Canada entry requirements for Poland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Polish 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 Polish citizens. Start the online application at least a month before your trip.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Polish passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Canada. Canada does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but airlines may still enforce it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Visa application Apply for a visitor visa before travel | Polish passport holders need a visitor visa to enter Canada. Apply online through the IRCC portal at least 4 weeks before your trip — processing times vary. You'll need to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre.Apply for visa | 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 reservation showing you'll leave Canada before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from your host with their address and contact info. Officers may ask where you're staying on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card statement showing you have enough money for your stay. There's no fixed minimum, but expect to show at least CAD $1,000–$2,000 for a short trip. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing times vary
Canadian visa processing can take 2–4 weeks, but sometimes longer during peak season (summer, holidays). Don't book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
Biometrics are valid for 10 years
If you've given biometrics for a previous Canadian visa application within the last 10 years, you won't need to do it again. Check your old visa letter.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the visitor visa online
Go to the IRCC website and create an account. Fill out the application form, upload your documents (passport scan, photo, travel history, proof of funds), and pay the CAD 100 fee. Processing takes 2–4 weeks. You'll get a biometrics instruction letter.
2
Give biometrics
After submitting, you'll receive a letter asking for fingerprints and a photo. Book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) — there's one in Warsaw. Walk in with your passport and the letter. The fee is CAD 85. They'll take your prints and photo on the spot.
3
Wait for decision
Once biometrics are done, the visa officer reviews your application. You'll get an email when a decision is made. If approved, they'll stamp a visitor visa in your passport — valid for up to 10 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
4
Travel to Canada
When you land at a Canadian airport (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal), go to the immigration booth. Hand over your passport with the visa. The officer may ask about your trip, accommodation, and return ticket. Answer honestly. They'll usually stamp your passport and let you through.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Poland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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 PRs; requires private health insurance.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
Employer pays; worker may need to pay for work permit (CAD $155)
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 $113)
For international students accepted at a designated learning institution. Allows part-time work on campus.
Apply investor visa
Start-Up Visa Program
Permanent residence
Application fee CAD $1,575 (~USD $1,180)
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. Requires minimum investment.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visitor visa. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries during validity. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most applicants; includes fingerprint and photo. | CAD 85 (~USD 64) |
| Stay extension (visitor record)Fee to apply for an extension of stay as a visitor. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying is illegal; fines are at officer's discretion and can be severe. | CAD 200 per day (no official cap, but may lead to removal) |
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
Poland passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Canadian airports, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or entering Canada for any reason, a visitor visa or eTA is required.
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 BRecommendedRabies (for remote or wildlife exposure)Consider
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 months; dress warmly and limit outdoor exposure.
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
219 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For general inquiries; extensions are processed online, not in person.
Toronto
IRCC – Toronto Office
25 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4T 1M2
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for the Greater Toronto Area; appointments required for some services.
Practical information for PL 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 = 1.37 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
Yes, Polish passport holders need a visitor visa (TRV) to enter Canada. There is no eTA or visa waiver for Poland. Apply online before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks after you submit your application and give biometrics. Apply at least a month before your planned departure.
At the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Warsaw. Address: ul. Domaniewska 39A, 02-672 Warsaw. You need to book an appointment online after you submit your application.
The visa application fee is CAD 100. Biometrics cost an additional CAD 85. Total: CAD 185 (roughly 550 PLN at current rates). Fees are non-refundable.
Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current visa expires. You'll need to show you have funds and a reason to stay longer. Processing takes a few months, so apply early.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), a digital photo, proof of funds (bank statements, pay slips), travel itinerary, accommodation bookings, and a letter explaining your trip purpose. Additional documents may be requested.
No, a visitor visa does not allow you to work or study. For work, you need a work permit. For study, a study permit. Both require separate applications.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.