Entry Requirements for Canada: Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling

Located in the northern part of the North American continent, Canada attracts millions of tourists eager to discover its unique natural attractions. From the majestic Rocky Mountains with their snowy peaks to the vast expanses of the prairies, from the picturesque Great Lakes to the cold but mesmerizing Arctic coast - this country astonishes with its diversity and scale.

When planning a trip to Canada, it is important to take care of all necessary formalities in advance - check visa requirements, medical recommendations, and customs and border control rules. This will help avoid potential difficulties and make your journey as comfortable as possible.

It should be noted that most foreign tourists can enter Canada without a visa with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), including citizens of Germany and other EU countries. However, some categories of citizens need to apply for a visa to visit Canada.

Before your trip, be sure to study the information about Canada's visa requirements, as well as accompanying information about the rules, features, and requirements for entry, medical and other recommendations that we have prepared for you in this section.

With our convenient visa service, your preparation for traveling to Canada will be as comfortable and enjoyable as possible!

When traveling to Canada, it is important to know what documents are necessary for entry into the country. Document requirements depend on citizenship, purpose, and duration of the visit.

Canadian citizens and dual nationality individuals can enter the country by presenting only a permanent resident card or an identity card. However, most other travelers will require either a visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. The required document depends on the duration and purpose of your visit.

Citizens of Germany and the EU do not need to apply for a visa if they plan to stay in Canada for no more than 6 months. In this case, it is sufficient to obtain an electronic travel authorization (eTA), provided that you are entering for the purpose of:

• Tourism
• Visiting relatives or friends, short-term study (up to 6 months)
• Business trip (participation in an exhibition, conference, meeting with partners)
• Transit or stopover in Canada en route to another country

If you plan to stay in Canada for a long time or to work, you will need to apply for a visa and prepare additional documents in accordance with the country's requirements.

An electronic travel authorization (eTA) is a simplified entry document that replaces a visa for citizens of certain countries when entering Canada by air. Main features of the eTA:

• Fully processed electronically through an online application.
• Linked to the traveler's passport number.
• Valid for up to 5 years or until the passport expires.
• Mandatory for citizens of countries that do not need a visa for short stays in Canada.
• Allows entry into Canada for purposes such as: tourism, short-term study, business trip, transit.
• Much simpler and faster to process than a visa.

You can apply for the authorization using our visa services. Learn more about how easy it is to obtain an electronic travel authorization to Canada on our website in the eTA section.

As of today, Canada has no special vaccination requirements for entry into the country. Although vaccination is not mandatory, it is still advisable to consult a doctor on recommended vaccinations and the need for additional immunization before traveling.

If you plan to visit the northern regions of Canada, in this case, it is recommended to get vaccinated against hepatitis B. This vaccination significantly reduces the risk of disease and is recommended by the Standing Committee on Immunization (STIKO) for children as a standard vaccination.

The committee also recommends ensuring sufficient vaccination against hepatitis B for adults and, in particular, for individuals from risk groups with certain pre-existing diseases.

The Canadian healthcare system and medical services are largely comparable to the German system. In Germany, STIKO recommends vaccination against meningococcus for children and adolescents from the age of two, and Canadian authorities have also included vaccination against meningitis in the standard vaccination program for children. Therefore, if you are traveling to Canada with children, it is worth checking their protection against these diseases.

Overall, Canada is a country with a favorable and stable epidemiological situation, making it a safe destination for travel. Nonetheless, as in any other country, it is recommended to maintain basic preventive measures and follow the advice of medical specialists.

Special entry rules apply for children and adolescents under 18 years of age:

• Every minor child traveling to Canada must have their own valid electronic travel authorization (eTA) or visa.
• A valid child's passport is required, the validity of which covers the entire period of stay.
• If a child is accompanied by only one parent, written permission from the other parent, as well as a copy of the document proving the identity of this parent is required.
• If the child's parents are divorced or separated, a copy of the court decree on custody is also required, regardless of whether joint custody is exercised.
• Written consent from the parent who does not accompany the child is especially important if the child is accompanied on the trip by someone who is not his guardian. This consent must include the contact information of the signer.
• All documents must be in English or French to avoid delays at the border.
• If the child is accompanied by third parties, border guards may require proof of custody and written consent from absent parents.
• If a minor is traveling unaccompanied, in addition to written consent from both parents, a copy of the birth certificate is required.

