Canada entry requirements for Slovakia 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
Slovak 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 Slovak citizens. Plan ahead: processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visitor visa | You need a visitor visa to enter Canada. Apply online through the IRCC portal at least 4–6 weeks before travel. Processing times vary by country — check current estimates on the IRCC website.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Slovak passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Canada. No minimum validity beyond departure is required, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers will ask for proof of a return or onward ticket before you board. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure from Canada within the visa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Carry hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. No fixed amount is specified, but officers may ask if you look underfunded. | Recommended |
Visa required — no eTA option
Slovak passport holders cannot use the eTA system. You must apply for a full visitor visa before traveling. Do not book flights until your visa is approved.
Biometrics appointment needed
After submitting your online application, you'll need to visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Bratislava or Vienna to give fingerprints and a photo. Book online in advance — no walk-ins.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a 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, financial proof), and pay the CAD 100 fee (about €70). Processing takes 2–6 weeks on average.
2
Submit biometrics
After applying, you'll get a letter to give your fingerprints and photo. Book an appointment at the Visa Application Centre in Bratislava (or Vienna if closer). Walk-in not allowed — book online first. Cost: CAD 85 (about €60).
3
Wait for visa decision
IRCC will email you once a decision is made. If approved, your passport will be stamped with the visa sticker. You can track the status online. Typical wait: 2–6 weeks, but can be longer during peak season (summer).
4
Arrive at a Canadian airport
When you land (e.g., Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Montreal), go to the primary inspection kiosk. Hand over your passport with the visa sticker. The officer may ask about your trip purpose, funds, and return ticket. Answer honestly and calmly.
5
Collect your bags and exit
After the officer stamps your passport, you're cleared. Grab your luggage from the carousel and walk through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Done — you're in Canada.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Slovakia 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 stay5 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
CAD 155 (~USD 116) employer compliance fee + work permit fee 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 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) processing fee
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. Requires minimum investment.
Apply digital nomad visa
Canada Digital Nomad Strategy (pilot)
Up to 6 months (visitor status) or longer with work permit
Varies; visitor entry is free
Allows remote workers to stay temporarily; for longer stays, a work permit may be needed. No specific visa yet.
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) |
| Stay extension (visitor record)Fee to apply for extending stay as a visitor. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa; maximum cap may apply. | CAD 200 (~USD 150) per day |
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
Slovak 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 up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or entering Canada, a visitor visa or eTA is required.
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 BRecommendedCOVID-19 (updated booster)EssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)Recommended
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 cold climates, especially for outdoor activities; dress warmly.
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
55 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4T 1M2
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for southern Ontario; appointments required for some services.
Practical information for SK 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
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 still need a visa. There's no transit exemption for Slovak passport holders. Apply for a visitor visa even if you're just changing planes.
Processing times vary, but typically 2–6 weeks. Apply at least 2 months before your planned travel. During summer or around holidays, it can take longer. Check current processing times on the IRCC website.
The visitor visa fee is CAD 100 (about €70). Biometrics cost an additional CAD 85 (about €60). Total: roughly €130. Fees are non-refundable even if your application is refused.
Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current visa expires. You must show a valid reason (e.g., tourism, visiting family) and prove you can support yourself. The extension fee is CAD 100. 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 Slovakia, or unclear travel purpose. Consider getting a detailed invitation letter from a Canadian host or a letter from your employer confirming your return.
Yes, immigration officers still expect to see a booked return or onward flight. Even if you're staying with relatives, have a ticket out of Canada before your visa expires.
No. A visitor visa is for tourism, visiting family, or business meetings only. You cannot work or study for more than 6 months. If you want to work or study, you need a separate work permit or study permit.
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.