Troisrivieres Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Canada's visa policy varies by nationality. Citizens of many countries can visit Canada visa-free (though may require an eTA if arriving by air), while others must obtain a visa before traveling.
Citizens of visa-exempt countries can visit Canada without a visa but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if arriving by air. Land and sea entry does not require an eTA.
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents do not need an eTA. All other visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada need an eTA. Valid for 5 years or until passport expires.
Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an eTA to fly to or transit through Canada. It's electronically linked to your passport.
Cost: CAD $7 per application
Valid for 5 years or until passport expires, whichever comes first. Allows multiple entries. Keep a copy of your eTA approval. If you get a new passport, you need a new eTA.
Citizens of countries not on the visa-exempt list must apply for a visitor visa before traveling to Canada. This includes a biometrics requirement.
Required for citizens of: China, India, Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, Nigeria, Russia, Colombia, Jamaica, and many other countries. Check canada.ca/visa to confirm if you need a visa. Biometrics fee: CAD $85 per person or CAD $170 per family. Visa application fee: CAD $100 per person.
Arrival Process
Upon arrival at a Canadian port of entry (airport, land border, or seaport), all travelers must go through immigration and customs inspection by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The process is designed to verify your identity, purpose of visit, and admissibility to Canada.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) regulates what goods can be brought into Canada. All travelers must declare items they're bringing, including purchases made abroad, gifts, and goods for others. Duty-free allowances apply to eligible goods, but exceeding these limits may result in duties and taxes.
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs and narcotics - including cannabis (even though legal in Canada, cannot be brought across borders)
- Weapons such as switchblades, brass knuckles, pepper spray, mace - most self-defense weapons are prohibited
- Firearms without proper authorization and declaration - strict regulations apply
- Endangered species and products - items made from protected animals, plants, or their parts
- Certain food products - fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy from most countries due to disease risk
- Hate propaganda and obscene materials - publications or items promoting hate or violence
- Counterfeit goods - fake designer items, pirated media, or counterfeit currency
- Fireworks and explosive materials - without proper permits and authorization
Restricted Items
- Prescription medications - bring only what's needed for your stay, keep in original packaging with prescription label. Carry a copy of your prescription or doctor's letter.
- Firearms and weapons - can be brought with proper permits, declaration, and authorization. Must declare at border and have valid registration. Restricted and prohibited firearms have additional requirements.
- Food products - some packaged, commercially canned, or processed foods are allowed. Fresh products generally prohibited. Check CFIA regulations.
- Plants and plant products - may require phytosanitary certificates. Many fresh plants and soil are prohibited.
- Animals and pets - require health certificates, vaccination records (rabies), and advance notification. See pet import requirements.
- Cultural property and antiquities - items of historical significance may require export permits from country of origin
- Large amounts of cash or monetary instruments - must be declared if CAD $10,000 or more
- Vehicles - if importing a vehicle, special procedures and documentation required
Health Requirements
Canada has minimal mandatory health requirements for most travelers, but staying informed about recommended vaccinations and current health measures is important for a safe visit.
Required Vaccinations
- No vaccinations are mandatory for entry into Canada for most travelers
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate required only if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, DPT, polio) should be up to date
- Influenza vaccine, especially if traveling during flu season (October-April)
- COVID-19 vaccination is recommended but no longer required for entry
- Hepatitis A and B for longer stays or specific activities
- Tick-borne encephalitis if planning extensive outdoor activities in certain regions
Health Insurance
Canada strongly recommends all visitors obtain comprehensive travel health insurance before arriving. Canadian healthcare is not free for visitors, and medical costs can be extremely high without insurance. Emergency room visits can cost thousands of dollars, and hospitalization even more. Ensure your policy covers medical emergencies, hospitalization, medical evacuation, and repatriation. Some travel insurance policies also cover trip cancellation, lost baggage, and other travel disruptions.
Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport (or be included on a parent's passport if allowed by their country). If a child is traveling with only one parent or with someone other than their parents, carry a consent letter signed by the non-accompanying parent(s) or legal guardian(s). The letter should include: names and contact information of parents/guardians, name of child, travel dates, destination, name and relationship of accompanying adult, and notarized signature. Also bring a copy of the child's birth certificate and custody documents if applicable. These documents help prevent child abduction and may be requested by border officers.
Dogs and cats over 3 months old must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate. The certificate must clearly identify the animal, show vaccination date, vaccine manufacturer, and be signed by a licensed veterinarian. Vaccination must be current (not expired). Dogs may be inspected for evidence of screwworm. Young puppies and kittens under 3 months are exempt from rabies requirements but may require a veterinary health certificate. Service animals should have documentation of their training and role. Birds, reptiles, and other exotic pets have additional requirements - check CFIA regulations. Pet food must be commercially packaged. Advance notification to CBSA is recommended for pets.
Tourist visitors are typically allowed to stay up to 6 months. If you wish to extend your stay beyond this, you must apply for a visitor record (extension) before your current status expires. Apply online at canada.ca/extend-stay at least 30 days before your authorized stay ends. Fee: CAD $100. You'll need to explain why you need more time and prove you can financially support yourself. If approved, you'll receive a visitor record indicating your new departure date. For stays longer than 6 months for purposes other than tourism (work, study), you'll need different permits: work permit for employment, study permit for academic programs over 6 months. Working or studying without proper authorization is illegal and can result in deportation.
Business visitors coming for meetings, conferences, or business negotiations generally don't need a work permit and can enter as tourists with eTA or visitor visa. However, you cannot engage in work that directly enters the Canadian labour market. Acceptable activities include: attending meetings, conferences, training sessions; negotiating contracts; after-sales service (if warranty/agreement exists). Bring a letter from your employer explaining the purpose of your visit, duration, and confirmation you'll be paid by your foreign employer. If you plan to work in Canada (even temporarily), you'll need a work permit unless you qualify for a specific exemption.
If you're a Canadian citizen with citizenship from another country, you must enter Canada with a valid Canadian passport (or Canadian travel document). You cannot use your other country's passport to enter Canada as a visitor. This rule applies even if your Canadian passport is expired - you should renew it before traveling. Canadian permanent residents must show their valid PR card or permanent resident travel document when returning to Canada.
If you plan to study in Trois-Rivières (such as at Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières) for a program longer than 6 months, you need a study permit. Apply online before coming to Canada. You'll need: acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), proof of financial support (approximately CAD $10,000 per year plus tuition), clean criminal record, medical exam results if required, and proof you'll leave Canada after studies. Processing time varies by country. Quebec also requires a Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) before applying for a study permit. Study permit fee: CAD $150.
Planning your trip? Make sure you have the right travel insurance for Troisrivieres Entry Requirements before you go.