Canada entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Filipino passport holders need a visa to enter Canada in 2026. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or eTA option for Philippine passports. Start the process at least 3 months before your trip.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visitor visa | Philippine passport holders need a visitor visa before traveling to Canada. Apply online through the IRCC portal — processing takes 2–4 weeks typically. You'll need to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre in Manila or Cebu.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Canada. Canada does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but airlines may enforce it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Canada | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary showing you leave Canada before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Canada. Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you're visiting friends or family. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Bring bank statements or a credit card statement showing you have enough money for your stay. There's no fixed minimum, but having at least CAD $2,000–$3,000 for a short trip is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Start Early — Processing Can Be Slow
Canadian visitor visa processing for the Philippines often takes 6–8 weeks. During peak season (March–May for summer travel, October–December for holidays), it can stretch to 12 weeks. Apply at least 3 months before your intended departure.
Biometrics Are Required for All New Applicants
If you've never given biometrics for a Canadian visa before, you must visit a VAC in person. The fee is CAD $85 (PHP 3,400). Your fingerprints and photo are valid for 10 years for future applications.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare Your Documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), bank statements, employment letter, travel itinerary, and accommodation bookings. Scan everything as PDF or JPEG.
2
Apply Online via IRCC Portal
Create an account on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Fill out the visitor visa application (IMM 5257), upload your documents, and pay the fee (CAD $100 for visa + CAD $85 for biometrics).
3
Submit Biometrics
After submitting, you'll receive a Biometric Instruction Letter within 24–48 hours. Book an appointment at the VAC in Manila (or Cebu). Bring your passport, the letter, and the appointment confirmation. They'll take your fingerprints and photo.
4
Wait for Processing
Processing typically takes 4–8 weeks. You can check your application status online. If additional documents are requested, respond promptly.
5
Receive Your Visa and Travel
If approved, you'll get a visa counterfoil sticker in your passport (or a letter if visa-exempt). Fly to Canada. At the border, present your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation details. The officer may ask about your plans and funds.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years (based on passport validity)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Standard visitor visa for tourism or family visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay6 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 stay2 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
For parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents; requires medical insurance.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD 155 (~USD 116) 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 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. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry visitor visa. | 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 applicants; includes fingerprinting and photo. | CAD 85 (~USD 64) |
| Stay extensionFee to apply for extension of stay as a visitor. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa; no maximum cap specified. | CAD 200 (~USD 150) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Weak home ties20%
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
Philippines passport holders need a transit visa to change flights in Canada, even if staying airside. Apply for a Transit Visa (TRV) before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a visa under certain conditions (e.g., same-day connection).
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa do not need a separate transit visa.
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 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 cold regions; dress warmly and avoid prolonged 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–Sun 24 hours
For immigration and customs inquiries at the airport.
Toronto
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) - Toronto Office
55 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4T 1M2
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visa and extension applications; appointments required.
Practical information for PH 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 = 1.38 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
Processing usually takes 4–8 weeks, but can be longer during peak seasons (summer, December). Apply at least 3 months before your planned travel. You can check current processing times on the IRCC website.
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Philippine passport holders. You must get a visa before you travel. The only exception is if you're transiting through Canada to a third country — you may need a transit visa, which also requires advance application.
The visa application fee is CAD $100 (around PHP 4,000). Biometrics cost an additional CAD $85 (around PHP 3,400). Total: CAD $185 (PHP 7,400). Fees are non-refundable even if your visa is denied.
Yes, you can reapply, but you must address the reasons for refusal. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak ties to the Philippines, or incomplete documents. Reapplying without changes will likely get the same result. Consider consulting an immigration consultant.
Yes, Philippine passport holders need a transit visa even if you're just changing planes in a Canadian airport and staying airside. Apply for a Transit Visa (TRV) — same process as a visitor visa but slightly lower fee (CAD $100).
Yes, you can apply for an extension from within Canada before your current status expires. You must show you still meet the requirements (funds, ties). Processing takes 2–4 months. Overstaying without applying can lead to a ban.
At the Canada Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Manila (Unit 1501, 15th Floor, Pioneer Center, 3380 P. Ocampo Sr. St., Makati) or in Cebu (G/F, Keppel Center, Samar Loop cor. Cardinal Rosales Ave., Cebu Business Park). Book an appointment online first.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.