Does a US Visa Allow Entry to Canada? The Complete eTA Guide

One of the most common questions among those planning to travel to the United States is whether a US visa also allows a visit to Canada. The short answer is no: each country has sovereignty over who enters its territory. The longer answer, however, brings good news for those who already hold a valid US visa. The Canadian government has created a simplified pathway called the eTA, which drastically reduces the bureaucracy for tourists from dozens of nationalities, including nationals from Brazil, Mexico, the Philippines, Romania, Antigua and Barbuda, and others.

Does a US visa work in Canada?

No. A non-immigrant visa issued by the United States Department of State authorizes entry into US territory only. Canada is a sovereign jurisdiction, with its own admissibility criteria defined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). To visit Canada, an international traveler needs one of two documents, depending on their nationality and mode of entry.

• Temporary Resident Visa (TRV): a full visitor visa, with a traditional consular process and longer timelines
• Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): an electronic authorization linked to the passport, valid for up to five years

Which document a traveler needs depends on three variables: passport nationality, whether or not they hold a valid US visa, and the mode of transportation used to enter Canada.

The Canadian eTA and the US visa

Since May 2017, IRCC created the category of eligible visa-required travellers. This is a list of nationalities that would normally need a TRV but gained the right to apply for an eTA when they meet one of two conditions below.

• Hold a valid US non-immigrant visa on the date of travel
• Have held a Canadian visa in the previous ten years

Among the nationalities benefiting from this are Brazil, Mexico, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Costa Rica, Morocco, Panama, the Philippines, Romania, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, and others. The full list is updated by IRCC and should be checked before any trip planning.

How the eTA works in practice

The eTA is applied for exclusively through the official Canadian government website, canada.ca. The fee is C$7 and payment is made by international credit card. The form asks for basic information: passport details, residential address, occupation, travel history, and information about the US visa (if applicable).

Approval usually comes within minutes, although IRCC advises allowing up to 72 hours before traveling, as some applications go through additional checks. Once approved, the eTA is linked to the passport number and is valid for five years or until the passport’s expiration date, whichever comes first. Each stay in Canada can last up to six months, and multiple entries are permitted within the validity period.

By air or by land: different rules

This is the most important distinction and the one that causes the most confusion. The eTA covers entry through Canadian airports only.

Entry by air

Travelers from eligible nationalities with a valid US visa can use the eTA to arrive at any international airport in Canada, such as Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), Montreal (YUL), or Calgary (YYC). No additional consular process is required.

Entry by land or sea

The eTA is not valid for crossing the border by car, bus, train, or ship. To enter via the southern border from the United States, or through seaports, the traveler needs the full TRV, even if they hold a US visa. Anyone planning a road trip crossing the border between Detroit and Windsor, Buffalo and Toronto, or Seattle and Vancouver must arrange the traditional Canadian visa in advance through a separate consular process.

Connections at Canadian airports

Flights that merely stop over in Canada may fall under the China Transit Program or Transit Without Visa (TWOV), programs that waive the eTA in specific situations. The general rule, however, is as follows.

• If the connection does not require clearing Canadian immigration, the eTA may be waived
• If baggage must be collected, a new check-in performed, or immigration cleared, the eTA is mandatory

The practical advice is to confirm with the airline and check the official IRCC website before purchasing tickets with a Canadian connection. Small itinerary changes can affect document requirements.

Combined itinerary: United States and Canada

For those planning to visit both countries on the same trip, the recommended sequence is straightforward.

1. Apply for the US visa through the standard process: complete the DS-160, pay the MRV fee, schedule an appointment at CASV, and attend the consular interview
2. After the US visa is approved, go to canada.ca and apply for the eTA for C$7
3. Wait for the confirmation email, which usually arrives within minutes
4. Plan entry into Canada exclusively by air, if the eTA is the only Canadian document on hand

Those who want the flexibility to cross the land border from the United States into Canada should apply for the Canadian TRV in parallel with the US visa process. The TRV is processed at Canadian consulates, with timelines that vary by country of origin.

Frequently asked questions

Does a US visa allow entry into Canada?

Not directly. For eligible nationalities, a valid US visa serves as a prerequisite to apply for the eTA, which authorizes air entry. For travelers without a US visa, the Canadian TRV is the only option.

Do I need a separate visa for Canada if I already have a US visa?

By air, the eTA is sufficient and straightforward to obtain. By land or sea, the full TRV is mandatory, even with a US visa in hand.

Can I apply for the eTA with a US visa in an expired passport?

Yes, provided the US visa is still valid. On the form, enter the details of the new passport and indicate in the appropriate field that the visa is in a different passport. The eTA will be linked to the current passport, and the Canadian immigration officer will accept the presentation of both documents.

How long does eTA approval take?

Most approvals come through within minutes of submitting the form and making the payment. In cases with pending issues, it may take from a few hours to a few business days. IRCC recommends applying at least 72 hours before travel.

Can I cross the border by car with the eTA?

No. The eTA covers entry by airport only. To cross by land or sea, the Canadian TRV is required.

Can the eTA be used to work or study in Canada?

No. The eTA is strictly for tourism, family visits, and short business trips. To study for more than six months, a study permit is required. To work, a work permit is required, both with their own consular processes.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.