Canada Visa RequirementsFor Greece passport holders
Greek citizens can travel to Canada for up to 6 months without a visa but need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation, CAD 7) before boarding a flight to Canada.
Greece passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to Canada.
Apply for the eTA online at canada.ca/eta before booking flights to Canada. The fee is CAD 7 (approximately 5 euros) and requires a valid Greek passport, an email address and a credit or debit card. Approval is typically received within minutes by email. The eTA is not required if entering Canada by land or sea, only by air. Present your Greek passport at Canadian immigration; the eTA is checked electronically.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Valid Greek passport
Must have adequate validity for the intended stay. The eTA is linked electronically to your passport; reapply if you renew your passport.
Valid Greek Passport
The eTA is electronically linked to your specific passport number. Travel to Canada with the same passport used in the eTA application. If you renew your passport, you must apply for a new eTA.
Canada eTA approval
Apply at canada.ca/eta before booking flights. The fee is CAD 7. Approval is emailed within minutes. The eTA is only required when travelling by air; not needed for land or sea entry.
Email Address
A valid email address is required to receive the eTA approval. The eTA is sent to this address and linked to your passport; you do not need to print it.
Credit or Debit Card
An international credit or debit card to pay the CAD 7 fee (approximately EUR 5). The application is made at canada.ca/eta.
Travel insurance (recommended) Recommended
Canada has no bilateral healthcare agreement with Greece. Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended.
Required at Entry
Return or onward ticket Recommended
Proof of departure from Canada within the permitted stay may be requested by border officers.
Proof of sufficient funds Recommended
Evidence of adequate finances for the duration of stay may be requested at the border.
Current Travel Situation
Greece to Canada: What You Need to Know
Canada operates the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) system for visa-exempt nationals, including Greek passport holders. The eTA costs CAD 7, is valid for five years or until passport expiry, and is linked electronically to the passport. It can be applied for online in minutes and approval is usually instant. No traditional visa application is needed for tourism or short business trips. Canada is a popular destination for Greek travellers and has a significant Greek-Canadian community, particularly in Toronto and Montreal.
Money & Banking
Canada uses the Canadian dollar (CAD). ATMs are widely available. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Travel insurance is strongly recommended as Canada has no bilateral healthcare agreement with Greece; medical costs can be very high without insurance.
Practical Tips
Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL) and Vancouver (YVR) are the main international entry points. Connections from Athens to Canada typically transit via London, Frankfurt or other European hubs, or via direct charter options seasonally. Toronto and Montreal have established Greek-Canadian communities. Niagara Falls, Banff National Park, Quebec City and Vancouver Island are popular destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Greek passport holders need a visa for Canada?
No traditional visa is required. Greek nationals can visit Canada for up to 6 months without a visa, but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA, CAD 7) before flying.
Do Greek citizens need a visa to visit Canada?
No visa is required, but Greek citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before flying to Canada. The eTA costs CAD 7 (approximately EUR 5), is applied for online, and is usually approved instantly.
What is the Canada eTA and how much does it cost?
The eTA is an electronic pre-travel authorisation costing CAD 7 (approximately 5 euros). It is linked to your Greek passport, valid for 5 years or until passport expiry, and allows multiple entries.
How do I apply for the Canadian eTA?
Apply at canada.ca/eta. You will need: a valid Greek passport, an email address, and a credit card for the CAD 7 fee. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport and valid for 5 years or until your passport expires. Processing is typically instant though can take up to 72 hours.
Is the Canada eTA required if I arrive by land or sea?
No. The eTA is only required when travelling to Canada by air. Greek nationals entering Canada by land or sea from the US do not need an eTA.
Is the eTA required if I enter Canada by land from the USA?
No. The eTA is only required for air travel. If you enter Canada by land or sea crossing (from the USA, for example), only your Greek passport is required. The eTA applies only to air passengers.
How do I apply for the Canada eTA?
Apply online at canada.ca/eta before booking your flight. You need a valid Greek passport, email address and a credit or debit card. Approval is typically instant by email.
How large is the Greek community in Canada?
Canada is home to approximately 250,000-300,000 people of Greek heritage. Toronto (Greektown on Danforth Avenue, the world's largest Greek community outside Greece) and Montreal have major Greek communities. Greek-Canadians have achieved prominence in politics, business, and the arts. The community maintains Greek language schools, Orthodox churches, and cultural organizations.
Is travel insurance necessary for Canada?
Yes, it is strongly recommended. Canada has no bilateral healthcare agreement with Greece, and medical costs are very high. A single hospital visit or emergency can cost thousands of dollars.
What are the best destinations in Canada for a first visit?
Toronto (multicultural, Niagara Falls proximity, world-class food scene), Montreal (French-Canadian culture, outstanding food, summer festivals), Vancouver (mountains and ocean, Stanley Park, Whistler ski resort proximity), the Canadian Rockies (Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, some of the world's most spectacular mountain scenery), and Quebec City (the only walled city north of Mexico, charming old town) are the top choices.
What are the top destinations in Canada for Greek travellers?
Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Niagara Falls, Banff National Park in the Rockies, Quebec City and Prince Edward Island are among the most popular Canadian destinations for Europeans.
How do I get from Greece to Canada?
No direct flights operate between Greece and Canada. Connections via European hubs (Air Canada via London, Lufthansa via Frankfurt, Air France via Paris) or US hubs serve Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), and Vancouver (YVR). Total journey from Athens is 11-16 hours depending on routing.
Is there a Greek community in Canada?
Yes. Canada, particularly Toronto and Montreal, has a significant Greek-Canadian community with roots going back several generations.
Is Canada expensive for Greek tourists?
Canada is expensive by European standards, roughly comparable to the UK or Scandinavia. Toronto and Vancouver are among Canada's priciest cities. Budget CAD 150-250 (EUR 100-170) per day for mid-range travel. The Canadian Rockies has a premium for popular accommodations in Banff and Jasper National Parks; book well in advance.
What is the best time to visit Canada?
Summer (June-August) is the main tourist season: national parks are fully open, weather is warm, and festivals are active. Fall (September-October) offers spectacular foliage colors especially in Ontario and Quebec. Winter is ideal for skiing in Whistler, Banff, and Quebec. The Canadian prairies and the Maritimes (Nova Scotia, PEI) are underexplored destinations with distinct regional characters.