The Complete Country-By-Country Guide For Canadian Travelers (2026)
International travel in 2026 is a little more “digital paperwork” than it used to be. More countries are adding pre-travel authorizations, airlines are getting stricter about document checks, and border officers are paying closer attention to proof of onward travel, accommodation details, and how long you plan to stay. The good news is that once you understand the patterns, planning becomes repeatable.
This guide is built for Canadian passport holders traveling for tourism (and short business trips that look like tourism at the border: meetings, conferences, client visits). It’s not legal advice, and it doesn’t replace official government guidance. Before you lock in flights, always check Canada’s official destination page for your country and any transit points, because safety conditions and entry rules can change quickly.
How to use this guide (the fast way)
Step 1: Identify your “border stack.”
That means your destination country, plus any transit countries, plus any side trips. Transit rules can be different from entry rules, and you can still be denied boarding if you don’t meet a transit requirement.
Step 2: Check the three “always” items.
Passport validity and condition (many countries care about months remaining and blank pages).
Proof of onward travel (some countries enforce it routinely).
Travel insurance and medication documentation (especially if you’re carrying prescriptions or controlled substances).
Step 3: Look for “digital gates” (authorizations you do before you fly).
The UK is using an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for many visa-exempt visitors, including Canadians.
The EU’s ETIAS is planned to start operations in the last quarter of 2026 (meaning it may affect late-2026 trips, depending on timing and rollout details).
Step 4: Know the two most common stay-limit traps.
Schengen’s short-stay rule is “up to 90 days within any 180-day period,” counted across the whole Schengen zone, not per country.
The UK, US, and many other countries typically admit tourists for a set period, but extensions and back-to-back entries can trigger scrutiny.
The 2026 “digital paperwork” comparison table
| System | Where it applies | What it is | When you do it | Who it commonly affects |
| UK ETA | United Kingdom | Pre-travel authorization (not a visa) | Before travel | Many visa-exempt nationals, including Canadians |
| EU ETIAS | EU/Schengen-related travel (planned) | Pre-travel authorization (planned) | Before travel | Visa-exempt travelers once operational; planned for last quarter of 2026 |
| Schengen 90/180 | Schengen Area | Stay-limit rule | You track it across trips | Anyone doing multi-country Europe trips |
| Canada Travel Advice | Worldwide | Official destination advisories & practical entry notes | Before booking and before departure | Canadians heading abroad |
If you remember nothing else: in 2026, assume you may need to complete an online authorization even for “visa-free” destinations, and confirm that requirement right before departure.
North America (key notes for Canadians)
United States
Canadians can usually stay in the U.S. for up to 6 months without a visa in typical visitor circumstances, but you must clearly state your intended duration and purpose at entry, and exceptions exist.
Practical 2026 tip: If you’re staying longer, working remotely, or doing repeated long stays (for example, snowbird-style travel), be prepared for additional questions and documentation about ties to Canada, insurance, and how you’re supporting yourself.
Mexico
Canadian nationals generally do not require a visa for tourist visits, and entry often involves completing a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) provided by the airline or at the port of entry.
Practical 2026 tip: Mexico’s safety situation varies significantly by region; check Canada’s destination advisory closely before choosing where you’ll be based.
Canada (returning home)
Coming back, the main issue is usually airline document checks (especially if you hold multiple passports, are traveling with kids, or have name mismatches). Keep a digital and printed copy of proof of citizenship and any relevant documents.
Europe: the big rule you must know in 2026
If you’re doing multi-country Europe, Schengen is the center of gravity. Short stays in the Schengen area are governed by a common rule: up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This is counted across the zone as a whole, not per country.
The other major 2026 development is ETIAS: the EU states it will start operations in the last quarter of 2026, and travelers are told no action is required until the system is actually operational.
UK & Ireland: what’s new to watch
The UK’s official guidance says most visitors need an ETA or a visa, and that Canadians usually need an ETA rather than a visa (depending on purpose and status).
Airlines can deny boarding if you don’t have the right pre-travel authorization, so treat ETA completion like your “ticket to the check-in desk,” not just border paperwork.
Oceania (Australia & New Zealand)
Australia commonly uses an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) pathway for eligible passports, and official Australian guidance directs travelers to apply through the appropriate channels (including the ETA app for eligible travelers).
New Zealand requires many visa-waiver travelers (including Canadians) to obtain an NZeTA before arrival, and Canada’s destination page also highlights that Canadians entering without a visa need it even if transiting.
Country-by-country snapshots (A–Z)
These snapshots are intentionally brief so you can scan. Use them as a checklist prompt, then confirm details on the official destination page for your specific trip, routing, and trip purpose. Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories are the best starting point for Canadians.
A
Afghanistan: Travel can be extremely high-risk; check advisories and consular realities before considering travel.
