Canada Visa RequirementsFor Ireland passport holders
Irish citizens need a Canadian eTA to fly to or transit through Canada. The eTA costs just $7 CAD (about EUR 5), is applied for online at canada.ca, and is usually approved within minutes. It does not apply to travelers crossing the US-Canada land border, where a different process applies.
Ireland passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to Canada.
Apply at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html. The $7 CAD fee is payable by credit card. Most approvals come within minutes by email, though some cases take a few days. The eTA is linked electronically to your passport: simply present your passport at the airline check-in counter. If you enter 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
Canada eTA Approval
Apply online at canada.ca before your flight. The $7 CAD fee is paid by credit card. Approval is linked electronically to your passport. No physical document is required: simply check in with the passport used in the application.
Credit or Debit Card for eTA Payment
Required to pay the $7 CAD fee at the Canada eTA online application portal.
Required at Entry
Valid Passport
Must be the same Irish passport linked to your eTA. The eTA is not transferable between passports.
Canadian eTA
Electronic Travel Authorisation linked to your passport. Checked electronically at check-in and border; no physical document needed.
Valid Irish Passport
The same passport used in the eTA application. Check that your passport number matches the eTA approval.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of onward or return travel from Canada.
Proof of Funds Recommended
Sufficient funds for your stay. Border officers may ask how you plan to finance your trip.
Return or Onward Ticket Recommended
Proof of departure from Canada. Canadian border services may ask for this.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Canadian border services may ask about financial means to support yourself during your stay.
Current Travel Situation
Ireland to Canada: What You Need to Know
Canada introduced the eTA for visa-exempt nationalities including Irish passport holders. The eTA is not a visa but an electronic authorization linked to your passport. It is required for all air arrivals and is valid for 5 years or until the passport it is linked to expires. It allows stays of up to 180 days per visit. Applying for an eTA is strongly recommended well before departure as very occasional processing delays can occur. The eTA is not required for entering Canada by land from the United States, where Irish citizens simply present their passport.
How to Get There
Canada borders the United States, and a combined Canada-US trip is very common. Vancouver connects to Seattle, Toronto to New York, and Montreal to Boston by bus or rail. The Niagara Falls are accessible from both Toronto and Buffalo, NY.
Money & Banking
Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Cards are widely accepted throughout the country. Contactless payments are very common. ATMs are available everywhere. The CAD is currently weaker than the EUR, offering good value for Irish visitors.
Practical Tips
Canada is vast: internal flights are essential between major cities. The Toronto-Montreal-Vancouver triangle covers most major tourist experiences. Via Rail offers a scenic but slow cross-country train service. Canada is very popular with Irish emigrants especially since the Irish work permit quota through the SWAP (Student Work Abroad Programme) was expanded. Air Canada, WestJet, and Aer Lingus operate direct transatlantic services from Dublin and Shannon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Irish citizens need a visa for Canada?
Irish citizens do not need a full visa but must obtain an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before flying to Canada. Cost is $7 CAD.
Do Irish citizens need a visa to visit Canada?
No visa is required, but Irish citizens must obtain a Canadian Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before boarding any flight to Canada. The eTA costs CAD 7.
How do I apply for a Canadian eTA?
Apply online at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta. Pay $7 CAD by credit card. Most approvals come within minutes.
How do I apply for the Canadian eTA as an Irish citizen?
Apply online at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta. Pay CAD 7 by credit card. Most applications are approved within minutes. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
Is an eTA required to enter Canada by land?
No. The eTA only applies to travel by air. Irish citizens entering Canada by land from the United States only need their passport.
How long can Irish citizens stay in Canada?
Up to 180 days (6 months) per visit.
Does the Irish eTA need to be renewed with every passport?
Yes. The eTA is linked to your specific passport. If you renew your passport, you must apply for a new eTA even if your old eTA is still within its 5-year validity.
Can Irish citizens work in Canada?
Not on the eTA. To work in Canada, Irish citizens aged 18 to 35 can apply for the International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday authorization, which is very popular.
What are the ties between Ireland and Canada?
Canada has an estimated 4 to 5 million citizens of Irish descent. Irish emigrants have been central to Canadian history since the 18th century. Newfoundland has particularly deep Irish roots.
Do I need a Canadian eTA if I drive into Canada from the US?
No. The eTA is only required for air travel. Driving or bussing into Canada from the US does not require an eTA, though a valid passport is still required.
Are there direct flights from Ireland to Canada?
Yes. Air Canada and Aer Lingus operate direct flights from Dublin to Toronto Pearson. Aer Lingus also serves Toronto from Shannon.
What currency does Canada use?
Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Cards are widely accepted. Tipping 15 to 20 percent is expected at restaurants.