Canada entry requirements for Ireland 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
Irish passport holders need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to visit Canada in 2026. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival. The eTA is quick and usually approved within minutes, but it's tied to your passport, so don't book flights until you have it.
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)This is an online pre-screening for visa-exempt travellers; you must have it before you fly. Required for visa-exempt nationals flying to Canada | Irish citizens need an eTA before boarding a flight to Canada. Apply online at the official eTA website (https://eta.cic.gc.ca/). The cost is CAD $7 and processing is usually minutes, but can take a few days if extra documents are requested. Apply well in advance of travel. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport doesn't expire too soon after your trip. Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your Irish passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Canada. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesBorder officials need a clean page to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a ticket out of Canada helps show you're a genuine visitor. Not explicitly required, but recommended | While Canadian immigration does not always require proof of onward travel, border officers may ask for evidence that you intend to leave Canada before your authorized stay ends. Carry a return or onward ticket to be safe. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsIt's not a formal requirement, but it's wise to have evidence of financial means. Not explicitly required, but recommended | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay. Carry bank statements, credit cards, or cash to cover your expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form before you travel. Not required | There is no separate arrival declaration required for Canada for Irish citizens. You will complete a customs declaration upon arrival (often via kiosk or app). | Not required |
| VisaYou don't need to visit a Canadian embassy for a visa sticker. Not required for short stays | Irish citizens do not need a traditional visitor visa for stays up to 180 days. The eTA replaces the visa for air travel. | Not required |
Apply early — eTA can take days
While most eTAs are approved in minutes, some applications take a few days if extra documents are requested. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have your eTA approval in hand.
eTA is linked to your passport
Your eTA is electronically linked to your passport number. If you renew your passport, you'll need to apply for a new eTA. Also, make sure the name on your eTA matches your passport exactly.
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 or debit card to pay the CAD $7 fee. The form takes about 10 minutes. Most people get approval by email within minutes, but it can take a few days if extra documents are requested.
2
Check your eTA status
You'll receive an email confirming your eTA approval. This is your authorization to board a flight to Canada. There's no physical document — it's linked electronically to your passport. If you don't get a decision within a few days, check the status on the same website.
3
Book flights and accommodation
Once your eTA is approved, book your flights and first night stay. Keep confirmations handy — you'll show them at check-in and possibly at immigration. If you're flying from Dublin, you'll go through Canadian border clearance at Dublin Airport before boarding.
4
Arrive at Canadian border
At the airport in Canada, go to the 'Visitors' queue. Hand over your passport. The officer may ask about your trip purpose, funds, and return plans. Answer honestly. You'll get a stamp or a visitor record with your allowed stay (usually 6 months).
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland 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:
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
Max stayUp to 6 months (or as authorized by officer)
ValidityUsually up to 10 years or until passport expiry (multiple entry)
Cost$100 CAD (visa fee) + $85 CAD (biometrics if required)
Required if you are not eligible for eTA (e.g., if you have a criminal record or have been refused a visa before). Apply at a Canadian visa office.
Work Permit (LMIA-exempt or LMIA-based)
Max stayVaries (typically 1-2 years, renewable)
ValidityDuration of job offer or LMIA validity
Cost$155 CAD (work permit fee) + $100 CAD (open work permit holder fee if applicable) + $85 CAD (biometrics if required)
For those with a valid job offer; allows longer stay and work in Canada.
Study Permit
Max stayDuration of study program + 90 days
ValidityTypically 1-4 years
Cost$150 CAD (study permit fee) + $85 CAD (biometrics if required)
For enrolment in a designated learning institution; allows part-time work on campus and off-campus with conditions.
Super Visa (for parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or PRs)
Max stayUp to 5 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years (multiple entry)
Cost$100 CAD (visa fee) + $85 CAD (biometrics if required)
Requires a letter of invitation from a child or grandchild in Canada and proof of medical insurance.
work visa
Work Permit (Temporary Foreign Worker Program)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD 155 (~USD 116) for employer compliance fee; work permit fee CAD 155
Requires a job offer and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Allows you to work in Canada for a specific employer.
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of study program + 90 days
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For enrolment at a designated learning institution. Allows part-time work on campus and off-campus after 6 months.
Apply digital nomad visa
Canada's Digital Nomad Strategy (no specific visa yet)
Up to 6 months as a visitor; longer via work permit
Varies; visitor entry is free
Canada currently allows digital nomads to stay up to 6 months as visitors. For longer stays, a work permit may be needed if working for a Canadian employer.
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 |
|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)Mandatory for visa-exempt nationals travelling by air; valid for up to 5 years or until passport expiry. | $7 CAD |
| eTA via mobile appSame cost as online application; no additional fees. | $7 CAD |
| Extension of stay (visitor record)Apply online before your 180-day stay expires; processing fee non-refundable. | $100 CAD |
| Restoration of status (if overstay)Apply within 90 days of losing status; not guaranteed. | $200 CAD (restoration fee) + $100 CAD (visitor record fee) |
| Biometrics (if required for extension or restoration)Only if you are asked to give biometrics; most Irish citizens are exempt for eTA but may be required for extensions. | $85 CAD per person |
| Airport improvement fee (departure tax)No separate exit fee at Canadian airports; charges are bundled into ticket price. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Unclear travel purpose20%
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
Irish citizens are visa-exempt for transit through Canada. You do not need a visa or eTA if you are transiting through a Canadian airport and do not need to clear customs (i.e., you remain airside). However, if you need to enter Canada (e.g., to switch terminals or stay overnight), you must have an eTA.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you have a criminal record or have been refused a Canadian visa/eTA previously, you may need a TRV even for transit.
- If you are flying from a country that is on Canada's designated countries list for visa requirements, you may need a transit visa, but Irish passport holders are exempt.
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 BRecommendedRabiesConsider
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 highest in summer in southern regions.
InfluenzaModerate risk
Seasonal flu circulates widely; 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
IRCC – Toronto Office
25 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4T 1M2
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles in-person appointments for urgent cases only.
Practical information for IE 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, you need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), not a full visa. The eTA is an online application that costs CAD $7 and is usually approved within minutes. It's valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
You can stay up to 6 months per visit. The border officer will set your exact allowed stay when you arrive — usually 6 months, but they can shorten it if they have concerns. You can apply for an extension before your status expires, but it's not guaranteed.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline. There's no eTA on arrival. You must have an approved eTA before you fly. If you're transiting through Canada (e.g., flying to the US), you still need an eTA, even if you don't leave the airport.
No. An eTA only allows tourism, visiting family, or short business meetings. You cannot work or study without the appropriate permit. If you plan to work or study, you'll need to apply for a work permit or study permit before you travel.
The eTA costs CAD $7 (about €5). This is non-refundable. There are third-party websites that charge more, but you should only use the official Canadian government website at https://eta.cic.gc.ca/.
Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current status expires. The fee is around CAD 100. Extensions are granted in 6-month increments, but not guaranteed. You must apply online through the IRCC portal.
No. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are only required for visa applications, not for eTAs. You won't need to visit a Visa Application Centre.
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.