Canada is a true paradise for dogs and their owners. The vast expanses of its picturesque natural landscapes offer many opportunities for exciting walks and new adventures.

Provided you have the proper documents, traveling with a four-legged friend to Canada generally does not present major difficulties. The requirements for importing pets may vary depending on the type of animal, but overall they are not overly strict.

Fortunately, Canadian regulations do not require mandatory quarantine for animals entering the country with their owners. However, it is necessary to prepare the appropriate documents and undergo all necessary vaccinations in advance.

Entry into Canada is allowed with almost all types of pets. Main rules for entering Canada with pets:

• All dogs and cats entering Canada must have a microchip for identification.
• A valid rabies vaccination certificate issued at least 30 days before entering Canada must be provided.
• To cross the border with dogs or cats, an Animal Importation Permit should be issued. It can be obtained online before the trip.
• The number of pets allowed for import is generally limited to 3 individuals per person.
• The importation of pit bulls, American pit bull terriers, Japanese tosas, dobermans, and wolf-dogs is prohibited, except when the animal is a service dog.
• Pets must travel in cages or containers that meet airline requirements. The size and weight of the container are limited.
• When crossing the border, pets may be inspected by veterinary inspectors. If the documents or the condition of the animal raise doubts, additional checks may be required.
• The payment for the import and customs clearance of pets is usually borne by the owner.

Exact requirements may change, so it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the current rules before traveling to Canada, as well as consult with the veterinary service of your country.

When traveling to Canada, it is important to remember that the country pays close attention to security issues at border control.

It should be noted that having a visa or an electronic travel authorization is not a guarantee of smooth entry into Canada. The final decision on your admission is made by the CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) upon arrival. Main attention is paid to assessing the risk to public safety and financial burden on the state.

Reasons for denial of entry may include:

• Insufficient funds for staying in Canada.
• Providing false or concealed information in the visa application.
• Criminal records (regardless of the severity of the crime).
• Connections to organized crime or terrorism.
• Health issues (rare, if they can become a serious burden on the healthcare system).

Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to preparing for your trip and ensure that all necessary documents are properly processed. We remind you that our company provides full professional support for your documents.

Here are the main requirements for importing and exporting goods through Canadian customs:

• It is allowed to bring in up to 10,000 Canadian dollars in cash foreign currency without declaring it.
• Jewelry, clothing, electronics, and other personal use goods up to 800 Canadian dollars per person (2,200 for those who have been absent from Canada for more than 48 hours).
• Gifts up to 60 Canadian dollars per person.
• Alcoholic beverages: up to 1.14 liters of spirits or 1.5 liters of wine for persons over 19 years old.
• Tobacco products: up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 200 grams of tobacco for persons over 18 years old.
• Some food products, plants, and live animals may require special permits.
• There are restrictions on exporting cash, valuables, alcohol, and tobacco products.
• Mandatory declaration when exporting goods worth more than 10,000 Canadian dollars.

It is prohibited to import and export through Canadian customs:

• Antiques, cultural and historical values without special permission.
• Firearms and ammunition without appropriate permits.
• Counterfeit goods Narcotic and psychotropic substances (import of medicinal drugs in small quantities for personal use is allowed if there is a prescription from a doctor).
• Live animals (except for domestic pets with necessary documents).
• Poisonous and radioactive materials.

Flights from Germany to Canada, including direct flights without layovers, are operated by leading airlines such as Lufthansa, Air Canada, and KLM. Depending on the departure and arrival points, flights to Canadian airports are offered several times a week. 

Flights from Germany to Canada are carried out from several major cities. The most popular departure points are Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin.

Frankfurt is a leading European air hub and the largest airport in Germany. From here, direct flights to Canadian cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are operated. The flight takes about 7-8 hours.

