Canada Visa RequirementsFor Iceland passport holders
Icelandic passport holders do not need a visa to visit Canada but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before flying. The eTA costs CAD $7 (approximately USD $5), is valid for 5 years or until the passport expires (whichever comes first), and allows multiple entries. Stays of up to 6 months at a time are typically granted by the border officer on arrival.
Iceland passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to Canada.
Apply for the eTA online at the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website (canada.ca/eta) before booking your flight. You will need your valid Icelandic passport, a credit card for the CAD $7 fee, and an email address. Most eTAs are approved within minutes, though some can take days. The eTA is linked electronically to your passport. If transiting through the US on the way to Canada, you may also need a US ESTA; check US transit requirements separately. Note: if entering Canada by land from the US, no eTA is needed.
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 Icelandic Passport
Passport details are submitted during the eTA application. The eTA is linked electronically to your passport. Use the same passport when traveling.
Email Address
An active email address is required to receive the eTA approval confirmation.
Credit or Debit Card
Required to pay the CAD $7 eTA fee online.
Required at Entry
Valid Passport
Must be the same Icelandic passport linked to your eTA. The eTA is not transferable between passports.
Canadian eTA
Electronic Travel Authorisation linked to your passport. No physical document needed; it is checked electronically.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of onward or return travel from Canada.
eTA Approval (electronic)
The eTA is linked electronically to your passport. No printout is mandatory, but saving the confirmation email on your device is recommended.
Valid Icelandic Passport (entry)
Present the same passport used in the eTA application at Canadian border control.
Proof of Funds Recommended
Sufficient funds for your stay. Border officers may ask how you plan to finance your trip.
Return or Onward Travel Plans Recommended
Canadian border officers may ask about your plans to return to Iceland or depart Canada.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel bookings or details of where you will stay in Canada.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Bank card or bank statement showing funds to support your stay in Canada.
Current Travel Situation
Iceland to Canada: What You Need to Know
Canada is a popular destination for Icelanders for several reasons: natural landscapes like the Rocky Mountains, Niagara Falls, and the Northern Lights in Yukon and the Northwest Territories (a shared affinity with Iceland's own Northern Lights culture), plus major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. There are no direct Reykjavik-Canada flights; Icelanders connect via US airports (with US transit rules applying) or via European hubs on trans-Atlantic routes.
Practical Tips
Canada uses the Canadian dollar (CAD). The country is generally expensive, particularly in Vancouver and Toronto. Tipping is expected (15-20% in restaurants). Canada has two official languages: English and French, with Quebec being predominantly French-speaking. Healthcare is publicly funded for Canadians but not for tourists; travel insurance is essential. Driving in Canada requires awareness of provincial differences and vast distances. A GST/HST tax is added to most purchases and is refundable for certain tourist purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Icelandic citizens need a visa to visit Canada?
No visa is required, but Icelandic citizens must obtain a Canadian eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before flying to Canada. The eTA costs CAD $7 and is applied for online.
What is the Canadian eTA and how do Icelanders apply?
The eTA is an electronic authorization linked to your passport. Apply at canada.ca/eta before booking your flight. You need your Icelandic passport, email address, and a credit card for the CAD $7 fee. Most eTAs are approved within minutes, though processing can occasionally take days. The eTA is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires.
Is an eTA needed if entering Canada by land from the US?
No. The eTA is only required for air travel to Canada. If entering Canada by land (for example, crossing from the US at Niagara Falls or driving from Alaska), no eTA is needed. A valid Icelandic passport is sufficient for land border crossings.
Does Iceland share Northern Lights tourism connections with Canada?
Yes. Canada, particularly Yukon Territory and the Northwest Territories (Yellowknife), is famous for Northern Lights viewing, as is Iceland. Icelanders visiting Canada sometimes travel specifically to compare the aurora experience in different polar environments. The Icelandic community in Canada is significant historically, particularly in Manitoba (New Iceland).
What are the top Canadian destinations for Icelandic visitors?
Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies (Banff, Jasper), Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, the Maritimes (Nova Scotia, PEI), Yukon and Northwest Territories for Northern Lights and wilderness, and Niagara Falls are the main draws. Canada is vast; domestic flights are often necessary.
Is tipping expected in Canada?
Yes. Tipping is a strong cultural expectation in Canada. Restaurant servers receive 15-20% tips. Taxi and rideshare drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips. This is culturally different from Iceland, where tipping is not customary.
What is the New Iceland community in Manitoba?
In the late 19th century, thousands of Icelanders emigrated to Canada, settling around Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba. They established communities known collectively as "New Iceland." The town of Gimli, Manitoba, is the center of this heritage and hosts an annual Icelandic Festival. This historical connection gives Icelandic travelers a unique cultural interest when visiting Manitoba.
Do I need travel insurance for Canada?
Yes. Canada does not have public healthcare for tourists. Medical costs in Canada can be extremely high without insurance. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical coverage is essential for Icelandic visitors to Canada.