Last Updated On 10 September 2025, 5:21 PM EDT (Toronto Time)
Canada is a top global destination, renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and welcoming culture.
Whether you’re dreaming of exploring Niagara Falls, hiking in Banff National Park, or conducting business in Toronto, understanding Canada’s entry requirements is crucial for a seamless trip.
For many international travellers, this means securing a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), commonly known as a Canada visitor visa, if they are not from a visa-exempt country.
If you’re wondering whether your country requires a visa to enter Canada, you’ve landed on the right guide.
This comprehensive article provides the full list of countries whose citizens need a visitor visa to visit Canada for tourism, business, or family visits in 2025.
Table of Contents
Full List of 134 Countries That Need a Visa for Canada
Below is the complete list of countries and territories whose citizens require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada for short-term visits, such as tourism, business, or family purposes.
This list, based on the latest Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) policies as of September 2025, includes all 134 nations and territories whose citizens must obtain a visitor visa for entry by any method (air, land, or sea).
Comprehensive List of Visa-Required Countries (134)
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Algeria
- Angola
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Belize
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- China
- Colombia
- Comoros
- Congo, Democratic Republic of the
- Congo, Republic of the
- Cuba
- Djibouti
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Eswatini
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Georgia
- Ghana
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Korea, North
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mali
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Mozambique
- Myanmar
- Namibia
- Nauru
- Nepal
- Nicaragua
- Niger
- Nigeria
- North Macedonia
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palau
- Palestine (State of)
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Qatar
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Samoa
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Suriname
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Timor-Leste
- Togo
- Tonga
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Vatican City
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
- Yemen
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Additional Notes:
- Stateless Individuals: Those without a recognized nationality or holding a UN refugee travel document (except Canadian refugee travel document holders) must also apply for a TRV.
- Vatican City: Travellers must have a passport or travel document issued by the Vatican.
- Travel Context: If you’re from one of these countries and planning a trip to Canada in 2025, a TRV is mandatory for entry by air, land, or sea.
- A multiple-entry TRV is recommended for travellers combining their trip with destinations in the U.S. or Mexico.
This list is exhaustive and reflects Canada’s current visa requirements.
Understanding the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
The Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), or Canada visitor visa, is a document issued by the Government of Canada that permits citizens from visa-required countries to enter for short-term purposes, such as tourism, business meetings, or visiting family and friends.
It ensures travellers meet Canada’s immigration standards and is a critical requirement for entry from the 134 listed countries.
Key Features of the TRV
- Purpose: Tourism (e.g., visiting Niagara Falls, exploring Vancouver), business (e.g., attending conferences), or family visits.
- Duration: Allows stays up to six months per entry, though the exact duration is set by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at the border.
- Single vs. Multiple Entry:
- Single-Entry TRV: Permits one entry to Canada. If you leave, you’ll need a new visa to return.
- Multiple-Entry TRV: Allows multiple entries during the visa’s validity, ideal for travellers visiting multiple Canadian cities or travelling to nearby countries like the U.S. Valid for up to 10 years or until your passport expires.
- Cost: CAD $100 application fee, plus CAD $85 for biometrics (if required).
- Biometrics: Applicants aged 14–79 from most visa-required countries must provide fingerprints and a photo at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). Biometrics are valid for 10 years.
- Processing Time: Varies by country (Around 8 weeks or more). High travel demand in 2025 may extend wait times.
Canada awaits with open arms, offering a wealth of experiences for travellers from the 134 visa-required countries listed above.
Whether you’re drawn to its natural wonders, vibrant cities, or cultural richness, securing a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is your key to unlocking this incredible destination.
By applying early, preparing thorough documentation, and following our expert tips, you can navigate the visa process with ease and focus on creating lifelong memories in Canada.
Start your TRV application asap to beat potential delays, book accommodations and flights early, and explore top Canadian destinations.
Ready to apply for your Canada visitor visa? Visit the official website today and start your journey to Canada in 2025!
How do I apply for a Canada visitor visa in 2025?
To apply for a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), submit the IMM 5257 form online at www.canada.ca, provide a valid passport, proof of funds (e.g., CAD $1,000–$2,000/month), travel itinerary, and ties to your home country. Pay CAD $100 (plus CAD $85 for biometrics, if required). Apply early at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or online.
How long does it take to get a Canadian visitor visa in 2025?
TRV processing times vary by country, typically 2–8 weeks, with potential delays in 2025 due to high demand. Apply 6–12 months in advance (by March 2025) via www.canada.ca. Check real-time processing times for your country on the IRCC portal.
What documents are needed for a Canadian visitor visa in 2025?
For a TRV, provide a valid passport, proof of funds (e.g., bank statements), travel itinerary (e.g., plans to visit Toronto or Banff), ties to home (e.g., job letter), and two passport-sized photos. Biometrics (fingerprints, photo) are required for ages 14–79 from most countries. Submit via www.canada.ca or a VAC.
Why might a Canadian visitor visa be denied in 2025?
A TRV may be denied due to incomplete documents, insufficient funds, weak ties to your home country, or unclear travel purpose. Ensure you provide bank statements, a detailed itinerary, and proof of return (e.g., job letter). Reapply after addressing issues or consult an immigration lawyer.
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