Canada Visitor Visa Costs: How Much Does It Cost to Apply?

When planning a trip to Canada as a tourist, costs extend beyond airfare and accommodation. Depending on your nationality, you may also need to budget for administrative fees to obtain the necessary entry authorization. While these fees are usually modest compared to other travel expenses, it’s wise to account for them in advance.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) Costs

For travelers from visa-exempt countries arriving by air, the eTA is a cost-effective option, valid for multiple short stays over several years—or until the passport expires. It’s the most affordable entry requirement for tourists, and fees typically remain the same unless a passport is replaced during the validity period.

Temporary Resident Visa Costs

Travelers required to obtain a visitor visa will face higher processing fees than eTA applicants, with costs applying per person—including children in some cases. These fees are usually non-refundable if the application is denied, so submitting a well-prepared application is crucial. Families with multiple members may need to multiply this cost by the number of applicants, which can add up quickly for larger households.

Biometrics Fees

Many visitor visa applicants must also provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photo) at an approved visa application center, incurring additional fees typically charged separately from the visa processing costs. This data usually remains valid for a set period, which may exempt some applicants from repeating the process for subsequent applications within that timeframe.

Additional Costs to Keep in Mind

Beyond official fees, travelers should budget for travel insurance—often recommended, though not always mandatory—as well as potential costs for translating documents if their application includes materials in languages other than English or French. Travel expenses to the nearest visa application center may also apply, particularly for applicants living outside major cities.

Fees for Extending Your Stay

Visitors who wish to extend their stay in Canada must generally pay separate processing fees for the extension request, which are distinct from the initial entry costs. It’s best to submit this application well before the current status expires to avoid the risk of overstaying while the request is being processed.

Cost Comparison by Nationality

The total cost varies significantly depending on whether a traveler qualifies for an eTA or requires a visitor visa, with the latter often involving higher combined processing and biometrics fees. Before finalizing travel plans, check official sources to determine which system applies to your nationality to ensure accurate budgeting for all required steps.

Payment Methods and Currency

Processing fees are typically payable online by credit card in the currency used by Canadian authorities, which may require conversion from your local currency. Exchange rate fluctuations can cause slight variations in cost from one application to another—a minor but noteworthy factor, especially for group applications involving multiple travelers.

Family Applications: Group Costs

Applications for multiple family members usually involve cumulative individual fees, with no automatic discounts for larger groups. However, some categories of children may qualify for reduced fees or partial exemptions, depending on current rules. Always verify official sources before budgeting for a family application. While authorities generally require separate applications for each family member, preparing a joint file can simplify the process.

Conclusion

While the fees for securing visitor status in Canada are generally reasonable, they’re an essential part of travel budgeting. Always confirm the latest costs with official sources before submitting an application to avoid unexpected expenses.