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Canada Visa for Singapore Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

Singaporean citizens traveling to Canada must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before flying; apply online at canada.ca; the eTA costs CAD 7 and is valid for up to 5 years or until passport expiry, allowing multiple entries with stays up to 6 months per visit.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Canada.
  • Specific forms: Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is applied online; there is no DS-160 or VAF1A for Singaporean travellers.
  • Financial proof: You may be asked to show proof of funds; there is no fixed minimum amount; acceptable documents include bank statements, pay slips, or a letter from your employer showing your position and salary.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: You may be asked to provide proof of accommodation and a return or onward ticket; have bookings or a plan to book.
  • Photo spec: No photo upload is required for the eTA application; your passport photo is used for your passport; ensure passport is up to date.
  • Biometrics: Biometrics may be required; if requested, you will need to visit a Visa Application Centre for biometrics (fingerprints and photo). The biometrics fee is CAD 85.
  • Travel health insurance: Not required to enter Canada but having travel medical insurance is strongly recommended.

Visa types

  • Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – Official name: Electronic Travel Authorization; Validity: up to 5 years or until passport expiry; Max stay per visit: 6 months; Entry: multiple entries; Approx. fee: CAD 7.
  • Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) / Visitor visa – Official name: Temporary Resident Visa (TRV); Typically required for travellers who need a visa to enter Canada (Singaporean citizens usually travel with an eTA, but a TRV remains a path for longer stays or non‑air routes); Validity and stay: typically multiple entries with stay up to 6 months per visit; Approx. fee: CAD 185.
  • Study permit – Official name: Study permit; Purpose: for full-time study at a designated learning institution (DLI); Duration: for the length of the program; Entry: multiple entries (if issued with multiple-entry status); Approx. fee: CAD 150 plus biometrics.
  • Work permit – Official name: Work permit; Types: employer-specific or open work permit; Duration: tied to job offer or program approval; Entry: may be single or multiple depending on the permit; Approx. fee: CAD 255 plus biometrics.
  • International Experience Canada (IEC) – Working Holiday – Official name: Working Holiday under IEC; Eligibility depends on country program quotas; Duration: typically 12–24 months; Entry: usually multiple entries; Approx. program fee: varies by year.

How to apply online

  • How to apply online: Use the official eTA application portal linked from the Government of Canada site.
  • Steps:
  • 1) Check eligibility for an eTA.
  • 2) Complete the online eTA application with passport details and answer security questions.
  • 3) Pay the CAD 7 eTA fee by credit card.
  • 4) Receive eTA approval (the eTA is electronically linked to your passport).
  • 5) Travel to Canada; once admitted, the eTA remains valid for up to 5 years or until passport expiry and allows multiple entries; each visit can be up to 6 months.
  • Processing time: Most eTA applications are approved within minutes; some may take longer if additional documents are requested.
  • How approval arrives: The eTA is an electronic record linked to your passport; you do not receive a separate document but you should carry your passport on travel.

Fees & processing time

  • eTA fee: CAD 7 (non-refundable) for online application.
  • Biometrics: CAD 85 if requested for your eTA/entry process; biometrics are collected at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or biometric collection site.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable for the eTA application itself; these fees apply to sticker visas (TRV) or other in-person processes when applicable.
  • Total cost estimate: CAD 7 for eTA alone; CAD 92 if biometrics are required (7 + 85); for TRV or other permits, additional fees apply depending on the permit type.
  • Standard processing time: eTA approvals are usually instant to a few days; other permit categories (TRV, study permit, work permit) have processing times that vary by applicant country and program, often ranging from several weeks to several months.
  • Express/priority option: Not available for eTA; some in-person visa processes offer expedited options depending on category and location.

Tips for Singapore travelers

  • Apply as soon as you plan to travel; eTA is quick in most cases, but some applications may take longer if additional information is required.
  • Common rejection reasons for Singapore applicants: incomplete or inaccurate information, passport data mismatch, failure to meet security/health criteria, previous immigration violations, or misrepresentation; ensure data exactly matches your passport and supporting documents.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: For eTA, applications are online and do not require VFS/BLS submission; if you later apply for a TRV, study permit, or work permit, you may use a VAC/embassy path as directed by IRCC.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: Always check the Government of Canada travel advisory for your region before travel and follow current health and safety guidance.
  • Extension options inside Canada: If you are in Canada as a visitor, you can apply to extend your stay from within Canada by submitting a request to IRCC before your current status expires; you should apply at least 30 days before expiry to allow processing time.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.