Canada entry requirements for Slovakia 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
Slovak passport holders need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to visit Canada in 2026. Apply online before you fly — approval is usually instant, but allow extra time in case of manual review. No full visitor visa is required for short stays up to 180 days.
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)You need this online pre-travel authorization to board a flight to Canada. Apply online before travel | Slovak citizens are visa-exempt for Canada but must obtain an eTA before flying. Apply at the official eTA website (https://eta.cic.gc.ca/). Cost is CAD $7. Processing is usually minutes, but can take a few days if extra documents are requested. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport doesn't expire too soon after your trip. Valid for at least 6 months | Your Slovak passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Canada. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesBorder officers need a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou don't need to show a ticket, but it's wise to have one. Not required by regulation | Canadian immigration does not require proof of return or onward travel for Slovak citizens, but border officers may ask for evidence of your intended departure if they have doubts. | Not required |
| Proof of fundsYou may be asked to show you have enough money for your trip. Not required by regulation | There is no official minimum amount of funds required for Slovak citizens entering Canada, but you should be able to support yourself during your stay if asked. | Not required |
| Arrival declarationYou'll fill out a customs form upon arrival, but no pre-arrival declaration is needed. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Canada beyond the standard customs declaration form (often completed on the plane or at a kiosk). | Not required |
eTA is not a visa — but you still need it
Slovak passport holders don't need a full visitor visa, but you MUST have an approved eTA before boarding your flight. Without it, you'll be denied boarding. Apply online at eta.cic.gc.ca — it costs CAD $7 and usually takes minutes.
Travel insurance is strongly advised
Canada's healthcare system is excellent but not free for visitors. A simple emergency room visit can cost hundreds of dollars, and a hospital stay can run into the thousands. Get travel insurance with medical coverage before you go.
Transit without eTA is possible
If you're just changing planes at a Canadian airport and staying airside, you don't need an eTA. You can transit for up to 48 hours at major hubs like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, or Calgary. But if you plan to leave the airport, you need the eTA.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eTA online
Go to https://eta.cic.gc.ca/ and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, contact info, and a credit card to pay the CAD $7 fee. Most applications are approved within minutes — you'll get an email confirmation.
2
Check your eTA status
If you don't get instant approval, check the status online using your application number. Sometimes they request extra documents — respond quickly to avoid delays. It can take a few days in that case.
3
Fly to Canada
When you check in for your flight, the airline will verify your eTA is linked to your passport. If it's not approved, you won't be allowed to board. Show your passport at check-in and you're good to go.
4
Arrive at a Canadian airport
At airports like Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), or Montreal (YUL), go to the primary inspection kiosk. Scan your passport, answer a few questions on the screen, and get your entry stamp. The officer may ask about your trip purpose, funds, and return ticket — answer honestly.
5
Collect your bags and exit
After the officer clears you, grab your luggage from the carousel and walk through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Done — you're in Canada!
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Slovakia 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:
Visitor visa (TRV)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUsually up to 10 years or passport validity, multiple entries
Cost$100 CAD
Useful if you plan to stay longer than 180 days or if you are inadmissible for eTA.
Work permit
Max stayVaries with job offer
ValidityTypically 1-2 years, extendable
Cost$155 CAD
Requires LMIA or exemption; allows longer stay and work.
Study permit
Max stayDuration of program + 90 days
ValidityTypically 1-4 years
Cost$150 CAD
Requires acceptance from a designated learning institution.
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 from a Canadian employer. Requires Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of study program + 90 days
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For international students accepted at a designated learning institution. Allows part-time work on campus.
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.
Apply digital nomad visa
Canada Digital Nomad Strategy (pilot)
Up to 6 months (visitor status) or longer with work permit
Varies; visitor entry is free
Allows remote workers to stay temporarily; for longer stays, a work permit may be needed. No specific visa yet.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)Mandatory for air travel; valid for 5 years or until passport expiry. | $7 CAD |
| Visitor visa (TRV) application feeOnly if you do not qualify for eTA or if applying from within Canada to extend. | $100 CAD |
| Extension of stay (visitor record)For stays beyond 180 days; apply before status expires. | $100 CAD |
| Biometrics (if required)Only for certain applications, e.g., TRV or extension; not for eTA. | $85 CAD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Slovak citizens are visa-exempt for transit through Canada. An eTA is required if transiting by air, but no separate transit visa is needed.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you are inadmissible to Canada (e.g., criminal record), you may need a Temporary Resident Permit.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson (YYZ) · Vancouver (YVR) · Montréal-Trudeau (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedCOVID-19 (updated booster)EssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)Recommended
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 cold climates, especially for outdoor activities; dress warmly.
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, call or use online portal.
Toronto
IRCC – Toronto Office
55 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4T 1M2
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for southern Ontario; appointments required for some services.
Practical information for SK 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, Slovak passport holders do not need a transit visa if you stay airside (don't pass through immigration) and have a confirmed onward ticket. You can transit through major airports like Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Montreal, or Calgary for up to 48 hours. If you leave the airport, you'll need an eTA.
Most eTA applications are approved within minutes. However, if the system flags your application for manual review, it can take a few days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
The eTA costs CAD $7 (about €5). You pay online with a credit card. There are no other fees for the eTA itself.
No, the eTA is not extendable. If you wish to stay longer, you must leave Canada and reapply for a new eTA or apply for a different type of visa (such as a work permit or study permit) before your current status expires. Overstaying without permission can get you banned.
If your eTA is refused, you can reapply, but you must address the reasons for refusal. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak ties to Slovakia, or unclear travel purpose. Consider getting a detailed invitation letter from a Canadian host or a letter from your employer confirming your return.
Yes, immigration officers still expect to see a booked return or onward flight. Even if you're staying with relatives, have a ticket out of Canada before your eTA expires.
No. An eTA is for tourism, visiting family, or business meetings only. You cannot work or study for more than 6 months. If you want to work or study, you need a separate work permit or study permit.
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.