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United States visa for Canada passport holders

Visa-free.

Photograph by Ivana Cajina · Unsplash
Passport
Canada
Destination
United States

Tourism · Adults · Ordinary passports

Visa

No visa required

You don't need a visa for a tourist visit, as long as you stay within the limit and meet the conditions below.

Canadian citizens generally do not need a visa or ESTA for ordinary tourist visits. Canadian permanent residence alone does not provide this exemption. Immigration determines your permitted stay at entry; check your admission record rather than assuming a fixed number of days.

Processing time
No advance ordinary-tourist visa application; inspection at entry.
Government fees
No tourist visa/ESTA application fee; document/border charges may depend on circumstances.
Go to official sitetravel.state.gov
Official sources 2

Last checked:

Arrival forms & authorizations

ESTA / EVUS required — conditions apply

ESTA / EVUS

ESTA is required for eligible visitors travelling under the Visa Waiver Program. EVUS is a separate enrolment requirement for certain US visa holders. Neither programme is a general arrival card. Use the official service that applies to your travel documents.

An existing US visa, US permanent residence or a separate visa-exemption arrangement can change what you need. US lawful permanent residents return with the appropriate permanent-resident or re-entry documents rather than a tourist ESTA or visitor visa. A valid existing US visa may be used for its issued purpose, subject to any separate programme requirements.

Passport subtype, second nationality, previous travel and admissibility can affect your eligibility. An approved visa or authorization does not guarantee admission; CBP determines the permitted stay at entry.

Go to official siteesta.cbp.dhs.gov

Last checked:

Onward travel

Recommended

Under the Visa Waiver Program, air or sea arrivals on participating carriers generally need return or onward transportation. Land-entry rules differ, and itineraries involving Canada, Mexico or adjacent islands have extra conditions. For B-visa visitors, a universally compulsory prebooked ticket has not been confirmed. Carry departure evidence and follow the rules for your admission route.

Travel insurance

Recommended

US official guidance doesn't list travel health insurance as a general requirement for ordinary tourists visiting on a B visa or under the Visa Waiver Program, but it's recommended. Individual admission or visa conditions can still apply.

Other information

These conditions are for a regular tourist visit. Where you live, your visa status and the route you take can change what applies to you.

  • CBP records the admitted stay on the I-94. Visa validity and permitted stay are different, and a visa or ESTA does not guarantee admission.
  • Passport-validity exceptions depend on nationality. Existing US documents, dual nationality and recent travel can change eligibility or trigger restrictions.
  • The guidance covers mainland/general US tourism. Guam/CNMI local waivers and American Samoa have separate rules. Check official fees and restrictions again before booking.
Official sources 23

Official services set these requirements.

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