---
title: Canada visa for citizens of Thailand
description: "Citizens of Thailand need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Fee: CA$100. Processing: 14–30 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/canada/thailand
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# Canada visa for citizens of Thailand

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.*

Application site: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/apply-visit.html

## 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

- **Valid passport (with at least two blank pages)** (Identity): Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond planned departure from Canada
- **Completed visa application form (IMM 5257)** (Identity): Download from IRCC website and fill digitally
- **Two recent passport-sized photographs** (Identity): Must meet Canadian photo specifications
- **Application fee payment receipt** (Travel): Pay online via IRCC portal or at the VAC
- **Biometric instruction letter (BIL)** (Identity): Provided after payment to schedule biometrics appointment
- **Travel itinerary** (Travel): Include flight bookings and detailed day-by-day plan
- **Round-trip flight reservation** (Travel): Not ticketed; show confirmed dates of entry and exit
- **Hotel bookings or accommodation proof** (Travel): For entire stay or letter of invitation if staying with a friend
- **Proof of sufficient funds** (Financial): Bank statements, pay slips, or sponsorship letter
- **Employment letter or proof of enrollment** (Employment): Shows ties to home country; include salary and leave approval
- **Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends)** (Supporting, optional): Must include host's status, address, and relationship details
- **Previous visa copies (if any)** (Supporting, optional): Especially US, UK, Schengen visas can strengthen the application
- **Travel medical insurance (recommended)** (Supporting, 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).

## FAQs

### 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](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/apply-visit.html)

## More

- [Canada visa for every passport](/visa/canada)
- [Every destination for Thailand passport holders](/visa/passport/thailand)
