meetings. You cannot work or study. For work or study, you need a separate work permit or study permit.
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.