What are the documents required for the Canadian tourist visa (2026)?

Canada is one of the top global tourist destinations attracting thousands of tourists to witness its beauty. Mostly a temporary resident visa (TRV), which is commonly known as a Canada tourist visa is required to visit Canada as a tourist. In order to apply for this visa, there are certain steps that must be followed. Some key documents are also required to be submitted in order to prove your eligibility. In this blog, you will learn about the Canadian tourist visa, its types, and required documents. 

What is a Canadian tourist visa?

A canada tourist visa is usually a sticker placed in your passport. This visa is required by a person who wants to enter Canada for a short visit. It is not the same as a canada pr card, which is not for the tourist. Your PR card can only be used to return to Canada if you are a permanent resident. This visa allows you to stay in Canada for up to 6 months. You can however, not use your tourist visa for work or study purposes.

You must apply for this visa before you travel to canada. 

The 2 types of Canada visitor visas are-

• Single-entry visa

You can enter Canada only once using this visa.

• Multiple-entry visa

This visa will let you enter Canada multiple times and would let you stay up to 6 months. It is usually valid for 10 years.

Who needs a Canada tourist visa?

People from some countries can go to Canada without a visa, however they might just need an eTA, ie, electronic travel authorization. You must have a tourist visa if you are not from a visa-exempt county. 

What are the eligibility criteria for a tourist visa application?

These are the conditions that must be fulfilled by you to apply for a canada tourist visa-

• You have a valid passport
• You have a good health condition
• You do not have any criminal record
• A valid proof that ensures that you will go back to your country after your visit to Canada.
• You have a financial potential to pay for your trip
• You will not work or study in Canada during your visit
• You have an invitation or proper travel plan in Canada.

What documents will you need for the canada tourist visa? (2026)

• A valid passport with a copy of the front and back page, along with pages with any past visas or travel stamps.
• IMM 5257 is the visa application form which is the main form for a tourist visa. This can be filled online or you can download it. All the questions must be answered honestly
• Family information form (IMM 5645) asks for details about your parents, family and children. You need to fill this form even if you are not travelling with your family.
• You need 2 passport-sized photos, taken in the last 6 months by using a white background and a straight face
• You need a letter where you mention all the details of your visit- the destination, duration of your stay, and the reason behind the trip. You must add the invitation letter and id if you are visiting someone
• You need to give a financial proof that supports your trip, which should include the bank statements of past 3 to 6 months, your salary proof and income tax papers. If someone else is sponsoring your trip, you must add their bank proof along with a letter from them
• You will have to ensure your intentions of returning back to your home.For this you need a job letter, property papers or family details. There must be proof to show you close ties with your country.
• You must have a proof of your hotel bookings, flight dates etc. You must have an invitation letter from the host in case you are visiting someone.
• You must have the copies of your ]ast visa if you have travelled to any other countries like the USA, UK, Europe etc
• The receipt of the visa fee must be attached to your visa. The tourist visa fee is $100 Canadian dollars (CAD). You will have to pay $85 for biometrics, i.e. fingerprints and photo, as well.
•  Once you submit your biometrics, you will receive mail. You are then required to visit the visa application center (VFS). 

 It has a validity of 10 years.

How to apply for a canada tourist visa?

These are the steps that must be followed-

• Method 1 

Go to the official canada immigration website. Make an account by providing all the necessary information. Upload all the required documents. 

Make the payment of the fees and book your biometrics appointment.

• Method 2 

If you prefer the paper application , you can fill out the forms, print out your documents and submit everything at a VFS global visa center

The visa procedure takes days between 15 to 45.However it might take longer if otis a busy season or during the holidays. You are advised to apply as early as possible if you are planning to travel in summers or in december.