Everything You Need to Know About the Canada Holiday Visa for Tourists

Updated on Jan 05, 2025 | Canada eTA

Thanks to its metropolitan cities, dynamic culture, and natural heritage, Canada is on the travel list of people looking for a nice holiday destination. While there is no separate holiday visa for Canada, tourists can simply apply for an eTA or Visitor visa.

Introduction to the Canada Holiday Visa

The Canada Holiday Visa or Visitor visa is an online travel authorization tool that allows you to travel to Canada and spend your dream vacation.

You may apply for a Visitor visa or an eTA to travel to Canada.

Types of Visitor Visas for Canada

Based on your purpose behind the visit to Canada, the Visitor Visa can be categorized as:

Further, when applying for a Visitor Visa for tourists, you can avail of one of the below:

  • Multi entry visa: Allowing as many visits as you like and has a maximum validity of 10 years.
  • Single entry visa: Allowing only one visit to the country

Why Visit Canada on a Holiday Visa?

With places that are a natural vista as well as those that are modern marvels, Canada offers a dynamic tourist experience.

Top Tourist Attractions in Canada

If spending your vacation in Canada is on your bucket list, you can plan a visit to the following places:

  • Niagara Falls
  • Icefields Parkway
  • Horseshoe Falls
  • Stanley Park
  • Notre Dame Basilica, Montreal
  • Old Quebec
  • Granville Island
  • CN Tower & Ripley’s Aquarium
  • Butchart Gardens
  • Toronto Island Park

Benefits of Having a Holiday Visa

While Canada does not have a holiday visa per se, the visitor visa allows you to travel across the country and enjoy tourist activities.

Eligibility Requirements for the Canada Holiday Visa

To travel to Canada on your next holiday, you will either have to apply for an eTA or a Visitor visa. The option you choose depends on your country of origin.

Countries Requiring a Visitor Visa

For people who do not belong to a visa waiver country or plan to spend more than 6 months in Canada, applying for the Canada Holiday Visa or Visitor Visa is a must. Getting an approval against the Visitor visa can take a few days or weeks depending on your country of origin. Hence, it is best to apply early.

Countries Eligible for Visa Waivers or eTA

Canada has a bilateral agreement with certain countries that allow citizens of said countries to travel to Canada without a Visitor visa. The Eligibility Checker Tool is a useful resource for checking the status of your visa application.

In exchange, they will have to apply for an eTA. However, the time taken to get an approval against an eTA application is a maximum of 3 days.

Documents needed for the Application

To apply for the Canada Holiday Visa, i.e., the Visitor Visa, you will need to gather the below documents:

Passport and Identification:

The visa form or application portal will ask for a valid proof of identification along with your passport. The passport with which you apply for the visa needs to be valid for another six months from the date of application.

Proof of Financial Support:

Visa officials will require you to submit proof that you will be able to support yourself through your travels. Submission of a financial document as proof of funds/ finances might be necessary.

Travel Itinerary and Accommodation Details:

This includes a list of your travel plans, tickets booked, and accommodations reserved, along with your return tickets.

How to Apply for a Canada Holiday Visa?

Filing an application for the Visitor Visa or Canada Holiday Visa involves submitting the visa form, paying for your application, and getting an appointment to have your biometrics taken. In certain cases, you may be asked to attend an interview at the consulate with the visa officials.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Gather all necessary documents and visit the online portal to apply for the Canada Holiday Visa or Visitor visa.

Completing the Visa Application Form

Enter each data in the visa form available on the portal accurately and upload the requested documents. Make sure to read through your form before submitting it.

Paying the Required Fees

On completing the form, you will need to pay the fee for the application. This will vary based on your country of origin, whether you will need an eTA or Visitor visa, and the entry type of your visa.

Biometrics and Interview Process

Submission of biometric data will be the step after the approval of the application. But if your application raises questions, you will need to visit the Embassy to attend an interview with the officials.

Where and How to Submit Biometrics

You must schedule an appointment with the Visa Application Center (VAC) immediately after receiving your Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL). To submit your biometrics, visit in person and carry your appointment letter along with your passport.

What to Expect During the Interview

These are usually requested in the case of student and worker visitor visas. However, the visa officials may request an interview if they have any queries regarding your visa application.

Processing Times and Costs

The cost of applying for the visa and the timeframe in which it can get approved is as below:

How Long Will It Take Me to Get the Visa?

Although the maximum time is stated as 72 hours, an eTA takes a few minutes to get approved. However, in the case of a Visitor visa, processing the application can take several days (depending on your country). That is why we advise all applicants to submit their visa form as soon as they start planning their travels.

What is the Cost of a Canada Holiday Visa?

The cost of a visa application varies with respect to the visa type, and the country whose passport you hold. Further, you may also have to pay a fee to get your biometrics taken.

Additionally, the Canada Visitor Visa application requires a medical checkup which can lead to added charges.

Tips for a Successful Visa Application

To ensure that your Canada Holiday Visa is approved, it is best to make sure that the following mistakes are avoided:

  • Selecting the wrong visa category
  • Having less than 6 months of visa validity
  • Not having sufficient funds
  • Incomplete, inaccurate, and inconsistent data
  • Not uploading requested documents or uploading the wrong documents
  • Embellishing information
  • Not submitting the requested fee
  • Not scheduling the appointment for submission of biometric data on time

To add, it is best not to have a history of past visa rejections or overstays since this can lead to the cancellation of your next visa application form. Further, make sure to cross check each data submitted and document uploaded.

We advise all our applicants to apply in advance so that they have a window of opportunity to address any issues that can come up.

Applying for a Canada Holiday Visa

Canada can be an exciting place to visit for a holiday abroad. If you belong to a country that needs to apply for the Visitor Visa instead of the eTA, you need to get started on your Canada Holiday Visa form as soon as you start making your travel plans.

Using the above guide, file your visa form with accuracy. With the quick and easy visa application process, you will soon be on your way to Canada. For any queries, visit the helpdesk.

Check your eligibility for eTA Canada Visa and apply for eTA Canada Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. Citizens of many countries including British citizens, Portuguese citizens, Spanish citizens, Greek citizens and Swiss citizens can apply online for eTA Canada Visa.

Apply for Canada eTA