Passport validity rules for Canada
Canada doesn't enforce a 6-month rule — your passport just needs to cover your stay. Don't forget the eTA before you fly.
Duration of stay only. Must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Can I travel to Canada?
Must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Canada: no six-month rule, but the eTA trips people up
Canada is refreshingly simple on passport validity — it just needs to cover the length of your stay. Immigration officers at Toronto Pearson, Vancouver and Calgary don't add a buffer, and the airline check at the departure airport uses the same rule via Timatic. What derails visitors instead is the Electronic Travel Authorisation.
The eTA is tied to a specific passport number. If you renew your passport between applying for the eTA and travelling, the eTA becomes invalid and you'll be refused boarding. There is no way to transfer it — you reapply, pay again, and wait for the new approval to come through. Same rule for land arrivals from the US and cruise stops in Halifax or Victoria.
Dual citizens (including Canadian-British and Canadian-American) must enter Canada on their Canadian passport — the eTA system will not issue one to a Canadian citizen. If your Canadian passport is expired, apply for a limited-validity travel document from the nearest Canadian consulate before booking.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need 6 months on my passport for Canada?
- No. Canada only requires your passport to be valid for the length of your stay. There is no 6-month rule for visiting Canada.
- Do I need an eTA for Canada?
- Most visa-exempt travellers (including UK, EU, Australian and NZ citizens) need an Electronic Travel Authorisation before flying. It costs CAD 7 and is valid for up to 5 years.
- Does the 6-month rule apply when I leave Canada?
- No — but if you're flying onward to a country with a 6-month rule (like the US), that destination's rule applies.
- Can I drive into Canada from the US with an expiring passport?
- Yes, provided the passport is valid for your stay. Land border crossings follow the same passport-validity rules as airports.
Related reading
All guides →Why countries enforce it and how to tell if you meet it.
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