Canada entry requirements for Italy 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
Italian 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. The eTA is quick and usually approved within minutes.
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 travel authorization before your flight; it is linked electronically to your passport. Required for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to Canada | Apply online at the official eTA website (https://eta.cic.gc.ca/) before flying. The fee is CAD $7 and processing is usually minutes, but can take a few days if extra documents are requested. Your eTA is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date well before you travel; if it's close, renew it first. Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Italian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Canada. Ensure it does not expire during your stay. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesCount the blank pages in your passport; if you have none, you may be refused boarding. At least 1 blank page required for entry stamp | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the Canadian border officer to stamp upon arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a booked ticket out of Canada can make your entry smoother. May be requested by border officials | Although not always required, be prepared to show proof of a return or onward ticket if asked by a Canadian border officer. This helps demonstrate that you will leave Canada before your authorized stay ends. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsBorder officers can ask to see that you have money to pay for your trip. May be requested to show you can support yourself | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards). The amount is not fixed, but you should be able to cover your expenses without working in Canada. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any pre-arrival form, but you'll still declare goods at the border. Not required for Italy passport holders | No separate arrival declaration is required for Italian citizens entering Canada. You will complete a customs declaration upon arrival (often via a kiosk or the ArriveCAN app). | Not required |
Apply for your eTA well in advance
While approval is usually instant, it can take a few days if extra documents are requested. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the eTA confirmation.
No visa-on-arrival or eTA at the airport
You must have your eTA approved before you fly. There is no way to get one at the airport. Airlines will check before boarding.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eTA online
Go to https://eta.cic.gc.ca/, fill out the form with your passport details, pay CAD $7, and submit. Approval is usually instant, but apply at least a few days before your flight in case they request more info.
2
Book your travel and accommodation
Once your eTA is approved, book your flights and first night's stay. Keep confirmations saved on your phone and as printouts.
3
Arrive at a Canadian airport
At the airport (e.g., Toronto Pearson, Vancouver International), go to the 'Visitors' queue. Present your passport and any documents the officer asks for. The eTA is linked to your passport, so no separate paper is needed.
4
Receive your visitor status
The border officer will stamp your passport or issue a visitor record. Check the date — it's usually 6 months from entry. Don't overstay.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy 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
ValidityUsually up to 10 years or until passport expiry, multiple entries
Cost$100 CAD (plus biometrics if applicable)
For those not eligible for eTA or travelling by land/sea. Allows longer stays if granted by border officer.
Super Visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stayUp to 2 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years (multiple entries)
Cost$100 CAD (plus biometrics if applicable)
For parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Requires proof of medical insurance and financial support.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD $155 (~USD $116) for work permit
For skilled workers with a job offer from a Canadian employer. Requires Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Allows work and possible 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) for principal applicant
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. Requires minimum investment and language proficiency.
Apply digital nomad visa
Canada Digital Nomad Strategy (temporary)
Up to 6 months (as visitor) or longer with work permit
Free (as visitor) or CAD $155 (~USD $116) for work permit
Digital nomads can work remotely for foreign employers while visiting Canada. For longer stays, a work permit may be needed. No specific visa yet.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)Mandatory for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. Apply online via the official Government of Canada website. | $7 CAD |
| eTA application via mobile appSame fee as online application; available through the official eTA mobile app. | $7 CAD |
| Visitor visa (TRV) application feeRequired if you are not eligible for an eTA (e.g., travelling by land or sea, or if your eTA is refused). | $100 CAD |
| Biometrics feeApplicable if you need to apply for a visitor visa and are required to give biometrics. | $85 CAD |
| Extension of stay (visitor record)For extending your stay beyond 6 months as a visitor. | $100 CAD |
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
Italian citizens are visa-exempt for transit through Canada. If arriving by air, you need an eTA to board your flight, even if you are just transiting to another country.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you are transiting through a Canadian airport without clearing customs, you still need an eTA.
- If you are a citizen of Italy and hold a valid Canadian visitor visa, you do not need an eTA.
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
Tick-borne disease prevalent 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.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Generally safe; standard precautions advised for street food in remote 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 centre; applications by mail or online only.
Toronto
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) – Toronto Pearson International Airport
6301 Silver Dart Drive, Mississauga, ON L5P 1B2
24/7
For immigration issues at the airport; extensions handled by IRCC online.
Practical information for IT 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 need an eTA, not a full visa. The eTA is an online authorization that costs CAD $7 and is usually approved within minutes. You must apply before you travel — there's no way to get one at the airport.
Typically up to 180 days (6 months) from the date of entry. The border officer sets the exact period and stamps your passport. You can apply for an extension online before your status expires.
Yes, you can apply for a visitor record extension through IRCC. You must apply before your current status expires. There's a fee of CAD 100. Approval is not guaranteed, so apply well in advance.
Your valid passport, return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter), and proof of funds (bank statements or credit card). The officer may ask about your plans — be ready to explain.
No, but it's strongly recommended. Canada does not cover visitors' medical costs. A hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per day. Get a policy that covers at least €50,000 in medical expenses.
No. An eTA only allows tourism, visiting family, or short business meetings. For work or study, you need the appropriate permit. Working without authorization can lead to deportation and a ban.
You'll receive a letter explaining the reason (e.g., insufficient funds, weak ties to Italy). You can reapply with stronger documentation. There's no appeal process, but you can request reconsideration or apply again.
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.