Canada entry requirements for Hong Kong 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
Hong Kong 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 HK passports. Plan ahead: processing can take 2–6 weeks.
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 authorization before boarding your flight to Canada. Visa-exempt entry permit | Hong Kong passport holders must obtain an eTA before flying to Canada. Apply online at the official eTA website (https://eta.cic.gc.ca/). The fee is CAD $7. Processing is usually completed within minutes, but can take a few days if additional documents are requested. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date – it must not expire within 6 months of your arrival. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Hong Kong passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Canada. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there is an empty page in your passport for border officials to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a ticket out of Canada helps show you plan to leave before your stay ends. May be requested at border | Although not always required, border officers may ask to see proof of onward travel. It is strongly recommended to have a return or onward ticket. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry bank statements or credit cards to show you can pay for your trip. Sufficient funds for your stay | You may be asked to show that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada. The amount is not fixed, but should cover accommodation, food, and other expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any form before you fly – just do the customs declaration when you land. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Canada. You will complete a customs declaration upon arrival, either on the kiosk or via the ArriveCAN app. | Not required |
Apply early — processing takes weeks
Do not book flights or accommodation until your visa is approved. Processing can take 2–6 weeks, and there are no expedited options for visitor visas.
Biometrics required for most applicants
After submitting your online application, you'll need to visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Hong Kong to give fingerprints and a photo. Book an appointment online. The fee is CAD 85.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the visa online
Go to the IRCC website and create an account. Fill out the visitor visa application (IMM 5257), upload your documents (passport scan, photo, bank statements, travel itinerary), and pay the fee (CAD 100). Processing takes 2–6 weeks. You may be asked to submit your passport to a visa application centre (VAC) for the sticker.
2
Receive your visa and prepare to travel
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates — you must enter before the expiry. Book your flights and accommodation. Print or save digital copies of your visa, passport, return ticket, and hotel booking.
3
Arrive at a Canadian airport
At the airport, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Immigration'. You'll queue at a kiosk or counter. Present your passport with the visa sticker. The officer may ask: purpose of visit, how long you're staying, where you're staying, and proof of funds. Answer honestly and briefly.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You may be asked to declare goods. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. That's it — you're in Canada.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Hong Kong 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:
Super Visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stayUp to 5 years per visit
ValidityUp to 10 years (or passport expiry)
Cost$100 CAD (application) + $85 CAD (biometrics)
Requires a letter of invitation from a Canadian child/grandchild and proof of medical insurance
Work permit (employer-specific)
Max stayVaries (typically up to 2 years)
ValidityDuration of job offer
Cost$155 CAD (work permit fee) + $100 CAD (open work permit holder fee if applicable)
Requires a valid job offer and often an LMIA or exemption
Study permit
Max stayDuration of study program + 90 days
ValidityProgram length
Cost$150 CAD (study permit) + $85 CAD (biometrics)
Requires acceptance from a designated learning institution
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
Employer-specific; no direct fee for worker
For Hong Kong residents with a job offer from a Canadian employer. Requires Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of program + 90 days
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For Hong Kong students accepted at a designated learning institution in Canada. Allows part-time work on campus.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (TRV) application feePer person; non-refundable | $100 CAD |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most applicants; per person | $85 CAD |
| Visa application centre (VAC) service chargePaid to the VAC in Hong Kong; additional courier/optional services extra | Varies (approx. $30–$50 CAD) |
| Extension of stay (visitor record)For stays beyond 6 months; apply before status expires | $100 CAD |
| Restoration of status (if overstay)Plus original fee; apply within 90 days of losing status | $200 CAD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application 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
Transit visa required
Hong Kong passport holders transiting through Canada generally need a visitor visa (TRV) unless they qualify for the China Transit Program (CTP) — but CTP applies only to Chinese nationals, not Hong Kong SAR passport holders. Therefore, a visa is required for airside transit.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa or eTA (eTA not applicable to HK passports)
- Holders of a valid US visa and travelling to/from the US on an approved air carrier (may be eligible for transit without visa under certain conditions — verify with IRCC)
- Diplomatic or official passport holders (may have 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 BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but present in summer months.
HypothermiaModerate risk
Risk in winter; dress warmly and limit exposure.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Vancouver
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) – Vancouver International Airport
3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, BC V7B 0A4
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visa and entry issues at the airport; not for extensions.
Toronto
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – Toronto Office
55 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4T 1M2
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For visa applications and inquiries; appointments required.
Practical information for HK 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. Hong Kong passport holders must get a visa before travelling. There is no visa on arrival or eTA option for HK passports.
Processing typically takes 2 to 6 weeks. It can be longer during peak seasons (summer, December). Apply at least 2 months before your planned trip.
The visitor visa fee is CAD 100 per person. If you need to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo), that's an additional CAD 85. Fees are non-refundable.
Yes, most applicants from Hong Kong need to give biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). You'll do this after submitting your online application. The VAC in Hong Kong is at 8/F, One Exchange Square, Central.
Yes, you can apply to extend your visitor status before your current stay expires. The extension fee is CAD 100. You must apply online. Overstaying without permission can affect future travel.
You can reapply, but you must address the reasons for refusal. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak ties to Hong Kong, or incomplete documents. Consider consulting an immigration consultant or lawyer.
Yes, if you are transiting through a Canadian airport to a third country, you generally need a transit visa. The same application process applies. Check the IRCC website for exemptions.
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.