atlas•

Before you go to Canada: what to know

Must know

  • Most visa-exempt foreign visitors flying to Canada need an eTA; US nationals and US permanent residents are exempt. Use the official CAD 7 application.
  • Do not cross the border with cannabis or CBD products without the required authorisation, even where their use is legal.

Entry and visas

Check the official passport-specific tool: a visitor visa or eTA may be needed, including for transit. British visa-exempt visitors need an eTA for air travel, but not arrival by land or sea. US nationals and permanent residents are exempt from both, with appropriate documents. Most visits are allowed for up to six months, but the border officer decides.

Online arrival forms and permits

Passport validity: Use a valid passport or qualifying travel document; check passport-specific rules and carrier requirements.

At the border you may be asked for

  • The border officer determines the authorised stay.

Customs

  • Declare currency and monetary instruments worth CAD 10,000 or more.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: canada.ca ↗, canada.ca ↗, ircc.canada.ca ↗, asfc.gc.ca ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are widely accepted.

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

  • Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; verify issuer fees before travel.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: smartraveller.gov.au ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Unauthorised import or export of cannabis, including CBD products

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Province-specific traffic, licensing and winter-equipment rules apply.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: cbsa-asfc.gc.ca ↗, travel.state.gov ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: The 2021 census records Christian, secular and diverse other religious communities.

Clothing: Pack layers suitable for your destination and season, with winter protection for cold conditions.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: www150.statcan.gc.ca ↗, travel.state.gov ↗

Climate

Winters can be severe, particularly in the north. Wildfires can disrupt travel and air quality; the most active period is April-October. Check conditions for the specific province and route.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: prepare for cold and check road conditions
  • February: Feb: prepare for cold and check road conditions
  • March: Mar: prepare for cold and check road conditions
  • April: Apr: active wildfire period; check smoke and closures
  • May: May: active wildfire period; check smoke and closures
  • June: Jun: active wildfire period; check smoke and closures
  • July: Jul: active wildfire period; check smoke and closures
  • August: Aug: active wildfire period; check smoke and closures
  • September: Sep: active wildfire period; check smoke and closures
  • October: Oct: active wildfire period; check smoke and closures
  • November: Nov: prepare for cold and check road conditions
  • December: Dec: prepare for cold and check road conditions

Best season: Choose by region and activity; check wildfire, snow and road alerts before travelling.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.state.gov ↗

What to pack

  • Travel documents and insurance details
  • Medicines in original packaging
  • A backup payment method

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Carrying packages for strangers

Practical

Plugs: Ask your accommodation about sockets and voltage before packing an adapter.

Water: Follow local drinking-water notices, especially when travelling to remote areas.

Traffic: drives on the right

Insurance: Arrange cover for medical treatment and any wilderness or winter activities.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: destinationontario.com ↗, travel.state.gov ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.