Albania: Often straightforward for tourists; confirm stay limits and entry conditions before departure.
Algeria: Entry rules can be paperwork-heavy; confirm visa requirements and regional safety guidance.
Andorra: Typically entered via Schengen neighbors; Schengen counting rules can matter.
Angola: Confirm whether an e-visa or pre-approval is required and what documents airlines check.
Antigua and Barbuda: Usually tourism-friendly; confirm passport validity and proof of onward travel expectations.
Argentina: Generally straightforward for tourism; confirm health recommendations and regional conditions.
Armenia: Check current entry rules and payment/ATM realities outside Yerevan.
Australia: Confirm whether you need an ETA or another visitor pathway, and apply through official channels.
Austria: Schengen rules apply; track your 90/180 days if you’re moving around Europe.
Azerbaijan: Often requires an e-visa; confirm timing, photo requirements, and entry points.
B
Bahamas: Popular from Canada; confirm return/onward ticket expectations and cruising documentation.
Bahrain: Often e-visa-based; confirm visa type if you’re attending events or conferences.
Bangladesh: Visa requirements vary; check documentation carefully and plan airport arrival steps.
Barbados: Usually simple for Canadians; confirm length of stay rules and any departure tax details.
Belarus: Political and security conditions can change; verify entry feasibility and advisories.
Belgium: Schengen rules apply; keep a clean day-count if doing multi-country travel.
Belize: Generally easy for tourism; confirm onward ticket expectations and cash/card realities.
Benin: Often requires pre-arranged visa/e-visa; confirm yellow fever recommendations and proof.
Bhutan: Typically involves arranging travel through approved operators; check tour package rules.
Bolivia: Check whether you need a visa/e-visa and what proof of funds is expected.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Generally accessible; confirm entry paperwork and any regional advisories.
Botswana: Often straightforward; plan for distances, medical prep, and insurance coverage.
Brazil: Confirm entry rules, and plan extra time for domestic flights and document checks.
Brunei: Generally controlled entry; confirm requirements if transiting via regional hubs.
Bulgaria: EU member; entry rules can differ from Schengen mechanics depending on current arrangements—confirm for 2026 routing.
Burkina Faso: Security can be volatile; check advisories and entry feasibility.
Burundi: Confirm visa process and health requirements.
C
Cabo Verde: Confirm whether you must register online before arrival and tourism tax processes.
Cambodia: Commonly e-visa/visa-on-arrival; confirm your entry port supports your chosen method.
Cameroon: Confirm visa requirements and health documentation.
Central African Republic: High-risk; check advisories carefully.
Chad: Visa typically required; confirm processing time and letter requirements.
Chile: Usually straightforward; confirm any reciprocity fees if applicable and regional safety tips.
China: Visa requirements are often strict; confirm visa type and transit rules well in advance.
Colombia: Tourism-friendly in many areas; check regional security guidance and entry conditions.
Comoros: Often visa on arrival; confirm port of entry and payment method.
Congo (Republic of the): Confirm visa requirements and entry documentation.
Congo (Democratic Republic of the): High-risk in many regions; check advisories and logistics carefully.
Costa Rica: Popular with Canadians; confirm passport validity expectations and local safety notes on Canada’s destination page.
Côte d’Ivoire: Often e-visa based; confirm airport procedures and health requirements.
Croatia: EU member and widely visited; confirm how your itinerary interacts with Schengen day counting.
Cuba: Special entry documentation is common (tourist card/visa, health insurance expectations); confirm current requirements.
Cyprus: Not Schengen; can be useful to “break up” Schengen day counting, but always confirm rules for your passport and routing.
Czechia: Schengen rules apply.
D
Denmark: Schengen rules apply.
Djibouti: Often e-visa; confirm entry documentation and heat/health planning.
Dominica: Generally tourism-friendly; confirm onward ticket and accommodations documentation.
Dominican Republic: Confirm entry/exit fees and any e-ticket processes used by airlines.
E
Ecuador: Confirm entry rules and whether proof of onward travel is enforced on your route.
Egypt: Visa-on-arrival or e-visa is common depending on traveler profile; confirm current process and Sinai rules.
El Salvador: Confirm entry rules and regional safety notes.
Equatorial Guinea: Typically visa required; confirm application steps.
Eritrea: Entry can be restrictive; confirm visa and travel permit rules.
Estonia: Schengen rules apply.
Eswatini: Usually straightforward; confirm border crossing realities if arriving by land.
Ethiopia: Often e-visa; confirm entry airport eligibility and health prep.
F
Fiji: Generally simple; confirm proof of onward travel and any biosecurity rules.
Finland: Schengen rules apply.
France: Schengen rules apply; keep your day-count straight if you’re hopping countries.
G
Gabon: Often e-visa; confirm approval timing and print requirements.
Gambia: Generally tourism-friendly; confirm entry paperwork and health guidance.
