Canada Visa RequirementsFor Ukraine passport holders
Ukrainian citizens can enter Canada by air with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) costing CAD 7. The eTA is linked to your passport and valid for multiple entries for up to 5 years or until your passport expires. Each stay can be up to 6 months.
Ukraine passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to Canada.
Apply online at the IRCC eTA portal (canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html) before booking your flight. Required: Ukrainian biometric passport, email address, credit card (CAD 7). Processing is usually within minutes, though some applications may take a few days. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport; no printout is required but carry your application confirmation. Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.
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
Biometrics
Required at first application
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Ukrainian Biometric Passport
Valid Ukrainian biometric passport. The eTA is linked electronically to your passport number; you must travel with the exact same passport used in the application.
Email Address
Active email address for eTA confirmation. Most approvals arrive within minutes.
Credit Card
For payment of the CAD 7 eTA fee at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html.
Required at Entry
eTA Confirmation Number
Keep your eTA confirmation number; it is electronically linked to your passport and visible to Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at arrival.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel booking, host address, or address of family/friends in Canada.
Return or Onward Ticket
Confirmed departure booking from Canada within 6 months.
Proof of Sufficient Funds
Bank card or statement showing sufficient funds for your stay in Canada. CAD 2,500-5,000 per month is a common reference.
Current Travel Situation
Ukraine to Canada: What You Need to Know
Canada was among the first countries to offer special immigration pathways to Ukrainians following the 2022 Russian invasion, launching the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program in March 2022. For standard tourists and visitors, the eTA system applies, allowing Ukrainian passport holders to visit Canada by air for up to 180 days at minimal cost. Canada has a large Ukrainian diaspora, particularly in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, with Ukrainian immigration dating back to the late 19th century. The eTA process is fast and straightforward.
How to Get There
Canada's internal air network is served by Air Canada and WestJet. Via Rail connects major eastern cities (Toronto-Montreal-Quebec City). The Rocky Mountaineer is a celebrated scenic rail route through British Columbia and Alberta. For those visiting the Ukrainian diaspora communities in Manitoba or Alberta, domestic flights or the Trans-Canada Highway are the main options.
Money & Banking
Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Cards are universally accepted; Canada is largely cashless. ATMs are available everywhere. Currency exchange is available at airports and banks. The Canadian banking system is strong; Wise transfers work well between Ukraine and Canada.
Practical Tips
Direct flights from Ukraine to Canada are not operating. Ukrainians typically fly from Warsaw (WAW) via connecting hubs to Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Montreal Trudeau (YUL), or Vancouver (YVR). Air Canada, LOT Polish Airlines, KLM, and Lufthansa all operate Canada routes from European hubs. Flight time from Warsaw is approximately 10-11 hours to Toronto.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Ukrainian citizens enter Canada?
Ukrainian passport holders can enter Canada by air with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which costs CAD 7 and is applied for online at canada.ca. The eTA is linked to your passport electronically and allows multiple entries for up to 6 months per visit over a 5-year validity period (or until passport expiry).
What is the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET)?
The CUAET was a special temporary pathway launched by Canada in March 2022 to provide rapid authorization for Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion. It allowed Ukrainians to work and study in Canada for up to 3 years. While CUAET applications are no longer being accepted (the intake period ended), those already holding CUAET status may have different travel rules. Standard tourist eTA applies for regular tourist visits.
How do Ukrainians apply for the Canadian eTA?
Apply at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html. You need a valid Ukrainian passport, email address, and credit card (CAD 7). Most applications are approved within minutes; some may take a few days. The eTA is linked to your passport number; ensure you travel with the same passport used in the application.
Where can Ukrainians enter Canada with an eTA?
The eTA is valid for air travel to Canadian airports. It is NOT required for entry by land (from the US) or by sea. Main airports include Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Montreal Trudeau (YUL), Vancouver (YVR), Calgary (YYC), and Ottawa (YOW). Ukrainians entering by land from the US use a different entry mechanism.
How do Ukrainians travel to Canada?
From Warsaw (WAW), Canada is reached via direct LOT Polish Airlines flights to Toronto (YYZ) or via Frankfurt (FRA), Amsterdam (AMS), or London (LHR) on Air Canada, Lufthansa, or KLM. Flight time from Warsaw to Toronto is approximately 10-11 hours.
Is there a large Ukrainian community in Canada?
Yes. Canada has one of the world's largest Ukrainian diasporas, with an estimated 1.4 million Canadians of Ukrainian descent. Communities are concentrated in Manitoba (Winnipeg), Alberta (Edmonton, Calgary), and Ontario (Toronto). Ukrainian cultural institutions, churches, and festivals are well-established across these provinces.
What currency does Canada use?
Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Cards are universally accepted across Canada. ATMs are widely available. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and currency exchange offices in major cities.
Can Ukrainians stay in Canada longer than 6 months?
Not under the standard eTA. To stay longer, you would need to apply for an extension through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before your initial authorized period ends. Alternatively, specific immigration pathways are available for those wishing to work, study, or apply for permanent residence in Canada.