Canada entry requirements for Vietnam 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
Vietnamese passport holders need a visa to enter Canada in 2026. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or eTA option for Vietnam. Plan ahead: processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visitor visa (TRV) | Apply for a Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) online through the IRCC portal. Processing takes 2–4 weeks on average — apply well before your travel date. You'll need to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre in Vietnam.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Vietnamese passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Canada. Canada does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date — just cover your visit. Airlines may still check for 6 months, so verify with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Canada | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking showing you leave Canada before your visa expires. Without it, you risk being denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, Airbnb receipt, or a letter from your host in Canada. Officers may ask where you're staying — having a clear address speeds things up. A simple booking printout works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Show you can support yourself during your stay — bring recent bank statements (last 3 months) or a credit card with sufficient limit. No fixed amount is published, but CAD $1,000–$2,000 per month is a safe benchmark. Officers rarely ask, but it's better to have it ready. | Recommended |
Visa processing takes weeks — apply early
Don't wait until the last minute. Canada visitor visa processing from Vietnam can take 2–8 weeks or longer during peak seasons. Apply at least 3 months before your trip.
No visa-on-arrival for Vietnam passport holders
There is no way to get a Canada visa at the airport. You must have a valid visa sticker in your passport before you board your flight. The eTA program is not available for Vietnam.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visitor visa online
Go to the Canada visa application centre (VAC) website for Vietnam. Fill out the application form, upload documents (passport scan, photo, travel history, proof of funds, itinerary), and pay the fee (around CAD 100). Processing takes 2–8 weeks.
2
Submit biometrics
After applying, you'll get a biometric instruction letter. Book an appointment at the VAC in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Give fingerprints and photo. Cost: about CAD 85. Do this within 30 days.
3
Wait for visa decision
IRCC reviews your application. You may get a request for more documents (e.g., bank statements, employment letter). Check your account regularly. Once approved, the visa is stamped in your passport.
4
Travel to Canada
At the airport, show your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Border officer may ask about your trip purpose and funds. Answer honestly. You'll get a stamp allowing up to 6 months stay.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam 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 stayUp to 6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years (based on passport validity)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Standard visitor visa; may be issued for multiple entries.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years (based on passport validity)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Same fee as single entry; allows multiple visits.
Super visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stayUp to 2 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Requires Canadian child/grandchild invitation and medical insurance.
work visa
Work Permit (Temporary Foreign Worker Program)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD 155 (~USD 116) + employer compliance fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from a Canadian employer. Requires Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in most cases. Allows work and eventual permanent residence pathways.
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 and off-campus after 6 months. Can lead to post-graduation work permit.
Apply investor visa
Start-Up Visa Program
Permanent residence
CAD 2,140 (~USD 1,600) + processing fees
For entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas that can create jobs in Canada. Requires support from a designated organization. Leads to permanent residence.
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 for multiple entries. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most applicants; includes fingerprinting and photo. | CAD 85 (~USD 64) |
| Visa extension (in Canada)For extending stay as a visitor; must apply before status expires. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa; no maximum cap specified. | CAD 200 (~USD 150) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Weak home ties20%
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
Vietnam passport holders generally need a transit visa to change flights in Canada, even if staying airside. However, if you have a valid US visa, you may transit without a visa under certain conditions.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a visa for up to 48 hours if arriving and departing from the same airport.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa do not need a separate transit visa.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) · Vancouver International Airport (YVR) · Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)Essential
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 regions; dress warmly and avoid prolonged 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
333 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 5R4
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visa extension inquiries; bring application forms and proof of funds.
Toronto
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) - Toronto
74 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5C 2A5
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions; appointments recommended.
Practical information for VN 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
Yes, if you're a Vietnamese passport holder and your flight lands in Canada (even for a layover), you need a transit visa. Apply for a TRV and select 'transit' as your purpose. The same application process applies.
Processing times vary, but typically 2–8 weeks. Apply at least 3 months before your planned travel. You can check current processing times on the IRCC website.
Yes, you can apply for an extension from inside Canada before your status expires. Apply online, pay the fee (around CAD 100), and provide a reason. Processing takes a few months. Overstaying is illegal.
You can reapply, but address the reasons for refusal (e.g., insufficient funds, weak ties to Vietnam). Common reasons: lack of travel history, unclear purpose, or incomplete documents. Consider a cover letter explaining your situation.
Yes, it's strongly recommended. Show bank statements, pay slips, or a sponsor letter. No fixed amount, but enough to cover your stay (e.g., CAD 200–300 per day). Immigration may ask at the border.
No. A visitor visa does not allow work. You can attend meetings, conferences, or training, but not paid employment. For work, apply for a work permit separately.
You apply online, then submit biometrics at the Canada Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Hanoi (5th floor, Pacific Place, 83B Ly Thuong Kiet) or Ho Chi Minh City (10th floor, 3A Ton Duc Thang). Book an appointment online.
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.