Switzerland passport → Canada

Canada visa for citizens of Switzerland

eTAElectronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Citizens of Switzerland don't need a visa for Canada but must get an electronic travel authorization (eTA) online before travelling.

Application site

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-04. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	eTA · Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
How to apply	Electronic travel authorization (online)
Entries	Multiple entry
Government fee	CA$7
Proof of funds	Have enough money for the stay; the amount varies with stay length and accommodation.

How to apply

1
Prepare materials
Get your passport and credit or debit card ready, and read the help document.
2
Complete the online form
Use the online form to apply; the form cannot be saved.
3
Pay the fee
Pay CAD $7 immediately after completing the form.
4
Monitor email
Most applications are approved within minutes; document requests are sent with instructions within 72 hours.
5
Check passport number
Check that the passport number in the approval email matches exactly the number in your passport.
6
Travel with linked passport
Present the passport used to apply at flight check-in; airline staff scan it to confirm the eTA.
7
Meet arrival requirements
A border services officer checks identity and entry requirements; visitors are normally allowed up to six months.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid Swiss passport
Required for Swiss citizens travelling to Canada by air; a valid passport remains required for ordinary land or sea arrival.

Financial

Accepted payment method
Required to pay the non-refundable CAD $7 fee.

Supporting

Valid email address
Required for the eTA application.
Additional supporting documents
Optional
May be requested before the eTA application can be approved.
Minor-child authorization and related documents
Optional
May be needed depending on the minor child's travel situation.
Invitation letter
Optional
Bring it if invited; a border services officer may ask to see it.

Proof of funds

Evidence of enough money for the stay
Evidence of ties such as a job, home, financial assets or family

The amount varies with how long you stay and whether accommodation is in a hotel or with friends or relatives.

Good to know

Swiss citizens flying to Canada need an eTA and a valid passport and do not need a visitor visa.
Swiss citizens arriving by car, bus, train or boat, including a cruise ship, do not need an eTA but still need a valid passport.
A traveller from Switzerland travelling by sea from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, excluding cruise ships, needs an eTA to board the boat.
The eTA is required for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air or transiting through a Canadian airport.
The eTA is electronically linked to the passport used for the application; a new passport requires a new eTA.
The eTA permits repeated short stays, normally up to six months at a time.
An eTA does not guarantee entry to Canada; a border services officer makes the final decision.
An eTA does not let the holder work or study in Canada; most people need the relevant permit.
At 10 major Canadian airports, fingerprints are checked automatically at a primary inspection kiosk.
False or incomplete information can result in refusal of entry.
Additional documents may be needed for minor children or invited visitors.
Potential inadmissibility grounds include security, human or international rights violations, criminality, organized crime, medical reasons, financial reasons, misrepresentation, failure to comply with IRPA and an inadmissible family member.

Common refusal reasons

Security reasons, including espionage, subversion, violence or terrorism, or membership in an organization involved in any of these.

Human or international rights violations, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, or being a senior official in a government engaged in gross human rights violations or subject to international sanctions.

Committing a crime, including driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Organized crime, including membership in an organization that takes part in organized criminal activity, people smuggling or money laundering.

Medical reasons, including conditions that endanger public health, endanger public safety or cause excessive demand on health or social services; some applicants are exempt.

Financial reasons if the person is unable or unwilling to support themselves and their family members.

Misrepresentation, including providing false information or withholding information directly related to decisions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Failure to comply with any provision of IRPA, including staying longer than allowed or working or studying without the proper permits.

Having an inadmissible family member.

FAQ

Do citizens of Switzerland need a visa for Canada?

Citizens of Switzerland don't need a visa for Canada but must get an electronic travel authorization (eTA) online before travelling. Visa type: Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

How much does the Canada visa cost for citizens of Switzerland?

Government fee: CA$7.

What documents do citizens of Switzerland need for Canada?

Valid Swiss passport; Valid email address; Accepted payment method; Additional supporting documents; Minor-child authorization and related documents; Invitation letter.

Where do I apply?

Applications go through https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html. Check that you are on the government's site before you pay.

Sources

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