CIMM – Visa Exemption/Framework – March 3, 2022

Key Messages

Most countries’ citizens require a visa to travel to Canada. Canada’s Visa Policy Framework guides our decision making regarding who may visit the country without a visa.
Visa decisions are based on comprehensive, individual country assessments that weigh the benefits of a visa exemption against the risks.
Canada’s relationship with a country is an important factor to consider, but so too is the safety of Canadians and the important of a well-managed migration system.
Normally, Canada reviews a country’s visa requirement when conditions indicate that a positive outcome is likely.

Canada welcomes visitors from across the world, and values the economic and cultural benefits they generate. Like most countries, Canada screens all visitors to protect the health, safety, and security of Canadians.
In general, visa requirements are the international norm. In Canada, a visa requirement is the rule, not the exception.
Canada’s visa policy is not based on reciprocity. Canada’s visa actions are based on an individual country assessments of risks and benefits using objective criteria laid out in its Visa Policy Framework. Each country’s situation is different, and requires a unique, complex, and comprehensive approach.

There are currently 54 visa-exempt countries. Visa-exempt travellers have to apply for a light-touch, rapid electronic travel authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada by air.

2022-06-15