Canada entry requirements for Czech Republic 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

Czech passport holders need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to fly to Canada in 2026. It's not a full visa — you apply online, it costs CAD $7, and approval usually comes through in minutes. You must have it before you board your flight.

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

RequirementDetailsStatus
eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)You must get this online authorization before boarding your flight to Canada.
Required for visa-exempt foreign nationals
Apply online at the official Government of Canada website (https://eta.cic.gc.ca/) before flying. The eTA costs CAD $7 and is usually approved within minutes, but can take a few days if additional documents are requested. It is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.Required
Passport validityYour passport must not expire soon — it needs to be valid for half a year after you leave Canada.
Must be valid for at least 6 months
Your Czech passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Canada. Ensure it meets this requirement before applying for your eTA.Required
Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the border officer to stamp when you arrive.
At least 1 blank page required
Your passport must have at least one blank page (not counting the endorsement pages) for entry stamps. Most passports have plenty, but check yours.Required
Return or onward ticketIt's a good idea to have a ticket out of Canada, even though it's not officially required.
Not explicitly required, but strongly recommended
Canadian border officials may ask to see proof of onward travel. While not a formal requirement for Czech citizens, having a return or onward ticket is strongly recommended to avoid delays or refusal of entry.Recommended
Proof of fundsHave some way to show you can pay for your trip, just in case they ask.
Not explicitly required, but may be requested
You are not required to show a specific amount of money, but you should be able to support yourself during your stay. Be ready to show bank statements or credit cards if asked by a border officer.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any special form before you arrive — just the usual customs questions.
Not required
Canada does not require a separate arrival declaration for Czech citizens. You will complete a customs declaration upon arrival, either on the plane or at a kiosk.Not required
eTA required — no exceptions
Czech passport holders cannot board a flight to Canada without an approved eTA. There's no visa-on-arrival and no way to get one at the airport. Apply online before you book your flight.
eTA is not a visa
The eTA is a quick online authorization, not a full visa. It costs CAD $7 and is usually approved in minutes. Don't confuse it with a visitor visa — you don't need one for Canada as a Czech citizen.

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 details, contact info, and a way to pay the CAD $7 fee. Approval is usually instant — you'll get an email confirmation. If extra documents are requested, it can take a few days.
2
Check your eTA status before flying
A few days before your flight, log back into the eTA portal to confirm your authorization is still valid. It's linked to your passport number, so if you renew your passport, you'll need a new eTA.
3
Arrive at the Canadian airport
When you land at Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Montreal, or any other Canadian airport, go to the primary inspection kiosk or see a border officer. Hand over your passport. The officer will scan it and may ask about your trip, where you're staying, and when you're leaving.
4
Get your entry stamp
If everything checks out, the officer stamps your passport with your authorized stay — usually up to 180 days. Keep the stamp visible. You can leave and re-enter during your eTA's validity (up to 5 years or until your passport expires).
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Czech Republic Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Download PDF

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 (at officer's discretion)
ValidityUsually up to 10 years or until passport expiry
CostCAD $100 (plus biometrics fee if applicable)

For those ineligible for eTA (e.g., if you have a criminal record) or if you plan to enter by land/sea.

Work permit (employer-specific)
Max stayVaries with permit (typically 1-2 years, renewable)
ValidityTied to job offer and LMIA or exempt status
CostCAD $155 (plus $100 open work permit holder fee if applicable)

Requires a valid job offer and often a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Study permit
Max stayDuration of study program + 90 days
ValidityFor the length of the program
CostCAD $150

Requires acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI).

work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
Employer pays; no direct fee for worker
For skilled workers with a job offer and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Allows work and possible permanent residence.
Apply
student visa
Study Permit
Duration of study program + 90 days
CAD 150 (~USD 113)
For international students accepted 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 1,610) for principal applicant
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. Leads to permanent residence.
Apply
retirement visa
Super Visa (for parents/grandparents)
Up to 2 years per entry, renewable
CAD 100 (~USD 75)
For parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Requires private health insurance and proof of income.
Apply
Other fees
ServiceCost
eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)Required for air travel to Canada; valid for up to 5 years or until passport expiry.CAD $7
Extension of stay (visitor record)Apply online before your initial 180 days expire; processing time varies.CAD $100

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%

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

Czech citizens are visa-exempt for transit through Canada. An eTA is required if transiting by air through a Canadian airport.

Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
  • If you are inadmissible to Canada (e.g., criminal record), you may need a Temporary Resident Permit or a visa.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson (YYZ) · Vancouver (YVR) · Montréal-Trudeau (YUL)

Health & vaccines for Canada

Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk

Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.

West Nile virusLow risk

Mosquito-borne; risk is highest in summer in southern regions.

InfluenzaModerate risk

Seasonal flu circulates widely; annual vaccination recommended.

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

National headquarters; for inquiries and applications by mail.

Toronto
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) – Toronto Pearson
6301 Silver Dart Drive, Mississauga, ON L5P 1B2
24/7

For border services and immigration at the airport.

Practical information for CZ 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
updated Jul 3
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
Police911
Medical911
US EmbassyFind contact

Getting to Canada

7,071 kmgreat circle distance
~10hfrom Czech Republic
Find flights

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

No — you need an eTA, not a full visa. It's a quick online application that costs CAD $7 and is usually approved within minutes. You must have it before you board your flight to Canada.
Up to 180 days per entry. The eTA itself is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can make multiple trips during that time.
You won't be allowed to board your flight. Airlines check for eTA approval before issuing a boarding pass. There's no way to get one at the airport — you must apply online in advance.
Yes, you can apply to extend your visitor status before it expires. You must apply online through IRCC, pay a fee of CAD $100, and provide a reason. Extensions are not guaranteed.
Yes, it's strongly recommended. Immigration officers can ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.
Your eTA is linked to your passport number. If you get a new passport, you'll need to apply for a new eTA. The old one becomes invalid.
No. The eTA is for tourism, family visits, or business meetings only. To work in Canada, you need a work permit — like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. See the longer stay options in the main page for details.

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.