Canada entry requirements for Hong Kong passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Hong Kong passport holders need a visa to visit Canada in 2026. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before you travel — there is no visa waiver or eTA option for HK passports. Plan ahead: processing can take 2–6 weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | Hong Kong passport holders need a visa to enter Canada. Apply online through the IRCC portal — processing times vary from a few weeks to several months. Submit your application well before your planned departure.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Hong Kong passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Canada. Airlines may also enforce this at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Canada | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready to show at the border. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, Airbnb receipt, or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card statement showing enough funds for your stay. No fixed amount is published, but a few thousand Canadian dollars is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing takes weeks
Do not book flights or accommodation until your visa is approved. Processing can take 2–6 weeks, and there are no expedited options for visitor visas.
Biometrics required for most applicants
After submitting your online application, you'll need to visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Hong Kong to give fingerprints and a photo. Book an appointment online. The fee is CAD 85.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the visa online
Go to the IRCC website and create an account. Fill out the visitor visa application (IMM 5257), upload your documents (passport scan, photo, bank statements, travel itinerary), and pay the fee (CAD 100). Processing takes 2–6 weeks. You may be asked to submit your passport to a visa application centre (VAC) for the sticker.
2
Receive your visa and prepare to travel
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates — you must enter before the expiry. Book your flights and accommodation. Print or save digital copies of your visa, passport, return ticket, and hotel booking.
3
Arrive at a Canadian airport
At the airport, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Immigration'. You'll queue at a kiosk or counter. Present your passport with the visa sticker. The officer may ask: purpose of visit, how long you're staying, where you're staying, and proof of funds. Answer honestly and briefly.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You may be asked to declare goods. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. That's it — you're in Canada.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Hong Kong Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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 family 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 PRs; requires private health insurance.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
Employer-specific; no direct fee for worker
For Hong Kong residents with a job offer from a Canadian employer. Requires Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of program + 90 days
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For Hong Kong students accepted at a designated learning institution in Canada. Allows part-time work on campus.
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 permanent residency.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for 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 fingerprint and photo. | CAD 85 (~USD 64) |
| Stay extension feeFee to apply for extending visitor stay beyond initial period. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa; maximum cap may apply. | CAD 200 per day (~USD 150) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
Transit visa required
Hong Kong passport holders need a transit visa to change flights in Canada unless they meet specific exemptions (e.g., holding a valid US visa).
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a visa for up to 48 hours if arriving from and departing to the US.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa or permanent residence do not need a transit visa.
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 BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but present in summer months.
HypothermiaModerate risk
Risk in winter; dress warmly and limit exposure.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Vancouver
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) – Vancouver International Airport
3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, BC V7B 0A4
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visa and entry issues at the airport; not for extensions.
Toronto
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – Toronto Office
55 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4T 1M2
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For visa applications and inquiries; appointments required.
Practical information for HK 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. Hong Kong passport holders must get a visa before travelling. There is no visa on arrival or eTA option for HK passports.
Processing typically takes 2 to 6 weeks. It can be longer during peak seasons (summer, December). Apply at least 2 months before your planned trip.
The visitor visa fee is CAD 100 per person. If you need to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo), that's an additional CAD 85. Fees are non-refundable.
Yes, most applicants from Hong Kong need to give biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). You'll do this after submitting your online application. The VAC in Hong Kong is at 8/F, One Exchange Square, Central.
Yes, you can apply to extend your visitor status before your current stay expires. The extension fee is CAD 100. You must apply online. Overstaying without permission can affect future travel.
You can reapply, but you must address the reasons for refusal. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak ties to Hong Kong, or incomplete documents. Consider consulting an immigration consultant or lawyer.
Yes, if you are transiting through a Canadian airport to a third country, you generally need a transit visa. The same application process applies. Check the IRCC website for exemptions.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.