Tourist / visitor for Canadian citizens travelling to United States
Canadian citizens can enter the United States for many short visits without a visa when travelling on a valid Canadian passport. Confirm current rules on travel.gc.ca and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
For a Canadian citizen passport. Permanent residents and other travel documents can follow different rules.
Key facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who it's for | Canadian citizen passport holders on short tourism trips. · Canada: United States travel advice (opens in a new tab) |
| Maximum stay | Length of admission is decided at the border; many visits are up to six months for B-2 tourism. · Canada: United States travel advice (opens in a new tab) |
| Cost | No visa fee for visa-exempt Canadian passport holders on short visits. · Canada: United States travel advice (opens in a new tab) |
| Processing time | See the official portal or embassy. · Canada: United States travel advice (opens in a new tab) |
| How to apply | No visa for exempt visits—present your passport at U.S. preclearance or port of entry. · Canada: United States travel advice (opens in a new tab) |
Each fact above is linked to the authority that sets the rule. Entry Visa Guide does not take applications.
Apply only on the government website linked above. This site does not issue visas or travel authorisations and does not take applications. Other websites charge their own service fee on top of any government charge.
How to apply
- Read travel.gc.ca advice for the United States.
- Ensure your passport is valid for your entire trip.
- Answer CBP questions truthfully at entry.
FAQ
Do Canadians need a visa for the USA?
Usually no for short visits on a Canadian passport; confirm on travel.gc.ca.
Do Canadians need ESTA?
No—ESTA is for Visa Waiver Program passports, not Canadian citizens.
Sources
Independent guide, not legal advice. Entry Visa Guide is an independent information site. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or run by any government or public authority. Always check official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Report an error.