Canada entry requirements for Spain 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
Spanish passport holders need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to visit Canada in 2026. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option. The application is quick and usually approved within minutes, but it's smart to do it a few days before your flight.
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 pre-authorization to board your flight to Canada. Required for visa-exempt foreign nationals | Spanish citizens must obtain an eTA before flying to Canada. Apply online at the official eTA website (https://eta.cic.gc.ca/). The cost is CAD $7 and processing is usually minutes, but can take a few days if extra documents are requested. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport doesn't expire too soon after your trip. Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond departure | Your Spanish 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 one blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIt's safer to have a ticket out of Canada ready in case you're asked. May be requested at border | Although not always required, be prepared to show proof of onward travel (return ticket or ticket to another destination) as border officers may ask for it. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry some proof of financial means in case an officer asks. May be requested at border | Be ready to show evidence that you can support yourself financially during your stay, such as bank statements or credit cards. No specific amount is set, but you should have enough to cover your expenses. | Recommended |
| Maximum stayYou must leave Canada before your 180 days are up. Up to 180 days per entry | As a Spanish citizen with an eTA, you can stay in Canada for up to 180 days per entry. This period is not extendable. | Required |
Apply early — eTA processing can take days
While most eTA applications are approved in minutes, some take a few days if extra documents are requested. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have your eTA confirmed.
eTA is not a visa
The eTA is an electronic authorization, not a visa. It's linked to your passport and valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can use it for multiple visits to Canada.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eTA online
Go to https://eta.cic.gc.ca/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, contact information, and a credit card to pay the CAD $7 fee. Most applications are approved within minutes, but some take a few days if extra documents are requested. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
2
Receive your eTA approval
You'll get an email confirming your eTA is approved. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport, so you don't need to print anything, but it's wise to keep a copy of the approval email on your phone or in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at a Canadian airport
At major airports like Toronto Pearson (YYZ) or Vancouver International (YVR), go to the 'Visitors' queue. Present your passport — the officer will scan it and see your eTA. They may ask about your plans, where you're staying, and how long you're staying. Answer honestly and briefly.
4
Get your passport stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (usually up to 6 months). Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when you leave. If you're staying longer than the stamp says, you must apply for an extension before it expires.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Spain 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:
Visitor visa (TRV)
Max stay6 months (typical, at officer's discretion)
ValidityUsually up to 10 years or passport validity, multiple entries
CostCAD $100 (plus biometrics if required)
For those not eligible for eTA (e.g., previous refusal, travel by land/sea).
Work permit (LMIA-exempt or employer-specific)
Max stayUp to 2 years (or as per permit)
ValidityVaries; often tied to job offer
CostCAD $155 (work permit fee) + $100 (open work permit holder fee if applicable)
Requires a job offer and often a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or exemption.
Study permit
Max stayDuration of study program + 90 days
ValidityUsually for the length of the program
CostCAD $150
Requires acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI).
Permanent residence (Express Entry)
Max stayIndefinite
ValidityPermanent
CostCAD $1,365 (principal applicant)
Points-based system; not a temporary visa but a pathway to stay permanently.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD 155 (~USD 116) for 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 digital nomad visa
Canada Digital Nomad Strategy (pilot)
Up to 6 months (as visitor), then apply for work permit
CAD 100 (~USD 75) for visitor visa if needed
Allows remote workers to stay as visitors for up to 6 months; after that, a work permit may be required for longer stays.
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. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)Required for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. Valid for up to 5 years or until passport expiry. | CAD $7 |
| eTA application fee (if applying via mobile app)Slightly higher when using the official mobile app (includes service fee). | CAD $7.25 |
| Visitor visa (TRV) application feeOnly if you are not eligible for eTA (e.g., if you have been refused an eTA or are travelling by land/sea). | CAD $100 |
| Biometrics fee (if required)Usually not required for eTA applicants, but may be required for visitor visa applicants. | CAD $85 |
| Extension of stay (visitor record)To extend your stay beyond 6 months. Apply online before your status expires. | CAD $100 |
| Restoration of status (if overstay)Includes restoration fee ($200) and work permit fee ($29.75) if applicable; otherwise $200 for visitor restoration. | CAD $229.75 |
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
Spanish citizens are visa-exempt for transit through Canada. An eTA is required if transiting by air through a Canadian airport, but it is not a visa. For land or sea transit, no eTA is needed, but you must meet entry requirements.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you are a Spanish citizen with a valid Canadian eTA, you can transit airside without a visa.
- If you are transiting by land or sea, you do not need an eTA, but you must have a valid passport and meet other entry requirements.
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 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 highest in summer in some regions.
HantavirusLow risk
Rare but serious; avoid contact with rodent droppings in rural areas.
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; applications are typically submitted online or by mail.
Toronto
IRCC - Toronto Office
74 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5C 2A5
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles in-person inquiries by appointment only; bring all documents.
Practical information for ES 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, you don't need a full visitor visa. Spanish citizens are visa-exempt for Canada, but you must have an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before you fly. Apply online at https://eta.cic.gc.ca/ — it costs CAD $7 and is usually approved within minutes.
You can stay up to 180 days (about 6 months) per entry. The exact duration is at the discretion of the border officer, who will stamp your passport with your allowed stay. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for an extension before your current status expires.
Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current status expires. You must show you still meet the requirements and have a valid reason. The extension fee is CAD 100. Apply online through IRCC at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/extend-stay.html.
Overstaying is illegal. You could be banned from re-entering Canada for up to 5 years. If you need more time, apply for an extension before your eTA expires. Don't wait until the last minute — processing can take weeks.
Yes. Immigration officers may ask to see proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready. Without it, you could be denied entry.
No. An eTA does not allow you to work. If you want to work, you need a work permit. Volunteering for no pay is usually allowed, but check the rules. For more info, see https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada.html.
If your eTA is denied, you'll need to apply for a full visitor visa instead. This is a more involved process — you'll need to submit biometrics, pay CAD 100, and wait 2–8 weeks. Check the IRCC website for details: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html.
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.