Canada entry requirements for Poland 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
Polish passport holders need an eTA to visit Canada in 2026. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa waiver for Polish citizens. Start your eTA application at least a few days before your trip, though it's usually approved within minutes.
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)An eTA is an entry permit for visa-exempt travelers flying to Canada. You must have it before you board your flight. Required for visa-exempt nationals flying to Canada | Polish citizens need an eTA before boarding a flight to Canada. Apply online at the official eTA website (https://eta.cic.gc.ca/). The fee is CAD $7. Processing is usually minutes, but can take a few days if extra documents are requested. Apply well in advance of travel. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire within 6 months of your arrival in Canada. Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your Polish passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Canada. Ensure your passport meets this requirement before applying for your eTA. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a blank page in your passport for the border officer to stamp if needed. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps. Although not always stamped, it is required by Canadian border officials. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a return ticket helps prove you intend to leave Canada after your visit. May be requested at the border | Although not always required, Canadian border officers may ask to see proof of onward travel. It is strongly recommended to have a return or onward ticket to show you will leave Canada before your authorized stay ends. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry evidence of funds, such as bank statements or credit cards, in case the border officer asks. May be requested at the border | You may be asked to show that you have sufficient funds for your stay in Canada. There is no fixed amount, but you should have enough to cover accommodation, food, and other expenses for the duration of your visit. | Recommended |
| Maximum stayYou must leave Canada before your authorized stay expires, typically 180 days from entry. Up to 180 days per entry | As a Polish citizen with an eTA, you may stay in Canada for up to 180 days per entry. This period is set by the border officer at entry and cannot be extended. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form before landing. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Polish citizens entering Canada. The eTA serves as your pre-arrival authorization. | Not required |
Apply early — processing times can vary
While most eTA applications are approved instantly, some take a few days if extra documents are requested. Don't book non-refundable flights until your eTA is approved.
eTA is valid for up to 5 years
Your eTA is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can use it for multiple visits to Canada during that time.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eTA online
Go to the official eTA website (https://eta.cic.gc.ca/) and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport, a valid email address, and a credit or debit card to pay the CAD $7 fee. The application takes about 10 minutes. Most approvals are instant, but some require extra review and can take a few days.
2
Receive eTA approval
If approved, you'll receive an email confirmation with your eTA number. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport, so you don't need to print anything. If additional documents are requested, you'll be notified by email — respond promptly to avoid delays.
3
Travel to Canada
When you land at a Canadian airport (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal), go to the immigration booth. Hand over your passport. The officer may ask about your trip, accommodation, and return ticket. Answer honestly. They'll usually stamp your passport and let you through.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Poland 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) – Visitor
Max stay6 months (or as authorized by officer)
ValidityUp to 10 years (multiple entry)
Cost$100 CAD
For those who do not qualify for eTA or want a visa for future visits. Requires biometrics and an application.
Work Permit
Max stayVaries (up to 2 years typical)
ValidityDuration of job offer
Cost$155 CAD
Requires a valid job offer and often an LMIA. Allows longer stay and work.
Study Permit
Max stayDuration of study program
ValidityUp to 4 years
Cost$150 CAD
For enrollment in a designated learning institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
Employer pays; worker may need to pay for work permit (CAD $155)
For skilled workers with a job offer from a Canadian employer. Requires Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
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 on campus.
Apply investor visa
Start-Up Visa Program
Permanent residence
Application fee CAD $1,575 (~USD $1,180)
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. Requires minimum investment.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)Mandatory for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada. Apply online via the official Government of Canada website. | $7 CAD |
| Visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa)Required if you do not qualify for an eTA (e.g., if you have a criminal record or are inadmissible). | $100 CAD |
| Visitor visa extension (restore status)For extending your stay beyond 6 months. Apply before your current status expires. | $100 CAD |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most visa applications (not for eTA). | $85 CAD |
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
Polish citizens are visa-exempt for transit through Canada. However, an eTA is required when 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 TRV even for transit.
- If you are transiting through Canada to the United States, you must meet US entry requirements.
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 BRecommendedRabies (for remote or wildlife exposure)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 is low but present in summer months.
HypothermiaModerate risk
Risk in winter months; dress warmly and limit outdoor 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 Office
219 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For general inquiries; extensions are processed online, not in person.
Toronto
IRCC – Toronto Office
25 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4T 1M2
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for the Greater Toronto Area; appointments required for some services.
Practical information for PL 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
Getting to Canada
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, Polish passport holders do not need a visa for short visits (up to 6 months) to Canada. You need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), which is obtained online. Apply at https://eta.cic.gc.ca/ before you travel.
Most eTA applications are approved within minutes. However, if additional documents are requested, it can take a few days. Apply at least a few days before your planned departure to allow for any delays.
The eTA application fee is CAD $7 (roughly 20 PLN at current rates). The fee is non-refundable.
No, the eTA does not allow for extensions. If you wish to stay longer than 6 months, you must apply for a visitor record before your eTA expires. However, extensions are not guaranteed and require a separate application.
You'll need a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity), a valid email address, and a credit or debit card to pay the fee. You may also be asked to provide additional documents if your application requires further review.
No, an eTA does not allow you to work or study. For work, you need a work permit. For study, you need a study permit. Both require separate applications.
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.