Canada entry requirements for Belgium passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Belgian 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 Belgian citizens. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visitor visa | Submit your application online through the IRCC portal. Processing times vary by country — check the IRCC website for current estimates. You'll need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Belgian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Canada. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Canadian law, but airlines may enforce their own rules. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Canada | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return ticket or proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, 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 $1,000–$2,000 CAD for a short trip is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Belgian passport holders cannot use the eTA system. You must apply for a visitor visa before you travel. Do not book flights or accommodation until your visa 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 a visitor visa online
Go to the official Canada visa website (IRCC) and complete the online application. You'll need to upload your passport scan, travel history, financial documents, and a digital photo. Pay the fee (around CAD 100 for a single entry). Processing takes 2–4 weeks on average.
2
Wait for visa decision
After submitting, you'll get a confirmation email. You can track the status online. If approved, you'll receive a visa sticker in your passport (mailed to the visa office or picked up in person). Do not book flights until you have the visa in hand.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you fly, print or save digital copies of: your visa, 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 visa, 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 May 17, 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; must apply before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 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 stayUp to 2 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
For parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or PRs; requires medical insurance.
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 |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry visa, non-refundable. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most visa applicants; includes fingerprinting and photo. | CAD 85 (~USD 64) |
| Visa extension (if applicable)For extending stay as a visitor; must apply before current status expires. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa; maximum cap may apply. | CAD 200 (~USD 150) per day |
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
Belgium passport holders do not need a transit visa to transit through Canada if they have a valid visa or are from a visa-exempt country. However, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is required for air transit.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without an eTA under certain conditions.
- Transit through Canada to/from the US may have different rules.
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 = 1.37 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
Yes, Belgian passport holders need a visitor visa (TRV) to enter Canada. There is no eTA or visa waiver for Belgium. Apply online at the IRCC website before you travel.
Processing times vary, but typically 2–4 weeks. Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your planned travel date to be safe. You can check current processing times on the IRCC website.
The application fee is CAD 100 for a single-entry visa. If you want a multiple-entry visa (valid for up to 10 years), the fee is CAD 200. There may be additional biometrics fees (around CAD 85).
Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current visa 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 visa expires.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa-on-arrival or eTA for Belgian citizens. Always have your visa approved before you travel.
Yes, most applicants need to give fingerprints and a photo at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). This is done after you submit your online application. The biometrics fee is CAD 85 and is valid for 10 years.
No, a visitor visa 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 May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.