Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released a list of eleven foreign‑national categories that are not required to obtain a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before travelling to Canada.

United States citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States are among those who can travel to Canada without any additional authorisation.

People who already hold a valid visitor, student or worker status in Canada are exempt when they return after a trip that only involved the United States or the French territory of Saint‑Pierre‑et‑Miquelon.

French nationals residing in Saint‑Pierre‑et‑Miquelon and flying directly to Canada also qualify for the exemption.

Passengers on flights to or from the United States that make a fuel stop in Canada, provided they possess valid US entry documents, do not need a visa or eTA.

The same relief applies to travellers who make an unscheduled stop on Canadian soil, as well as those transiting through Canadian airports under the Transit Without a Visa or China Transit programmes.

Aviation and maritime crew members who arrive by boat or plane and will continue working on the vessel, or who are joining a crew, are exempt if they have a ticket to depart within 24 hours of arrival.

Flight‑crew personnel, civil aviation inspectors and accident investigators performing official duties in Canada are also covered by the exemption.

Members of foreign armed forces, excluding civilian components, from countries listed under Canada’s Visiting Forces Act are exempt when travelling for official duties.

Diplomats who hold a diplomatic, consular or official acceptance issued by the Chief of Protocol of Global Affairs Canada are the final group exempt from visa or eTA requirements.

All other travellers must secure the appropriate visa or eTA before departing for Canada.