Canada entry requirements for Uruguay passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 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
Uruguayan passport holders need a visa to visit Canada in 2026. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before traveling — there is no visa waiver or eTA option for Uruguay. Plan ahead: processing times vary, and you'll need to submit biometrics.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| VisaYou cannot board a flight to Canada without a valid visa. Visitor visa required | Uruguayan passport holders must obtain a visitor visa (TRV) before traveling to Canada. Apply online or at a Canadian visa application centre. Processing times vary; apply well in advance. | Required |
| Passport validityBorder officers check passport expiry to ensure you can leave Canada without issues. 6 months beyond departure | Your Uruguay passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Canada. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for immigration stamps upon arrival. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps or visa vignettes. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketCarrying a return ticket avoids potential airline refusal at check-in. Not explicitly required | Canadian immigration does not legally require a return or onward ticket for Uruguayans, but airlines may ask for proof of onward travel to confirm you will leave Canada. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsHaving proof of funds helps demonstrate you can support yourself during your visit. Not explicitly required | No specific minimum amount is mandated, but you should be able to show sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) if asked by a border officer. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou will complete a standard customs declaration upon arrival. Not required | No advance arrival declaration is needed for Uruguay passport holders entering Canada. | Not required |
| eTAThe eTA is only for visa-exempt nationals; Uruguayans need a visa. Not applicable | Uruguay passport holders do not qualify for an eTA; a visitor visa is mandatory. | Not required |
Visa required — no eTA option
Uruguay is not on the eTA-eligible list. Do not try to apply for an eTA — it will be rejected and you'll lose the fee. You must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before traveling.
Biometrics are mandatory
All Uruguayan applicants aged 14–79 must give biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a VAC. This is a separate step after submitting your online application. Book your appointment early to avoid delays.
What happens at the border
1
Apply online for a visitor visa
Go to the IRCC website and create an account. Fill out the application form, upload your documents (passport scan, photos, proof of funds, travel itinerary), and pay the CAD 100 fee. You'll get a confirmation and a biometrics instruction letter.
2
Give biometrics at a VAC
Take your passport and the biometrics letter to the nearest Visa Application Centre (in Uruguay, that's in Montevideo). They'll take your fingerprints and photo. This step is mandatory and costs about CAD 85 extra.
3
Wait for processing
Standard processing for Uruguay is around 2–4 weeks, but can be longer during peak seasons. You can track your application online. If approved, you'll receive a visa counterfoil in your passport.
4
Arrive at a Canadian port of entry
When you land (e.g., Toronto Pearson or Vancouver International), go to the primary inspection kiosk. Hand over your passport with the visa. The officer may ask about your trip, funds, and return plans. Answer honestly. They'll stamp your passport and tell you how long you can stay (usually up to 6 months).
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Uruguay Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Super Visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stayUp to 5 years per visit
Validity10 years
Cost$100 CAD
Requires Canadian child/grandchild invitation and private medical insurance.
Business visitor visa
Max stay6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$100 CAD
For business meetings, conferences; no work permit needed.
Visitor record (extension)
Extend your stay as a visitor
Up to 6 months additional
$100 CAD
Apply online before your current status expires to extend your visit for tourism or family reasons.
Apply for extension Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (single or multiple entry)Per person; non-refundable. | $100 CAD |
| Biometrics feeRequired for each applicant aged 14-79. | $85 CAD |
| Visa application centre service feePaid to the VAC handling your application. | Varies (approx. $30-50 CAD) |
| Visa extension (visitor record)For extending stay beyond 6 months. | $100 CAD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect application30%
Insufficient financial proof25%
Weak ties to home country20%
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
Uruguayan passport holders need a transit visa to pass through Canada en route to another country, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a visa under certain conditions (China Transit Program not applicable).
Transit hubsToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) · Vancouver International Airport (YVR) · Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialInfluenza (seasonal)RecommendedCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)Recommended
Health risks
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Tick-borne; risk in wooded/grassy areas, especially spring to fall.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; rare but present in some regions.
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) – Headquarters
365 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time
Vancouver
IRCC Vancouver – Pacific Regional Office
1148 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2C3
By appointment only
Practical information for UY 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Standard processing is 2–4 weeks, but it can take longer during busy periods (summer, holidays). You can check current processing times on the IRCC website. Biometrics appointment availability in Montevideo can also affect the timeline.
Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current status expires. You'll need to show you still meet the requirements and have a reason to stay longer. The fee is CAD 100. Overstaying without authorization can lead to a ban.
Yes, Uruguayans need a visa even for transit through a Canadian airport to a third country. There is no transit visa waiver. You must apply for a visitor visa or a transit visa (same process, lower fee).
You can reapply, but you must address the reasons for refusal. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak ties to Uruguay, or incomplete documents. You can also request reconsideration or appeal through the Federal Court, but that's costly and slow. Most people just reapply with stronger evidence.
No. A visitor visa does not allow you to work. If you want to work, you need a work permit. Volunteering for no pay is usually allowed, but check the rules.
No. There is no visa on arrival or eTA for Uruguayan passport holders. You must get a visa before you travel.
The application fee is CAD 100. Biometrics cost an additional CAD 85. If you need to use a Visa Application Centre for document pickup, there may be a small service fee (around CAD 30). Total is roughly CAD 215.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.