Canada entry requirements for Sweden 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
Swedish passport holders need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to visit Canada in 2026. The eTA is quick and easy to get online — most applications are approved in minutes. You must have it before you board your flight.
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)An eTA is an electronic entry permit linked to your passport. You must have it before you fly. Required for visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada | Swedish citizens need an eTA to board a flight to Canada. Apply online at the official eTA website (https://eta.cic.gc.ca/). The cost is CAD $7. Processing is usually minutes, but can take a few days if extra documents are requested. Apply well before your flight. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire within 6 months of your arrival in Canada. Must be valid for at least 6 months from entry | Your Swedish passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Canada. Ensure your passport meets this before applying for your eTA. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for any stamps or visas that may be added at the border. At least 1 blank page required | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps. Although Canada often uses electronic records, a blank page is still required by regulation. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketShowing you plan to leave Canada can help prove you are a genuine visitor. Not explicitly required, but strongly recommended | Canadian border officers may ask for proof of onward travel. While not a formal requirement for Swedish citizens, having a return or onward ticket is strongly recommended to avoid delays or refusal of entry. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsHaving proof of money helps show you can support yourself during your visit. Not explicitly required, but may be requested | There is no fixed amount required, but you should be able to show you have sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards). Border officers may ask for evidence. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before you travel. Not required | Canada does not require a separate arrival declaration for Swedish citizens. You will complete a customs declaration upon arrival (often via kiosk or app). | Not required |
| Maximum stayDo not overstay your 180-day limit; it is not extendable. Up to 180 days per entry | As a Swedish citizen with an eTA, you may stay in Canada for up to 180 days per entry. This period is set by the border officer at entry and cannot be extended. | Required |
eTA required — no exceptions
Swedish passport holders cannot use the visa waiver program. You must have an approved eTA before you fly. Airlines will check this at check-in — no eTA means no boarding.
eTA is quick, but don't wait until the last minute
While most eTA applications are approved in minutes, some take a few days if extra documents are requested. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid stress.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eTA online
Go to https://eta.cic.gc.ca/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport, an email address, and a credit/debit card for the CAD $7 fee. Most applications are approved within minutes. If extra documents are requested, it can take a few days.
2
Wait for approval (if not instant)
You'll receive an email with your eTA status. If approved, it's linked to your passport electronically. If more information is needed, you'll get instructions — check your email regularly.
3
Prepare for arrival
Before you fly, save your eTA confirmation email, passport, return ticket, and accommodation details on your phone. At the airport in Canada, go to the 'Visitors' queue. The border officer will ask about your purpose, length of stay, and may ask to see your documents. Answer honestly and clearly.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden 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
Cost$100 CAD + $85 CAD biometrics
For those who do not qualify for an eTA. Multiple entries allowed.
Work permit
Max stayVaries (up to 2 years typical)
ValidityDuration of job offer
Cost$155 CAD
Requires a job offer and often a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an exemption.
Study permit
Max stayDuration of study program
ValidityProgram length + 90 days
Cost$150 CAD
Requires acceptance from a designated learning institution.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD 155 (~USD 115) for employer compliance fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from a Canadian employer. Requires Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Provides pathway 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 retirement visa
No specific retirement visa; use Super Visa or Permanent Residence
Varies
Varies
Canada does not have a dedicated retirement visa. Retirees can apply for a Super Visa (if family in Canada) or pursue permanent residence through family sponsorship or other programs.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)Required for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada. Apply online via the official Government of Canada website. | $7 CAD |
| Visitor visa (TRV) application feeOnly if you do not qualify for an eTA (e.g., if you have a criminal record or are otherwise inadmissible). | $100 CAD |
| Biometrics feeRequired if you need to apply for a visitor visa (TRV) and are 14–79 years old. | $85 CAD |
| Visitor record (extension of stay)To extend your stay beyond 6 months as a visitor. Apply before your current status expires. | $100 CAD |
| Restoration of status (if you overstay)If you lose your temporary resident status, you may apply for restoration within 90 days. | $229.75 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
Swedish citizens are visa-exempt for transit through Canada. An eTA is required when flying to or through Canada, including for airside transit.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you are inadmissible to Canada (e.g., criminal record), you may need a Temporary Resident Permit.
- If you are transiting through a Canadian airport and are not flying on a visa-exempt basis (e.g., you have a criminal record), you may need a 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 BRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)Recommended
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease in wooded areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but present in summer months.
HypothermiaModerate risk
Risk in cold climates; 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
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.
Vancouver
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) - Vancouver International Airport
3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, BC V7B 0A4
24/7
For immigration inquiries at the airport; limited services for extensions.
Practical information for SE 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 don't need a full visa. You need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), which is a simple online application. It costs CAD $7 and is usually approved in minutes. You must have it before you board your flight.
You can stay up to 180 days per entry. The eTA itself is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current status expires. You must show you still meet the requirements and have a valid reason. The extension fee is CAD 100. Overstaying without permission can affect future travel.
You'll need a valid passport, an email address, and a credit or debit card to pay the CAD $7 fee. The application asks for basic personal details — no photos or biometrics are required for eTA.
If your eTA is refused, you'll receive an email explaining why. Common reasons include incomplete information or a passport issue. You can reapply after fixing the problem, but the fee is non-refundable. If you're still having trouble, you may need to apply for a visitor visa instead.
No. Swedish passport holders do not need a transit visa if you're transiting airside (staying in the international area) and not passing through Canadian immigration. You can stay up to 48 hours airside. If you need to leave the airport, you'll need an eTA.
No, but it's strongly advised. Canada's healthcare is not free for visitors — a hospital stay can cost thousands of dollars. Travel insurance covering medical expenses is a smart investment.
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.