Canada entry requirements for Romania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
Romanian 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-free or eTA option for Romania. Plan ahead: processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visitor visa | Romanian passport holders need a visitor visa to enter Canada. Apply online through the IRCC portal at least 4–6 weeks before travel. Processing times vary by visa office — check current wait times on the IRCC website before booking flights.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Romanian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Canada. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Canadian law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa holders | Canadian immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Airlines check this at check-in — without it, you may be denied boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask where you're staying. A hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from your host with their address and contact info works. Keep a copy on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers may ask for bank statements, credit card limits, or cash. There's no fixed amount, but having at least CAD 2,000–3,000 for a short trip plus proof of accommodation is a safe baseline. A recent pay stub or sponsorship letter also helps. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing can take weeks
Canadian visitor visa processing for Romanian citizens often takes 2–8 weeks. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
No eTA for Romanians
Romania is not on the eTA-eligible list. You must apply for a full visitor visa (TRV) — there is no shortcut.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, recent photo (digital, 35mm x 45mm), bank statements, travel itinerary, and any invitation letters. Scan everything as PDFs or JPEGs.
2
Apply online for a visitor visa
Go to the IRCC website and create an account. Fill out the application form (IMM 5257), upload your documents, and pay the fee (CAD 100 for a single entry, CAD 500 for a multiple-entry visa). Processing takes 2–8 weeks.
3
Wait for approval and submit your passport
If approved, you'll get a letter asking you to send your physical passport to the nearest Canadian visa office (in Bucharest or via VFS Global). They'll stick the visa sticker inside and mail it back.
4
Book your travel and pack your documents
Once you have the visa, book your flights and accommodation. Print or save digital copies of your visa approval, passport, travel insurance, and return ticket. Keep them in your carry-on.
5
Arrive in Canada and go through immigration
At the airport, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and join the line for foreign visitors. Hand over your passport and visa. The officer may ask about your plans, funds, and return ticket. Answer honestly — it usually takes 2–5 minutes.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months
ValidityTypically 6 months from issue date
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Standard visitor visa for tourism or family visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years (subject to officer discretion)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Allows multiple entries; ideal for frequent travellers.
Super visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stayUp to 5 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
For parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents; requires private health insurance.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD 155 (~USD 116) for 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) for principal applicant
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. No minimum net worth required.
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 fingerprinting 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 dayPenalty for overstaying visa or authorized period; no maximum cap specified. | CAD 200 (~USD 150) per day |
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
Romanian citizens generally need a transit visa to pass through Canada en route to another country, unless they meet specific exemptions.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a visa under certain conditions.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa do not need a separate transit visa.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) · Vancouver International Airport (YVR) · Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabies (for remote or outdoor activities)Consider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease prevalent in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is seasonal and low for most travellers.
HypothermiaModerate risk
Risk in cold regions; dress appropriately 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
Ottawa
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – Ottawa
365 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
National headquarters; for inquiries and applications by mail.
Toronto
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) – Toronto Pearson
6301 Silver Dart Drive, Mississauga, ON L5P 1B2
24/7
For border services and immigration at the airport.
Practical information for RO 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
Yes, if you're transiting through a Canadian airport to a third country, you generally need a transit visa unless you qualify for the China Transit Program or are a US visa holder. Check with IRCC before booking.
Processing times vary, but typically 2–8 weeks. Apply well in advance of your planned travel. You can check current processing times on the IRCC website.
Yes, you can apply for a visitor record extension before your current visa expires. The fee is CAD 100. You must show you still have funds and a reason to stay longer. Overstaying without permission can get you banned.
You can reapply, but you must address the reasons for refusal. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak ties to Romania, or incomplete documents. Consider consulting an immigration consultant or lawyer.
No. A visitor visa only allows tourism, family visits, or short business meetings. For work or study, you need a separate work permit or study permit.
Immigration officers can ask. Have bank statements or a credit card ready. Showing you have enough money for your stay (e.g., CAD 200–300 per day) helps avoid issues.
A single-entry visa lets you enter Canada once. A multiple-entry visa allows multiple entries for up to 10 years (or until your passport expires). The multiple-entry visa costs CAD 500, single-entry is CAD 100. Most applicants get the multiple-entry visa by default.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.