The real facts about countries requiring visas to enter Canada

In the last days of June 2025, completely false information was circulated about countries that supposedly do not need a visa to enter Canada. However, the Canadian government confirms that most Latin American countries, including Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador, do require a tourist visa to enter Canada. This Immiland blog debunks publications on the web that have generated confusion among foreigners interested in entering Canada, as well as offers a detailed explanation of what is required depending on nationality.

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The reality is that the only three Latin American countries that can travel to Canada with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) without conditions are Barbados, Bahamas and Chile, but other countries have requirements to meet.

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To make it easier to understand the topic, I will explain it in terms of total or partial percentages, as follows: which countries can enter 100% with the eTA, i.e. without conditions; which countries can apply 50% to the eTA, i.e. with conditions; and which countries require 100% visitor visa. Read with me to the end and identify if your country falls into one of these groups. Let's get started!

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Countries that can apply 100% for an eTA (no conditions)

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Only three Latin American countries can travel without visas or conditions: Barbados, Bahamas and Chile.

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If you have a passport from one of these countries, then you can apply for an eTA and enter Canada as a tourist without any further formalities.

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Countries that can apply 50% to an eTA (if they meet two requirements)

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Citizens of the following countries: Argentina, Antigua, Mexico, Brazil, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica, Panama and Uruguay may apply for an eTA but only if they meet two conditions:

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1. They have a valid U.S. tourist, study or work visa.
2. Held a Canadian visa within the last 10 years, a study or work permit or a Canadian tourist visa. 

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If you meet one of these two conditions, then you can travel to Canada with an eTA without needing a tourist visa. Otherwise, you must apply for a tourist visa.

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Countries requiring 100% tourist visa (visitor's visa)

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The rest of the countries do require a tourist visa. It is totally false that countries such as Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela and Colombia do not require a visa, since the rest of the Latin American countries, which are not in the above lists (100% or 50%), do require a tourist visa to travel to Canada. 

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Tourist visa requirements

• Submit an online application, pay $100 to apply and $80 for biometrics to show evidence that you have sufficient funds to stay in Canada as a tourist.
• Demonstrate that you have roots in your country of origin, for example, that you own real estate, are studying or working.
• If the applicant is traveling to Canada as a tourist, then the applicant submits a travel plan.
• If you are traveling to Canada to see family, family, friends send the letter of invitation to Canada. In that case, send your passport to have your Canadian entry visa stamped.

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I reiterate that countries that do not appear in the first two categories do need to apply for a regular visa.

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How to obtain an eTA and a tourist visa?

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The eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) and the tourist visa are two different documents that, as mentioned above, depend on the nationality of the applicant:

• Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

The eTA is an electronic document linked to your passport and is applied for online through the official Canadian government website. The process is relatively simple and quick, once approved, you can travel to Canada for tourism, business or transit purposes.

• Tourist Visa

The tourist visa (visitor visa) involves a more detailed process and requires the submission of an online or paper application, providing documents that demonstrate the purpose of your trip, your ties to your home country, financial solvency and intention to leave Canada at the end of your stay.

Both processes must be done through official Canadian government channels or with the assistance of a regulated immigration consultant.

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Where to find reliable information about emigrating to Canada?

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When looking for information about visas, study permits, work permits or any other immigration pathway, it is always important to turn to official Canadian government sources. Websites such as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) are the main starting point.

If you require personalized assistance, turn only to reputable immigration firms and regulated and accredited consultants in Canada. At Immiland, we have a team of regulated consultants ready to help you process your application to enter Canada legally, safely and reliably. 

The web is full of information of all kinds, from real and responsible to false and erroneous, so our mission is to guide the foreign population through updated information, both in this blog and in all our social networks.

If you need to request an immigration consultation with one of our experts, you can get a quote here. You can also schedule a consultation directly with the consultant of your choice.

I hope I have cleared up these doubts about the conditions of entry to Canada from your country of origin, thank you very much for reading us! See you in the next blog!

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With love, 

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Immiland Canada