Munich International Airport also offers direct flights to Canada. The most popular destinations are Toronto and Vancouver. The travel time is about 8-9 hours.

Berlin, as the capital and largest city of Germany, is also an important point for flights to Canada. From Berlin Tegel Airport, direct flights to Toronto and Montreal are operated. The duration of the flight is about 8-9 hours.

Canada is a modern country with a developed infrastructure, having several large international airports and an extensive network of domestic flights. The country has more than 500 airports, including small regional airports in addition to the main international air harbors.

The key international airports of Canada are:

• Toronto Pearson International Airport - the largest airport in the country, serving more than 49 million passengers annually.
• Vancouver International Airport - the main aviation hub in Western Canada.
• Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport.
• Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport.
• Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport.
• Calgary International Airport.

Five of the eight largest airports in Canada are located in the eastern part of the country, including the airports in Montreal and Toronto. Calgary or Edmonton airports are convenient for trips to the central regions of Canada.

Canadian airports are not only arrival points for vacationers and business travelers wishing to stay in the country for a certain period. Many travelers use them as transit points for further travel to another country, such as Mexico or the USA.

Passengers transiting through Canada also need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before departure, regardless of whether they intend to leave the airport or not. This requirement applies to everyone, except passengers flying from or to the USA, if their stop in Canada is only for refueling and they do not leave the airplane. However, permission eTA is still required to leave the airplane in this case.

It is also worth noting that an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) - an electronic entry permit to the USA, which can be obtained online, as well as the Canadian eTA, is necessary for entry into the USA.

Transit zones in Canadian airports play an important role for passengers making connecting flights.

International transit:

• Passengers arriving in Canada on a flight from another country and transiting to a third country remain in the international transit zone of the airport.
• They do not pass through Canadian border control and do not enter Canada.
• In the transit zone, passengers can rest, visit shops, and cafes.

Domestic transit:

• Passengers flying between two Canadian cities with a transfer remain in the sterile transit zone of domestic flights.
• They do not undergo re-inspection and registration for the connecting flight.
• The transit zone for domestic flights is usually more compact than the international one.

Rules and restrictions:

• Transit passengers are forbidden to leave the transit zone and enter Canada.
• The transportation of liquids, aerosols, and gels is strictly controlled.
• The time spent in the transit zone is not counted in the permitted stay duration in Canada.

The diplomatic representation of the Federal Republic of Germany in Canada is represented by the embassy in the capital Ottawa and three consulates general in major Canadian cities - Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.

German Embassy in Ottawa

Address: Waverley Street, 1 Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 0T8, Canada

Mailing address: PO Box 379, Postal Station “A” Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 8V4 Canada.

Phone: +1 613-232-1101
Fax: +1 613-780-1527

Hours of operation: Monday to Thursday: from 8:00 to 13:30 and from 13:30 to 16:00, Friday: from 8:00 to 13:30

Consulate General of Germany in Montreal

Address: 1250, Blvd. Rene-Levesque West, office 4315 Montreal, Quebec, H3B 4W8, Canada

Phone: +1 514 931-2277
Fax: +1 514 931-2277

Hours of operation: Monday to Thursday: from 9:00 to 16:00, Friday: from 9:00 to 14:00

Consulate General of Germany in Toronto

Address: East Bloor Street, 2, 25th floor, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 1A8, Canada

Phone: +1 416 925 28 13
Fax: +1 416 925 28 18

Hours of operation: Monday to Thursday: from 8:30 to 16:30, Friday: from 8:30 to 13:30

Consulate General of Germany in Vancouver

Address: Suite 704, World Trade Center, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3E1, Canada

Phone: +1 604 684 8377
Fax: +1 604 684 8334

Hours of operation: Monday to Thursday: from 8:00 to 16:00, Friday: from 8:00 to 13:00

These diplomatic missions provide consular services for citizens of Germany, as well as promote the development of relations between Germany and Canada. You can clarify the full list of services provided by the German Embassy in Canada, as well as current information from our managers.