Canada entry requirements for Thailand 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
Thai passport holders need a visitor visa (TRV) to enter Canada in 2026. There is no visa waiver or eTA option for Thai nationals. Apply well in advance — processing can take 2–8 weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visitor visa (TRV) required | Apply for a Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) online through the IRCC portal. Processing takes 2–4 weeks typically — submit your application at least 6 weeks before travel. You'll need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre in Bangkok.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Thai passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in Canada. Canada does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but airlines may enforce it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Canada | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you'll leave Canada before your visa expires. Have a printed or digital copy ready — airlines also check this at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from your host with their address and contact details. Officers may ask where you're staying on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card statement showing at least CAD $2,000–$3,000 for a short trip. Officers want to see you can cover accommodation, food, and return transport without working. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Thai passport holders cannot use the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for Canada. You must get a visitor visa before you fly. Airlines will check this before boarding.
Biometrics appointment needed
Most first-time applicants must visit the VAC in Bangkok to give fingerprints and a photo. Book your appointment online after submitting your application. Walk-ins are not accepted.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visitor visa online
Go to the official Canada visa website (IRCC) and create an account. Fill out the application form, upload your documents (passport scan, photo, travel history, proof of funds, itinerary), and pay the fee (CAD 100 for a single-entry visa, CAD 200 for a multiple-entry visa). Processing takes 2–8 weeks typically.
2
Wait for visa decision
You'll receive an email when your application is processed. If approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport (you may need to mail your passport to a visa office or drop it off at a VAC). If refused, you'll get a letter explaining why.
3
Arrive at a Canadian airport
At the airport, go to the 'Visitors' queue. Hand over your passport with the visa sticker. The border officer may ask about your trip purpose, accommodation, and return ticket. Answer honestly. They'll stamp your passport — you're allowed to stay up to 6 months (or as marked).
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Thailand 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
Validity6 months from issue date
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Standard visa for tourism, requires proof of funds and itinerary.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years or passport expiry
CostCAD 500 (~USD 375)
Ideal for frequent travellers, allows multiple entries.
Super visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stayUp to 2 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
For parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or PRs, requires medical insurance.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
Employer pays; worker may need work permit fee CAD 155 (~USD 116)
For skilled workers with a job offer and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Requires employer sponsorship.
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, valid for up to 6 months. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries, valid for up to 10 years or passport expiry. | CAD 500 (~USD 375) |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most visa applicants, includes fingerprint and photo. | CAD 85 (~USD 64) |
| Visa application centre feeAdditional fee for using VFS Global or other centres. | Varies (~CAD 30-50 / USD 22-38) |
| Stay extensionFor extending visitor stay beyond initial period, subject to approval. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity, with no official cap but may lead to removal. | CAD 200 (~USD 150) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Thai passport holders generally need a transit visa to change flights in Canada, unless they have a valid US visa or are transiting airside within 24 hours without clearing customs.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours if staying airside.
- Transit through Canada to/from the US may require a visa unless exempt.
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 BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
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.
InfluenzaModerate risk
Seasonal flu common in winter; vaccination recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Vancouver
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) - Vancouver International Airport
3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, BC V7B 0A4
Mon–Sun 24 hours
For visa issues at entry, not for extensions. Extensions apply online via IRCC.
Toronto
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) - Toronto Pearson International Airport
6301 Silver Dart Dr, Mississauga, ON L5P 1B2
Mon–Sun 24 hours
Primary entry point for many Thai travellers. For visa extensions, apply online.
Practical information for TH 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
Processing times vary, but typically 2–8 weeks. Check the IRCC website for current estimates. Apply well before your planned travel date.
CAD 100 for a single-entry visa, CAD 200 for a multiple-entry visa. You also pay a biometrics fee of CAD 85 if you need to give fingerprints and photo (most first-time applicants do).
Yes, if you're between 14 and 79 years old. You'll need to visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Bangkok to give your fingerprints and photo. The fee is CAD 85.
Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current status expires. The fee is CAD 100. You must apply online. Overstaying is serious — it can affect future visa applications.
You'll receive a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak ties to Thailand, incomplete application. You can reapply after addressing the issue. There's no appeal process.
Yes, Thai passport holders need a visa even for transit (unless you're connecting through a US airport and have a US visa). Apply for a transit visa — it's cheaper (CAD 50) but still requires an application.
No. A visitor visa is for tourism, visiting family, or business meetings only. You cannot work or study for more than 6 months. For work or study, you need a separate permit.
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.