Canada entry requirements for Greece 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
Greek passport holders need an eTA to visit Canada in 2025. You must apply for an eTA online before you travel — there is no visa option for Greek citizens. Plan ahead, as processing is usually quick but can take a few days if extra documents are requested.
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 must get this online authorization before boarding your flight to Canada. Required for visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada | Apply online at the official eTA website (https://eta.cic.gc.ca/) before flying. The fee is CAD $7 and processing usually takes minutes, but can take a few days if extra documents are requested. Your eTA is linked to your passport and is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — it must not expire within 6 months of your arrival. Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your Greek passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Canada. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there is an empty 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 stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIt's wise to have a return or onward ticket ready in case you're asked. May be requested at border | Although not always required, be prepared to show proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight ticket) if asked by a border services officer. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry bank statements or credit cards to show you can support yourself during your visit. May be requested at border | You may be asked to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds for your stay. No specific amount is set, but you should have enough to cover accommodation, living expenses, and return travel. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form before you travel. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Canada for Greek citizens. | Not required |
| Extension of stayPlan your trip so you leave within 180 days — extensions are not allowed. Not possible | Your stay cannot be extended beyond the 180-day maximum. You must leave Canada before your authorized period ends. | Not required |
eTA processing can take a few days
Don't book non-refundable flights or accommodation until your eTA is approved. Processing is usually instant, but can take a few days if extra documents are requested.
eTA is linked to your passport
Your eTA is electronically linked to your passport number. If you renew your passport, you'll need to apply for a new eTA.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for an eTA online
Go to the official eTA website (https://eta.cic.gc.ca/) and fill out the application. You'll need your passport, a valid email address, and a credit or debit card. Pay the fee of CAD $7. Processing is usually instant, but can take a few days if extra documents are requested.
2
Receive eTA approval
Once approved, your eTA is linked electronically to your passport. Check your email for confirmation. The eTA is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
3
Book your travel and accommodation
After eTA approval, book your flights and first night accommodation. Keep all confirmations on your phone. Also arrange travel insurance and a local SIM/eSIM if you want.
4
Arrive at a Canadian airport
At the airport, go to the immigration queue for visitors. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details ready. The officer may ask about your plans, funds, and how long you're staying. Answer honestly. You'll usually get a stamp allowing up to 6 months stay.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Greece 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 indicated by officer)
ValidityUsually up to 10 years or passport validity, multiple entries
CostCAD $100 (single or multiple entry)
Required if you are not eligible for eTA (e.g., if you have a criminal record, or if entering by land or sea). Also needed for longer stays or work/study permits.
Work Permit
Max stayVaries with permit (up to 2 years typical)
ValidityTied to job offer and LMIA or exemption
CostCAD $155 (plus $100 open work permit holder fee if applicable)
For Greek citizens seeking employment in Canada; requires job offer and often LMIA.
Study Permit
Max stayDuration of study program + 90 days
ValidityFor the length of the program
CostCAD $150
Required for academic courses longer than 6 months; must have 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 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 enrolment in a designated learning institution. Must show acceptance letter, proof of funds, and intent to leave after studies.
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 language proficiency.
Apply retirement visa
No specific retirement visa; use Super Visa or Permanent Residence
Varies
Varies
Canada does not have a dedicated retirement visa. Retirees may apply for a Super Visa (if parent/grandparent of Canadian) or seek permanent residence through family sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)Mandatory for air travel to Canada; valid for up to 5 years or until passport expiry. | CAD $7 |
| eTA application via mobile appOptional convenience fee for using the official app. | CAD $7.25 |
| Visitor record (extension of stay)Required if you wish to stay beyond 180 days; apply online before status expires. | CAD $100 |
| Restoration of status (if overstay)Includes restoration fee and processing fee; must apply within 90 days of losing status. | CAD $229.77 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
Greek citizens are visa-exempt for transit through Canada. If arriving by air, you need an eTA (even for transit) unless you are transiting through a Canadian airport without clearing customs and remain airside. However, in practice, an eTA is required for all air travellers, including transit passengers, unless you are a US citizen or hold a valid visa.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- US citizens and lawful permanent residents of the US are exempt from eTA for transit.
- Travellers with a valid Canadian visa do not need an eTA.
- Crew members and diplomats may have separate exemptions.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson (YYZ) · Vancouver (YVR) · Montréal-Trudeau (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)Recommended
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease in wooded areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but present in summer months in some regions.
Seasonal influenzaModerate risk
Common in winter; 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
Ottawa
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – Ottawa
365 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main processing centre; 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
For in-person inquiries by appointment only; bring all relevant documents.
Practical information for GR 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. Greece is visa-exempt for Canada. You need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before flying. There is no visa option for Greek citizens.
Processing is usually instant, but can take a few days if extra documents are requested. Apply at least 72 hours before your flight. Check your email for confirmation.
The eTA costs CAD $7. This is the only fee required. There are no additional biometrics or visa fees.
No, the eTA does not allow extensions. You must leave before your authorized stay expires. Overstaying without permission can lead to a ban.
You can reapply, but you must address the reasons for refusal. Common reasons include insufficient funds, weak ties to Greece, or incomplete documentation. There is no formal appeal process — a new application is the only option.
Yes, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. A return flight or a ticket to another country is required. Keep a screenshot on your phone.
No, it's not required by law, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Canada are high — a simple emergency room visit can cost hundreds of dollars. Travel insurance covers that.
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.