Canada entry requirements for Russia 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
Russian 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 access or eTA option for Russian citizens. Start the process at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visitor visa | Russian 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. You will need to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a designated Visa Application Centre.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Canada. Airlines and border officers will check that the passport is not expired — no specific 6-month validity rule applies for Canada. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Canada | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof that you will leave Canada before your visa expires. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready — a bus or train ticket to the US also works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, Airbnb receipt, or a letter from your host with their address and contact info. Officers may ask where you are staying on the first night — vague answers can trigger secondary screening. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card statement showing enough funds for your stay. There is no fixed minimum amount, but expect questions if you arrive with less than CAD 2,000 for a two-week trip. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Russian citizens cannot enter Canada visa-free or with an eTA. You must get a TRV before you travel. Border officers will deny boarding if you don't have a valid visa.
Biometrics are valid for 10 years
If you've given biometrics for a previous Canadian visa or permit within the last 10 years, you don't need to do it again. Check your old visa sticker.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, bank statements, travel itinerary, accommodation proof, and any invitation letters. Scan everything as PDF or JPEG.
2
Apply online
Go to the IRCC website, create an account, fill out the TRV application form (IMM 5257), upload your documents, and pay the CAD $100 visa fee plus CAD $85 biometrics fee.
3
Give biometrics
Within a few days you'll receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter. Book an appointment at the nearest VAC — Moscow, St. Petersburg, or Yekaterinburg. Bring your passport and the letter.
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 4–6 weeks. You can check status online. Don't book flights until you get the visa.
5
Receive your visa
If approved, you'll get a visa counterfoil sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates — you must enter before the expiry.
6
Arrive in Canada
At the airport, go to the 'Visitors' queue. Hand over your passport and visa. The border officer may ask about your trip, funds, and return plans. Answer honestly.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia 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 stayUp to 6 months
ValidityTypically 6 months from issue date
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Standard visitor visa for tourism or business visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years (or until passport expiry)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Convenient for frequent travelers; same fee as single entry.
Super visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stayUp to 2 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Requires Canadian child or grandchild to meet income threshold.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
Employer pays; worker may pay CAD 155 (~USD 116) for open work permit
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. Requires minimum investment.
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 during validity. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most applicants; includes fingerprinting and photo. | CAD 85 (~USD 64) |
| Visa extension (if applicable)For extending stay as a visitor; subject to approval. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa; no maximum cap specified. | CAD 200 per day (~USD 150) |
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
Russian passport holders need a transit visa to change flights in Canada, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a visa under certain conditions (e.g., same-day connection).
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 travelers.
HypothermiaModerate risk
Risk in cold climates; 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
Main processing center; applications by mail or online only.
Vancouver
IRCC – Vancouver Office
1148 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2C3
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles in-person inquiries by appointment only.
Practical information for RU 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Standard processing is 4–6 weeks, but it can take longer during peak seasons (summer, holidays). Apply at least 2 months before your planned travel.
The visa fee is CAD $100 (about RUB 6,500) and biometrics cost CAD $85 (about RUB 5,500). Total is CAD $185. Fees are non-refundable even if your visa is refused.
You can give biometrics at Visa Application Centres (VACs) in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, and Vladivostok. Book an appointment online after you submit your application.
Yes, you can apply for a visitor record extension before your current status expires. You must show you still have funds and a reason to stay. Processing takes about 3–4 months.
You can reapply, but you must address the reasons for refusal. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak ties to Russia, or incomplete documents. Consider reapplying with stronger evidence.
Yes, Russian citizens need a transit visa even if you're just changing planes and staying airside. Apply for a Transit Visa (same process as a visitor visa but free of charge).
No. Russian passport holders are not eligible for an eTA. You must apply for a full Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before travelling.
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.