Who needs a visa to enter Canada?
Obtaining a Visa to enter Canada is the responsibility of the participants. We can assist you by issuing an invitation letter, however, we are not involved in the visa issuing process, this is solely the responsibility of the competent Canadian embassy or consulate.
Invitation letters will be issued for registered participants who fully paid the International Summit on Ending Gender-Based Violence registration fees. You/your spouse must be registered participant/s to be considered for an invitation letter.
To avoid any delays, we encourage all those who need a visa to enter Canada, to register as early as possible and apply for the visa.
Citizens of certain countries need a visa to visit or transit Canada. The following information is provided as a courtesy, but is subject to change:
Find out if you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa
Visitors into Canada
Visitors to Canada require a valid passport and many visitors require a visitor’s visa. Obtaining a travel Visa is the responsibility of the participants.
We will assist you by providing an invitation letter for registered participants, but we are not an authority on Visa issues, nor can we help with expediting the Visa process.
Normally you/your spouse must be registered participant/s to be considered for a Visa. Therefore, please register early and prepare for your visa.
Canada does not have a visa office in every country so it is important that delegates visit the website of the Canadian visa office responsible for processing their visa application. Information is available on the website on how to submit a visa application and the documentation required.
Processing times for visa applications vary depending on the visa office and the time of the year. Participants are encouraged to apply approximately 12 weeks in advance of their departure date to ensure they receive the visa in time.
For information on visa requirements and exemptions, please check with the nearest Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.
To learn more online, click here.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada.
The authorization is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
As of November 10, 2016, visa-exempt foreign nationals are expected to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada. Exceptions include U.S. citizens, and travelers with a valid Canadian visa.
Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, and Canadian permanent residents are not eligible to apply for an eTA. To learn more online, click here.
NEW – Biometrics (Global Expansion)
Depending on your nationality, you may be required to give your biometrics:
- Starting July 31, 2018, the biometric requirement becomes mandatory for nationals of Europe, Middle East and Africa, and
- Starting December 31, 2018, the biometric requirement becomes mandatory for nationals of Asia, Asia Pacific and the Americas.
For additional information on whether or not you require a biometric, please refer to our fast facts about Biometrics.