What are the visa-free countries for Canadian passport holders?
Wondering where Canadians can travel visa-free in 2024? Having visa-free or visa-on-arrival to many countries globally, where does a Canadian passport rank among the list of the most influential passports in the world? It stands at the 7th position in the 2024 Henley’s Index and gives very high travel freedom. In this blog, you will find a comprehensive list of visa-free countries for Canadians and useful information to guide you on your next amazing trip.
Why is the Canadian passport regarded as being so exclusive?
The Canadian passport is considered one of the best passports in the world, ranking seventh in the power ranking of passports.
Currently, the benefits of being a Canadian citizen include having the opportunity to visit about 180 countries without a visa until the year 2024. This is because of visa-free entry, visa on arrival, or electronic travel authorizations (eTAs).
Such extensive access is made possible by the good diplomatic standing that Canada enjoys and the confidence of societies in their security and immigration measures.
Find out if you are eligible to get in Canada →
Admission requirements for Canadians
Before exploring the list of countries, it’s important to understand the different entry policies that Canadian citizens may face:
- Visa-Free Access: No visa is needed before or upon arrival. Canadian citizens can enter and stay in the country for a designated period without any formalities.
- Visa on Arrival: Canadians don’t have to secure a visa ahead of time. Instead, they can obtain a visa upon reaching the airport or border entry point of the destination country.
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): An eTA is an electronic travel authorization that is compulsory for Canadian passport holders planning to visit some of the countries. Therefore, such countries act as a virtual waiver to visas.
- Visa Required: Some of them require Canadians to obtain a visa before they travel; they apply for a visa from the emulates of such countries.
Visa-Free Countries for Canada in 2024
Therefore, you only require a visa to enter some countries you will find around the world as a holder of a Canadian passport. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Visa-free access to countries (depending on the days)
Up to 90 Days Visa-Free Access:
Albania, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Gambia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Suriname, Taiwan, Ukraine, Uruguay, Vatican City.Â
Up to 180 Days Visa-Free Access:
Antigua, Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, United States, and United Kingdom.
Up to 240 Days Visa-Free Access:
Bahamas.
Up to 120 Days Visa-Free Access:
Fiji, Kiribati, Tunisia.Â
Up to 60 Days Visa-Free Access:
Samoa.
Up to 42 Days Visa-Free Access:
Saint Lucia.
Up to 30 Days Visa-Free Access:
Belarus, Brunei, Cape Verde, Eswatini, Kazakhstan, Micronesia, Mongolia, Philippines, Qatar, Sao Tome and Principe, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tajikistan, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.
2. So now let us discuss the list of countries that require special permits or registrations
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) required:
Some of the countries that are located in the region include Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Kenya.
Tourist Registration required:
Seychelles.
3. Additional Considerations
Although Canadian passport holders have free visa access to most countries out there, one is always advised to contact the embassy or consulate of the country that he or she intends to visit for confirmation of the entry requirements, as these are subject to change from time to time.
What is the difference between Visa-Free Countries and Visa on arrival?
- Visa-Free: The citizens of this country do not need any visa to be allowed entry into the country. Permitted stay means that the citizens of Canada can visit the country and reside for a prescribed time without any further papers.
- Visa on Arrival: A visa is received by the Canadian citizen at the destination country at the arrival points normally at the airport or the border posts.
Visiting the United States of America for a Canadian Citizen
- Land or Sea Travel: For immigration by land and sea, there is no need for a visa for Canadian citizens in the U.S.
- Air Travel: A Canadian citizen requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when traveling to the U.S. by air.
Traveling to Europe for Canadians
Schengen Area: Schengen Area member nations include Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, and many other countries. Canadians can now visit Schengen member nations for up to 90 days without processing a visa. From 2025, an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will be needed.
Applying for a visa when necessary
If a visa is required for entry into any given country, the individual should consult the consulate or an embassy in Canada. One should apply for the visa as early as he or she starts planning to travel, most especially when planning to travel to another country.
Canadian passport holders can travel to many countries without a visa, offering great flexibility for global adventures. However, always check entry requirements, as they can change. With the freedom your Canadian passport provides, you’re ready to explore—just stay informed before you go!
