Canada entry requirements for Singapore 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
Singapore passport holders need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to fly to or transit through Canada in 2026. The eTA is quick and cheap — you apply online, and approval usually comes through in minutes. You don't need a full visitor visa, but you must get the eTA 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)You need this online authorization before boarding your flight to Canada. Visa-exempt entry permit | Singapore passport holders must obtain an eTA before flying to Canada. Apply online at the official eTA website (https://eta.cic.gc.ca/). The fee is CAD $7 and processing is usually minutes, but can take a few days if extra documents are requested. The eTA is valid for up to 5 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport doesn't expire too soon after your trip. Valid for at least 6 months | Your Singapore passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Canada. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesCanada border officials need a blank page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a ticket out of Canada shows you plan to leave within the allowed stay. May be requested | Although not always required, border officers may ask to see proof of onward travel. It is strongly recommended to have a return or onward ticket booked. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsBe ready to show you can support yourself financially during your visit. May be requested | You may be asked to show that you have sufficient funds for your stay. While no specific amount is set, carrying a credit card and some cash is advisable. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any form before you arrive. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Canada. You will complete a customs declaration upon arrival (often via kiosk or app). | Not required |
| Maximum stayPlan your trip to stay within the allowed time. Up to 180 days | You can stay in Canada for up to 180 days per entry. This period is set by the border officer at entry and is not extendable. | Required |
eTA is not a visa — but it's still required
Singapore passport holders cannot use the eTA system for Canada. You must apply for a full visitor visa (TRV) before you travel. Do not book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
Processing times can be long
Apply at least 2 months before your trip. During peak seasons (summer, December), processing may take 6–8 weeks. Check current processing times on the IRCC website before booking.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eTA online
Go to https://eta.cic.gc.ca/ and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, an email address, and a credit/debit card to pay the CAD $7 fee. Most applications are approved within minutes — you'll get an email confirmation. If extra documents are requested, it can take a few days.
2
Check your eTA status before flying
Before you head to the airport, log back into the eTA website to confirm your application is approved. If it's still pending, don't risk it — contact IRCC or reapply. You won't be allowed to board without an approved eTA.
3
Arrive at a Canadian airport
At immigration, present your passport. The officer will scan it and see your eTA automatically. They may ask about your trip purpose, funds, and return plans. Answer honestly. You'll be admitted for up to 6 months.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Singapore 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 (usually)
ValidityUp to 10 years (multiple entry, as granted)
CostCAD $100 + biometrics (if applicable)
For those who do not qualify for eTA or want a longer validity. Still subject to officer's discretion.
Super Visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stayUp to 2 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years (multiple entry)
CostCAD $100 + biometrics
Requires a letter of invitation from a child or grandchild in Canada and proof of medical insurance.
Work permit
Max stayVaries (up to 2-3 years typical)
ValidityDepends on LMIA or international agreements
CostCAD $155 (most cases)
Requires a job offer and often a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Study permit
Max stayDuration of study program + 90 days
ValidityFor the length of the program
CostCAD $150
Requires acceptance from a designated learning institution.
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 innovative business ideas and support from a designated organization.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)Required for air travel to or transit through Canada. Valid for up to 5 years or until passport expiry. | CAD $7 |
| Visitor visa (TRV) application feeOnly if you do not qualify for eTA (e.g., if you have a criminal record or are inadmissible). | CAD $100 |
| Biometrics feeRequired if you apply for a visitor visa; not needed for eTA. | CAD $85 |
| Extension of stay (visitor record)To extend your stay beyond 6 months; apply before your status expires. | CAD $100 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Unclear travel purpose20%
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
Singapore passport holders do not need a visa to transit through a Canadian airport if they hold a valid eTA. The eTA is required for air travel to or through Canada, including transit.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country but do not have an eTA, you may be refused boarding. However, there is no separate transit visa for Singapore passport holders; the eTA covers transit.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson (YYZ) · Vancouver (YVR) · Montréal-Trudeau (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, etc.)EssentialInfluenzaRecommendedHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedCOVID-19Essential
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 limit 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, call or use online portal.
Toronto
IRCC - Toronto Office
25 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4T 1M2
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa and extension applications in Ontario.
Practical information for SG 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
Most eTA applications are approved within minutes. In some cases, it can take a few days if extra documents are requested. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
No. You must have an approved eTA before you board your flight to Canada. There's no way to apply at the airport.
The eTA fee is CAD $7 (about SGD 7). This is non-refundable, even if your application is refused.
No. Biometrics are only required for visitor visas, work permits, and study permits — not for eTA applications. You only need to provide your passport details and answer a few questions online.
Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current status expires. The fee is CAD 100. You must show you still have funds and a valid reason to stay longer. Apply online through the IRCC portal.
You'll receive an email explaining the reason. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak ties to Singapore, or unclear travel purpose. You can reapply after addressing the issue — there's no waiting period.
Yes, unless you're a US citizen or hold a valid US visa in some cases. Singapore passport holders need an eTA even for a same-day connecting flight. No exceptions.
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.