Georgia: Often easy; confirm maximum stay and entry conditions.
Germany: Schengen rules apply.
Ghana: Visa usually required; confirm application steps and yellow fever documentation.
Greece: Schengen rules apply.
Grenada: Usually simple; confirm onward travel expectations.
Guatemala: Confirm entry requirements and regional safety guidance.
Guinea: Visa usually required; confirm health documentation.
Guinea-Bissau: Entry paperwork can be inconsistent; confirm visa process in advance.
Guyana: Confirm entry requirements and internal travel realities.
H
Haiti: Conditions can change rapidly; check advisories carefully.
Honduras: Confirm entry rules and regional safety guidance.
Hungary: Schengen rules apply.
I
Iceland: Schengen rules apply.
India: E-visa is common for tourism; confirm category, photo specs, and arrival airport eligibility.
Indonesia: Entry rules shift frequently; confirm visa type for your trip length and island-hopping plan.
Iran: Visa and travel conditions can be complex; confirm feasibility and advisories.
Iraq: High-risk in many areas; confirm advisories and entry feasibility.
Ireland: Not in Schengen; rules differ from Schengen Europe—confirm entry conditions for Canadians.
Israel: Entry can involve security questioning; confirm documentation and regional advisories.
Italy: Schengen rules apply.
J
Jamaica: Popular from Canada; confirm onward ticket expectations and local safety notes.
Japan: Generally smooth for tourism; confirm any digital entry forms and medication restrictions.
Jordan: Often visa-on-arrival/e-visa; confirm requirements and passport validity expectations.
K
Kazakhstan: Often e-visa or visa-free arrangements depending on current policy; confirm before booking.
Kenya: E-visa is common; confirm approval timing and entry points.
Kiribati: Remote logistics matter more than paperwork; confirm routing and onward travel proof.
Kuwait: Confirm visa requirements and documentation for business vs tourism.
Kyrgyzstan: Often accessible; confirm registration rules for longer stays.
L
Laos: Visa-on-arrival/e-visa can apply; confirm entry ports and payment method.
Latvia: Schengen rules apply.
Lebanon: Entry can be sensitive; confirm advisories and documentation.
Lesotho: Confirm entry rules, especially if arriving via South Africa by land.
Liberia: Visa usually required; confirm health documentation.
Libya: Entry is complex and often high-risk; confirm feasibility.
Liechtenstein: Typically entered via Schengen; Schengen rules apply.
Lithuania: Schengen rules apply.
Luxembourg: Schengen rules apply.
M
Madagascar: Often visa on arrival/e-visa; confirm health guidance and payment method.
Malawi: Confirm visa process and border realities.
Malaysia: Usually smooth; confirm length of stay and onward ticket expectations.
Maldives: Generally simple resort entry; confirm passport validity and onward ticket requirements.
Mali: Security can be high-risk; check advisories carefully.
Malta: Schengen rules apply.
Marshall Islands: Confirm entry rules and onward travel proof.
Mauritania: Visa requirements can be strict; confirm application steps.
Mauritius: Typically tourism-friendly; confirm length of stay and onward proof.
Mexico: Canadians generally do not require a visa; an FMM process is commonly used.
Moldova: Confirm entry rules and regional advisories.
Monaco: Entered via France; Schengen rules matter.
Mongolia: Confirm visa requirements and extreme weather planning.
Montenegro: Generally accessible; confirm stay limits and documentation.
Morocco: Usually tourism-friendly; confirm passport validity expectations and local advisories.
Mozambique: Often e-visa/visa on arrival depending on current policy; confirm.
Myanmar: Entry can be restrictive; check advisories and visa feasibility.
N
Namibia: Generally straightforward; confirm entry documentation and long-distance driving prep.
Nauru: Very limited travel routes; confirm onward proof and airline requirements.
Nepal: Often visa on arrival; confirm entry airport processes and payment.
Netherlands: Schengen rules apply.
New Zealand: Canadians entering without a visa need an NZeTA, including for transit in many cases.
Nicaragua: Confirm entry requirements and any local fee/tax processes.
Niger: Security can be volatile; check advisories carefully.
Nigeria: Visa usually required; confirm application steps and documentation.
O
North Macedonia: Generally accessible; confirm documentation and stay limits.
Norway: Schengen rules apply.
Oman: Often e-visa; confirm if your route requires pre-approval.
P
Pakistan: Visa requirements can be detailed; confirm category and documentation.
Palau: Confirm entry rules and onward travel proof.
Panama: Usually straightforward; confirm any onward ticket enforcement and local advisories.
Papua New Guinea: Visa requirements vary; confirm before booking.
Paraguay: Confirm entry rules and border crossing processes if overland.
Peru: Generally tourism-friendly; confirm entry conditions and regional safety notes.
