Canada entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
180 days
Max stay
180 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swiss passport holders need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to visit Canada in 2026. The eTA is quick to get online — usually approved within minutes — and allows stays of up to 180 days per visit. You don't need a full visitor visa, but you must apply before you fly.
Apply for Canada eVisaOnly required when arriving by air; not needed for land/sea entry from the US. Linked electronically to your passport — no printout required.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)You must obtain an eTA before boarding your flight to Canada. It is not a visa, but an entry permit for visa-exempt nationals. Required for Swiss citizens flying to Canada | Apply online at the official eTA website (https://eta.cic.gc.ca/) before your flight. The application costs CAD $7 and is usually approved within minutes, but can take a few days if additional documents are requested. Your eTA is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires. | Required |
| Passport validityCanadian border officials require your passport to be valid for a minimum period to cover your stay. Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Canada. Ensure your passport does not expire during your stay. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for any official stamps or visas that may be applied at the border. At least 1 blank page required | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps. Although Canada typically does not stamp passports, the page is required for any visa or entry documentation. | Required |
| Maximum stayThe 180-day limit is the maximum; the officer may grant a shorter period. Overstaying can lead to penalties. Up to 180 days per entry | As a Swiss citizen with an eTA, you may stay in Canada for up to 180 days per entry. This period is set by the border services officer at the port of entry and cannot be extended. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a return ticket helps demonstrate that you will not overstay, which can speed up your entry. Recommended to show at border | Although not mandatory for Swiss citizens, it is strongly recommended to have a return or onward ticket to prove your intention to leave Canada before your authorized stay ends. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsBorder officers may ask how you will fund your stay; having proof avoids delays. Recommended to show sufficient funds | While not a formal requirement for Swiss citizens, you may be asked to show that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay. Carry bank statements, credit cards, or cash as evidence. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any pre-arrival forms; just follow the standard customs process. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Swiss citizens entering Canada. You will complete a customs declaration upon arrival, either on the plane or at a kiosk. | Not required |
eTA is not a visa
Swiss passport holders don't need a full visitor visa — just an eTA. It's quick, cheap, and valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Don't waste time or money on a visa application.
Apply before you book non-refundable flights
While eTA approval is usually instant, it can take a few days if extra documents are requested. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid last-minute stress.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eTA online
Go to https://eta.cic.gc.ca/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport, an email address, and a credit card to pay the CAD $7 fee. Most applications are approved within minutes — you'll get an email confirmation. If extra documents are requested, it can take a few days.
2
Check your eTA status
After applying, check your email for the approval notification. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport, so you don't need to print anything — but it's smart to save a screenshot or PDF on your phone just in case.
3
Fly to Canada
At the airport in Switzerland, the airline will verify your eTA before boarding. When you land in Canada (e.g., Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Montreal), go to the 'Visitors' queue at immigration. Present your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer may ask about your trip purpose and funds. Answer honestly. You'll get a stamp allowing entry for up to 180 days.
4
Enjoy your stay
You can stay up to 180 days per entry. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for an extension before your status expires — but extensions are not guaranteed. Keep your return ticket and documents handy in case you're asked to show them again.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Visitor visa (TRV)
Max stayUp to 6 months (or as stamped)
ValidityUsually up to 10 years or until passport expiry
CostCAD $100 (plus biometrics if applicable)
For those who do not qualify for an eTA or prefer a multiple-entry visa for land/sea arrivals.
Super Visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stayUp to 2 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD $100 (plus biometrics if applicable)
Requires a letter of invitation from a Canadian child/grandchild and medical insurance.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
Employer pays; worker may pay CAD 155 (~USD 115) for open work permit
For skilled workers with a job offer and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Allows work and potential PR pathway.
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of program + 90 days, renewable
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For enrollment at a designated learning institution. Allows part-time work and post-graduation work permit.
Apply investor visa
Start-Up Visa Program
Permanent residence
CAD 2,140 (~USD 1,600) for principal applicant
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. Leads to PR.
Apply digital nomad visa
Canada Digital Nomad Strategy (temporary)
Up to 6 months (visitor status) or longer with work permit
No specific fee; standard visitor visa or work permit fees apply
Allows remote workers to stay as visitors for up to 6 months. For longer stays, a work permit may be needed.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)Mandatory for Swiss citizens flying to or transiting through Canada by air. | CAD $7 |
| Visitor visa (TRV) application feeOnly if you do not qualify for an eTA (e.g., arriving by land or sea). | CAD $100 |
| Visitor record extension (online)To extend your stay beyond 180 days; apply before your status expires. | CAD $100 |
| Biometrics (if required)Usually not needed for eTA applicants, but may be required for TRV applicants. | CAD $85 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Canada
No transit visa needed
Swiss citizens are visa-exempt for transit through Canada. An eTA is required when transiting by air, but no separate transit visa is needed.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you are inadmissible to Canada (e.g., criminal record), you may need a Temporary Resident Permit.
- If you plan to leave the sterile transit area, you must clear customs and may need a visitor visa or eTA.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson (YYZ) · Vancouver (YVR) · Montréal–Trudeau (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabies (for remote or outdoor activities)Consider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in summer, especially in southern regions.
HypothermiaModerate risk
Risk in cold climates; dress appropriately and avoid prolonged exposure.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Ottawa
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) - Ottawa
365 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main IRCC office; for visa extensions, apply online or by mail.
Toronto
IRCC - Toronto Office
74 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5C 2A5
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa applications and inquiries.
Practical information for CH travellers
Country basics
CapitalOttawa
LanguageEnglish, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid in Canada.
Money
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.42 CAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame to -3h depending on province
vs Los AngelesSame to +3h depending on province
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in all major cities.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Switzerland is visa-exempt for Canada, but you need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before flying. The eTA is quick to get online and costs CAD $7. There's no need for a full visitor visa.
Up to 180 days per entry. The exact duration is at the discretion of the border officer, who will stamp your passport. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for an extension before your status expires — but extensions are not guaranteed.
Usually minutes — most applications are approved instantly. However, if the system flags your application for additional review, it can take a few days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
CAD $7 (about CHF 5). You pay online with a credit card. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused.
Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current status expires. You must show you still meet the requirements and have valid reasons. The extension fee is CAD 100. Apply online through the IRCC portal.
You'll receive an email explaining the reason. Common reasons: criminal record, previous overstay, or incomplete application. You can reapply with corrected information, but the fee is non-refundable. If you're refused, you may need to apply for a visitor visa instead.
No, Swiss citizens don't need a transit visa for airside transits up to 48 hours at major airports like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, or Calgary. However, you still need a valid eTA to board your flight to Canada, even if you're just connecting.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.