Thailand passport → Canada

Canada visa for citizens of Thailand

Embassy / VFSVisitor Visa (TRV) · Multiple entries · Up to 6 months per stay

Citizens of Thailand need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Visitor Visa (TRV) · Multiple entries · Up to 6 months per stay
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Visa validity	1825 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	14–30 days
Government fee	CA$100
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements for the last 3 months showing sufficient balance

How to apply

1
Check eligibility
Visit the official IRCC website to confirm you meet the basic requirements for a Canadian visitor visa.
2
Prepare required documents
Gather all documents listed in the document checklist tailored for Thai passport holders.
3
Create an IRCC secure account
Register on the IRCC portal to start an online application (or use the paper version if preferred).
4
Complete the application form
Fill the IMM 5257 form online, providing accurate travel and personal information.
5
Pay the visa application fee and biometric fee
Submit payment online via the IRCC portal; retain the payment confirmation and biometric instruction letter.
6
Schedule biometrics appointment
Use the biometric instruction letter to book an appointment at the nearest Canada Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Thailand.
7
Visit the VAC to provide biometrics
Bring your passport, BIL, and appointment letter; fingerprints and photo will be taken (10-minute visit).
8
Wait for application processing
Processing typically takes 14–30 days; check your IRCC account for updates.
9
Submit passport for visa stamp (if requested)
If your application is approved, you may receive a request to send your passport to the VAC for visa issuance.
10
Collect passport with visa or receive by mail
Once processed, retrieve your passport from the VAC (option for courier return available at extra cost).

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport (with at least two blank pages)
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond planned departure from Canada
Completed visa application form (IMM 5257)
Download from IRCC website and fill digitally
Two recent passport-sized photographs
Must meet Canadian photo specifications
Biometric instruction letter (BIL)
Provided after payment to schedule biometrics appointment

Travel

Application fee payment receipt
Pay online via IRCC portal or at the VAC
Travel itinerary
Include flight bookings and detailed day-by-day plan
Round-trip flight reservation
Not ticketed; show confirmed dates of entry and exit
Hotel bookings or accommodation proof
For entire stay or letter of invitation if staying with a friend

Financial

Proof of sufficient funds
Bank statements, pay slips, or sponsorship letter

Employment

Employment letter or proof of enrollment
Shows ties to home country; include salary and leave approval

Supporting

Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends)
Optional
Must include host's status, address, and relationship details
Previous visa copies (if any)
Optional
Especially US, UK, Schengen visas can strengthen the application
Travel medical insurance (recommended)
Optional
Not mandatory but strongly advised to cover potential medical costs

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: CAD 1,500–2,000 per person for a typical 2-week trip + proof of ongoing income

Bank statements (last 3 months)
Pay slips (last 3 months)
Tax returns
Sponsorship letter with sponsor's bank statements (if applicable)

Funds must be sufficient to cover accommodation, flights, daily expenses, and return travel.

Good to know

Do not submit fake or altered documents; they may lead to a permanent ban.
Apply well in advance (at least 30 days before travel); peak season may take longer.
Ensure your passport is valid for the entire stay plus 6 months to avoid delays.
If you have held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years OR a valid US non-immigrant visa, you may be eligible for an eTA instead of a full visa.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient ties to home country (e.g., no job, no family, unclear return plan)

Provide strong evidence of employment, property, or family in Thailand.

Inadequate financial proof

Submit recent bank statements showing consistent balance and income sufficient for the trip.

Incomplete or inconsistent application forms

Double-check all entries, answer every question, and ensure information matches supporting documents.

Previous immigration violations or overstays

Disclose any past issues honestly and provide a credible explanation along with evidence of compliance.

Purpose of visit is not clearly described or seems suspicious

Submit a detailed travel itinerary and a letter explaining the purpose (tourism / family visit / business).

FAQ

Do citizens of Thailand need a visa for Canada?

Citizens of Thailand need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visitor Visa (TRV) · Multiple entries · Up to 6 months per stay.

How long can citizens of Thailand stay in Canada?

Up to 180 days.

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

Government fee: CA$100.

How long does Canada visa processing take?

Typically 14–30 days.

What documents do citizens of Thailand need for Canada?

Valid passport (with at least two blank pages); Completed visa application form (IMM 5257); Two recent passport-sized photographs; Application fee payment receipt; Biometric instruction letter (BIL); Travel itinerary; and 7 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Canada?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

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

Sources

canada.ca

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