Philippines: Usually smooth; confirm length of stay and onward ticket expectations.
Poland: Schengen rules apply.
Portugal: Schengen rules apply.
Qatar: Often visa-waiver/e-visa; confirm entry conditions and transit rules.
R
Romania: EU member; confirm how your itinerary interacts with Schengen vs non-Schengen stays in 2026.
Rwanda: Often e-visa/visa-on-arrival; confirm health requirements and payment method.
Russia: Entry and safety conditions can be highly complex; confirm advisories and feasibility.
S
Saint Kitts and Nevis: Usually tourism-friendly; confirm onward ticket expectations.
Saint Lucia: Usually tourism-friendly; confirm entry documentation.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Confirm onward proof and ferry/flight logistics.
Samoa: Confirm entry rules and onward proof.
San Marino: Entered via Italy; Schengen counting matters.
São Tomé and Príncipe: Confirm visa requirements and limited flight routes.
Saudi Arabia: E-visa is common for tourism; confirm rules for religious sites and documentation.
Senegal: Often straightforward; confirm any online registration needs.
Serbia: Usually accessible; confirm stay limits and documentation.
Seychelles: Generally tourism-friendly; confirm pre-travel approvals if used.
Sierra Leone: Visa usually required; confirm health documentation.
Singapore: Very orderly entry; confirm digital arrival forms and strict customs rules.
Slovakia: Schengen rules apply.
Slovenia: Schengen rules apply.
Solomon Islands: Confirm entry rules and onward proof.
Somalia: High-risk; check advisories carefully.
South Africa: Confirm entry documentation and traveling-with-children rules if applicable.
South Korea: Often uses an electronic authorization system depending on current policy; confirm before departure.
Spain: Schengen rules apply.
Sri Lanka: Often e-visa/ETA-style; confirm application steps and timing.
Sudan: High-risk; confirm advisories and feasibility.
Suriname: Confirm visa/e-visa requirements and border realities.
Sweden: Schengen rules apply.
Switzerland: Schengen rules apply.
Syria: High-risk; confirm advisories and feasibility.
T
Taiwan: Entry is often smooth; confirm any online arrival steps and stay limits.
Tajikistan: Confirm visa/e-visa and registration rules for longer stays.
Tanzania: Often e-visa/visa on arrival; confirm Zanzibar vs mainland logistics.
Thailand: Entry rules can change frequently; confirm visa exemption length and extension rules before booking.
Timor-Leste: Often visa on arrival; confirm entry ports and payment.
Togo: Often e-visa; confirm application steps.
Tonga: Confirm entry rules and onward proof.
Trinidad and Tobago: Usually straightforward; confirm entry documentation.
Tunisia: Confirm entry rules and advisories.
Türkiye: E-visa can apply depending on current policy; confirm prior to travel.
Turkmenistan: Entry is often restrictive; confirm visa and invitation requirements.
U
Uganda: E-visa often required; confirm documentation and health requirements.
Ukraine: Conditions are highly dynamic; check advisories.
United Arab Emirates: Often visa-on-arrival style entry for many visitors; confirm current policy and passport validity.
United Kingdom: Canadians usually need an ETA rather than a visa for short visits, depending on purpose and status—confirm via official UK guidance.
United States: Canadians can usually stay up to 6 months without a visa in typical visitor cases; confirm exceptions and declare your intended stay.
Uruguay: Generally tourism-friendly; confirm entry conditions.
V
Vanuatu: Confirm entry rules and onward proof.
Vatican City: Entered via Italy; Schengen counting matters.
Venezuela: Conditions can be challenging; check advisories carefully.
Vietnam: E-visa policies can change; confirm current requirements and eligible entry points.
W
Yemen: High-risk; check advisories and feasibility.
Z
Zambia: Generally accessible; confirm visa process and health guidance.
Zimbabwe: Often visa-on-arrival/e-visa; confirm documentation and payment method.
The “don’t get stuck at the airport” checklist (works almost everywhere)
Airlines are your first border. If check-in staff can’t confirm you meet entry requirements, you can be denied boarding even if you believe you’re eligible on arrival. For 2026 trips, protect yourself with this sequence:
- Match your name exactly across passport and tickets. Even minor differences can trigger manual checks.
- Carry proof of onward travel and at least one accommodation confirmation, even if you’re “deciding later.”
- Save PDFs offline: passport photo page, insurance, key bookings, and any e-visa/ETA approvals.
- If you’re doing Europe, track Schengen days from the first entry stamp and keep a running total. The rule is “up to 90 days within a 180-day period.”
- For the UK, treat ETA completion as essential pre-boarding documentation when it applies to you.
- Watch late-2026 Europe planning: ETIAS is planned to begin operations in the last quarter of 2026, so trips later in the year may be affected.
- Use Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories destination page as your final pre-departure check the week of your trip.