Entering Canada: why the document checklist is different for every traveller

Citizenship, nationality, travel method and immigration status all affect what documents may be required.

There is no one universal checklist

Entry requirements vary by citizenship or nationality, whether someone arrives by air, land or sea, and the travel document being used. Canadian citizens, permanent residents, U.S. citizens, visa-required travellers and eTA-eligible travellers can face different requirements.

Check the exact rule before departure

Because eligibility rules can change and depend on personal circumstances, use the official Government of Canada entry-requirements tool rather than relying on a generic social-media post or an unofficial checklist. Airlines and border authorities may also require valid documents at different stages of a trip.

Our role is editorial only

Online summarizes public information and practical preparation steps. We are not a government website, immigration representative or document-processing service, and we do not determine anyone’s eligibility to enter Canada.