Canada Visa RequirementsFor Slovakia passport holders
Slovak citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to Canada. The eTA costs CAD 7 (approximately EUR 5) and is valid for 5 years or until passport expiry.
Slovakia passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to Canada.
Slovak citizens do not need a full visa for Canada but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before flying. Apply online at the official IRCC website; the fee is CAD 7 and approval is usually instant but can take up to 72 hours. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires. Print confirmation or note the eTA number. No eTA is required if entering by land from the USA. You may stay up to 6 months per visit.
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 (Electronic Travel Authorization)
Apply at ircc.canada.ca/eta before travel. Fee CAD 7. Usually approved instantly; allow up to 72 hours. Linked to your passport electronically.
Required at Entry
Valid Passport
A valid Slovak passport. The eTA is linked to the specific passport used during application.
Return or Onward Ticket
Evidence of onward or return travel.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
May be requested at the border. Bank statements or a credit card with sufficient limit are acceptable.
Current Travel Situation
Slovakia to Canada: What You Need to Know
Canada is a vast and welcoming destination for Slovak travellers, offering world-class cities (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Quebec City), extraordinary national parks (Banff, Jasper, Algonquin, Pacific Rim), and the iconic Niagara Falls. The Slovak community in Canada dates to the early 20th century; significant Slovak-Canadian communities exist in Toronto, Hamilton, and the prairie provinces. Canada's bilingual (English-French) character, multicultural cities, and wilderness experiences make it one of the most diverse and rewarding destinations in the Americas.
How to Get There
Toronto: CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, Kensington Market, Niagara Falls (1.5 hours by bus or car). Montreal: Old Montreal (Vieux-Montreal), Notre-Dame Basilica, the underground city (RESO), the Montreal Jazz Festival (late June-early July). Quebec City: the only walled North American city north of Mexico; the historic Plains of Abraham, Chateau Frontenac, Carnaval de Quebec (February). Banff and Jasper: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, the Icefields Parkway (one of the world's most scenic drives). Vancouver: Stanley Park, Granville Island, Whistler (2 hours north).
Money & Banking
Canada uses the Canadian dollar (CAD). As of 2025, EUR 1 is approximately CAD 1.50. Canada is moderately expensive; Toronto and Vancouver rank among North America's priciest cities. A mid-range restaurant dinner costs CAD 30-50 (EUR 20-33). Accommodation in national park gateway towns (Banff, Jasper) is very expensive in summer. Card and contactless payments are universal. Tipping 15-20% is culturally expected at sit-down restaurants.
Practical Tips
Toronto Pearson (YYZ) and Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau (YUL) are the main transatlantic gateways, served from Vienna, London, and Amsterdam by Air Canada, Lufthansa, and KLM. Vancouver (YVR) is the west coast hub. Air Canada and WestJet cover the domestic network. The Rocky Mountaineer scenic train runs between Vancouver and Banff/Jasper in 2 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Slovak citizens need a visa for Canada?
No full visa is required. Slovak citizens can visit Canada without a visa but must have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to board a flight. Apply at ircc.canada.ca/eta. The fee is CAD 7 (approximately EUR 5) and approval is usually instant.
Do Slovak citizens need a visa for Canada?
No traditional visa is needed, but Slovak citizens are required to obtain an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before flying to Canada. It costs CAD 7 and is valid for 5 years.
What is the difference between Canada's eTA and a visa?
An eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a pre-travel electronic permission linked to your passport, not a stamp or sticker. It is far simpler than a traditional visa: no appointment, no document submission, no processing wait beyond a few minutes. It allows visits for up to 6 months and is valid for 5 years or until passport expiry.
How do I apply for the Canadian eTA as a Slovak citizen?
Apply online at Canada.ca/eta. You need a valid Slovak passport, credit card for the CAD 7 fee, and an email address. The eTA is usually approved within minutes but can take a few days. Save the confirmation email.
What currency does Canada use?
Canada uses the Canadian dollar (CAD). As of 2025, EUR 1 is approximately CAD 1.50. Canada is moderately expensive; Vancouver and Toronto are particularly costly for accommodation.
How long can Slovak citizens stay in Canada on the eTA?
Up to 6 months per visit. The eTA itself is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, allowing multiple visits.
Is tipping mandatory in Canada?
Tipping is culturally expected in Canadian restaurants (15-20% of the pre-tax bill), bars (CAD 1-2 per drink), taxis and Uber (10-15%), and hotels (CAD 2-5 per night for housekeeping). Card payment machines in Canada typically prompt for a tip amount before finalising the transaction; it is acceptable to enter 0% if service was poor, but 15-18% is the social norm.
Is the Canadian eTA required for land border crossings?
The eTA is required for air travel to Canada. Different requirements may apply for land and sea border crossings. Check the Canadian government website for the latest information on land entry requirements for Slovak citizens.
How do I get to Banff and the Canadian Rockies?
Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the gateway to Banff National Park (1.5 hours by road from Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway). Banff is also accessible from Vancouver by car along the Trans-Canada Highway (9-10 hours) or by VIA Rail to Jasper (20+ hours). The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93, 230 km between Banff and Jasper) is one of the world's most scenic drives: Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Falls, and Peyto Lake are highlights.
What are the top attractions in Canada for Slovak tourists?
Toronto (CN Tower, Niagara Falls nearby), Vancouver (mountains, ocean), Montreal (French culture), Quebec City (European feel), Banff and Jasper National Parks, and the Canadian Rockies.
What wildlife can I see in Canada?
Canada offers extraordinary wildlife viewing. Banff and Jasper: elk, black bear, grizzly bear, bighorn sheep, and occasionally wolves (best at dawn and dusk from the Icefields Parkway). Churchill (Manitoba): polar bears (October-November) and beluga whales (summer). The Pacific Coast (Vancouver Island): orca whale watching tours from Victoria (May-October) and humpback whales. Algonquin Provincial Park (Ontario): moose, beaver, loon.
Is Canada expensive for Slovak tourists?
Canada is moderately expensive, comparable to Western Europe. Vancouver and Toronto are the most expensive cities. The vast wilderness areas and national parks offer more affordable experiences.
What is the best way to experience Quebec's French culture?
Quebec City and Montreal are the centres of French-Canadian culture. Quebec City's Vieux-Quebec (UNESCO) is the only walled city north of Mexico, with a distinctly European feel. Montreal offers a fusion of French and North American culture: the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood, the Jean-Talon Market, the Montreal International Jazz Festival (late June to early July), and the city's extraordinary bagel and smoked meat deli tradition.
Do Slovak citizens need a US visa to transit through the US when traveling to Canada?
If your itinerary involves a layover in the US, you need either a US visa or ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Many flights to Canada from Europe route through US airports.