Canada entry requirements for Greece passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Greek passport holders need a visa to visit Canada in 2025. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before you travel — there is no visa waiver or eTA option for Greek citizens. Plan ahead, as processing times vary.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Greek passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Canada. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Canadian law, but airlines may enforce 6 months validity — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Visa application Apply for a visitor visa before travel | Greek passport holders need a visitor visa to enter Canada. Apply online through the IRCC portal at least 4–6 weeks before your trip. The visa costs CAD 100 and requires biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre in Greece.Apply for visitor visa | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Canada | Immigration officers at Canadian airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave Canada before your visa expires. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this at the primary inspection kiosk. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, Airbnb receipt, or a letter from your Canadian host with their address and contact info. Officers may ask where you're staying on arrival — having a printed booking saves time. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card showing at least CAD 2,500 for a 2-week trip. Officers rarely ask for this for short visits, but if they do, you need to show you can cover accommodation, food, and return transport. | Recommended |
Visa processing can take weeks
Don't book non-refundable flights or accommodation until your visa is approved. Processing times vary and can be longer during busy periods.
Biometrics required
Most applicants need to give fingerprints and a photo at a Visa Application Centre. In Greece, the VAC is in Athens. Book your appointment online after submitting the application.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visitor visa online
Go to the official Canada visa website (IRCC) and fill out the application. You'll need to upload your passport scan, travel history, financial documents, and a digital photo. Pay the fee (around CAD 100 for a single entry, CAD 500 for a multiple-entry visa). Processing takes 2–4 weeks typically, but can be longer during peak seasons.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, you'll get a confirmation. You may be asked to visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Athens to give biometrics (fingerprints and photo). After approval, the visa is stamped in your passport. Check the expiry date — it may be valid for multiple entries over several years.
3
Book your travel and accommodation
After visa approval, book your flights and first night accommodation. Keep all confirmations on your phone. Also arrange travel insurance and a local SIM/eSIM if you want.
4
Arrive at a Canadian airport
At the airport, go to the immigration queue for visitors. Have your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation details ready. The officer may ask about your plans, funds, and how long you're staying. Answer honestly. You'll usually get a stamp allowing up to 6 months stay.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Greece Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years (based on passport validity)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Standard visitor visa for tourism or business visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years (based on passport validity)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Super visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stay2 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
For parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents; requires private health insurance.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD 155 (~USD 116) employer compliance fee + work permit fee CAD 155
For skilled workers with a job offer and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Requires employer sponsorship and valid contract.
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of study program + 90 days
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For enrolment in a designated learning institution. Must show acceptance letter, proof of funds, and intent to leave after studies.
Apply investor visa
Start-Up Visa Program
Permanent residence
CAD 2,140 (~USD 1,600) processing fee
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. Requires minimum investment and language proficiency.
Apply retirement visa
No specific retirement visa; use Super Visa or Permanent Residence
Varies
Varies
Canada does not have a dedicated retirement visa. Retirees may apply for a Super Visa (if parent/grandparent of Canadian) or seek permanent residence through family sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visitor visa. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries during validity. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most applicants; includes fingerprinting and photo. | CAD 85 (~USD 64) |
| Stay extensionFee to apply for an extension of stay as a visitor. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa; no official cap but may lead to removal. | CAD 200 (~USD 150) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
Greek citizens generally do not need a transit visa to transit through Canada if they have a valid visa or are from a visa-exempt country. However, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is required for air transit.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without an eTA in some cases.
- Citizens of visa-exempt countries (including Greece) need an eTA for air transit.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) · Vancouver International Airport (YVR) · Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)Recommended
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease in wooded areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but present in summer months in some regions.
Seasonal influenzaModerate risk
Common in winter; 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
Main processing centre; applications are typically submitted online or by mail.
Toronto
IRCC – Toronto Office
74 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5C 2A5
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For in-person inquiries by appointment only; bring all relevant documents.
Practical information for GR 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 = 1.37 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
Getting to Canada
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Greece is not part of the visa waiver program for Canada. You must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before traveling. There is no eTA option for Greek citizens.
Processing times vary, but typically 2–4 weeks. During peak travel seasons (summer, Christmas) it can take longer. Check the IRCC website for current estimates. You may also need to book a biometrics appointment at the Visa Application Centre in Athens, which adds a few days.
As of 2025, the fee is CAD 100 for a single-entry visa and CAD 500 for a multiple-entry visa. Biometrics cost an additional CAD 85. Fees are non-refundable even if the visa is refused.
Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current status expires. You must show you have funds to support yourself and a valid reason. The fee is around CAD 100. Overstaying without permission can lead to a ban.
You can reapply, but you must address the reasons for refusal. Common reasons include insufficient funds, weak ties to Greece, or incomplete documentation. There is no formal appeal process — a new application is the only option.
Yes, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. A return flight or a ticket to another country is required. Keep a screenshot on your phone.
No, it's not required by law, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Canada are high — a simple emergency room visit can cost hundreds of dollars. Travel insurance covers that.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.