Canada Visa RequirementsFor Hong Kong passport holders
HKSAR passport holders require a Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to board flights to Canada, costing CAD 7 (approximately USD 5). The eTA is linked to your passport electronically and is valid for up to 5 years or until the passport expires.
Hong Kong passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to Canada.
Apply at eta.gc.ca before booking your flight. Fee: CAD 7, payable by credit card. Have your HKSAR passport number, email address, and credit card ready. Approval typically arrives by email within minutes. The eTA number is linked to your passport; no printout is required. Present your passport at the check-in counter; the airline verifies your eTA automatically.
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
HKSAR Passport
Valid HKSAR passport. The eTA is linked to the passport number used in the application.
Valid Email Address
Required to receive eTA approval by email.
Credit or Debit Card
To pay the CAD 7 eTA fee.
Required at Entry
HKSAR Passport
Present the same passport linked to your eTA at check-in and at Canadian immigration.
Onward or Return Travel Ticket
Evidence of departure from Canada.
Proof of Sufficient Funds
Evidence of financial means. Canadian border officers commonly check this.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel booking or invitation letter from a Canadian host.
Current Travel Situation
Hong Kong to Canada: What You Need to Know
Canada requires an eTA for HKSAR passport holders arriving by air. The eTA is not required if arriving by land or sea (no pre-authorization needed at land border crossings). The eTA is one of the cheapest travel authorizations in the world at CAD 7 and is typically approved within minutes. It covers multiple entries over its 5-year validity, with each stay permitted up to 6 months. Canada is a major destination for HKSAR travelers: Vancouver has a large Hong Kong diaspora community established since the 1990s migration wave, and the city maintains strong cultural ties with Hong Kong.
How to Get There
The USA borders Canada to the south; HKSAR holders should check US entry requirements separately (ESTA required). Alaska is accessible from British Columbia by ferry or via the ALCAN Highway. Iceland and Europe are well connected from Toronto and Montreal.
Money & Banking
Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Canada is moderately expensive. Toronto and Vancouver are among North America's pricier cities. Budget CAD 150-250 per day for mid-range travel. Vancouver's Richmond suburb has exceptional Hong Kong-style dim sum and BBQ at very competitive prices.
Practical Tips
Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), and Montreal (YUL) handle most international arrivals from Hong Kong. Cathay Pacific and Air Canada connect Hong Kong (HKG) to Vancouver and Toronto non-stop. The VIA Rail Canadian train from Toronto to Vancouver takes 4 days and is a bucket-list journey. Rocky Mountaineer operates premium scenic rail trips in BC and Alberta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do HKSAR passport holders need a visa for Canada?
HKSAR passport holders require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for travel to Canada by air. The eTA costs CAD 7 and is valid for up to 5 years. No eTA is required for travel by land or sea.
How do I apply for a Canadian eTA?
Apply at eta.gc.ca. You need your HKSAR passport number, an email address, and a credit/debit card. The fee is CAD 7. Most applications are approved within minutes by email. The eTA is linked to your passport; no printout is required.
How long can I stay in Canada on an eTA?
Up to 6 months per visit. The eTA itself is valid for multiple entries over 5 years (or until your passport expires). The border officer determines the exact length of authorized stay at entry.
Are there direct flights from Hong Kong to Canada?
Yes. Air Canada and Cathay Pacific operate direct flights from Hong Kong (HKG) to Vancouver (YVR) and Toronto (YYZ). Vancouver is approximately 11 hours; Toronto is approximately 15 hours.
Why is Vancouver a particularly relevant destination for Hong Kong travelers?
Vancouver has one of the largest Hong Kong diaspora communities in the world, established primarily during the 1990s migration wave before the 1997 handover. Richmond, a suburb of Vancouver, has exceptional Hong Kong-style Cantonese cuisine comparable to Hong Kong itself.
What currency does Canada use?
Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Canada is moderately expensive, with Toronto and Vancouver among the pricier cities. Tipping 15-20% is expected at restaurants.
What are the top experiences in Canada?
Niagara Falls, Banff and Jasper National Parks in the Rocky Mountains, Vancouver and Whistler, Quebec City's Old Town, Montreal's French culture and food scene, Toronto's multicultural neighborhoods, the Northern Lights in Yukon and the Northwest Territories, and the VIA Rail Canadian train journey.
Is the eTA required if I am transiting through Canada?
Yes. An eTA is required for international transits through a Canadian airport (airside transit), except for holders of certain other travel documents. Apply for an eTA even if you are only transiting.