Tourist Visa in Canada Price in 2026: Total Cost, Fees & Process

This guide covers every official fee, every optional charge, and every hidden variable that affects what you’ll actually spend getting a Canada visitor visa in 2026. Whether you’re planning a holiday, visiting family, or attending a short-term event, the financial picture laid out here will help you plan accurately from day one.

Before diving in, it’s worth noting that travel planning extends beyond the visa itself — understanding the logistics of your destination matters just as much. For example, knowing where to stay in popular travel hubs while you plan your itinerary is a key part of keeping overall trip costs under control.

What Is a Canada Tourist Visa (TRV)?

A Canada Tourist Visa — formally known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) — is a document placed in your passport by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that authorises you to enter Canada as a temporary visitor. It is required for nationals of countries that do not have a visa-exempt agreement with Canada, and it covers tourism, family visits, business meetings, and short-term events.

The TRV itself does not determine how long you can stay in Canada. That decision is made by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at the port of entry, who typically grants up to 6 months unless your travel history or circumstances suggest otherwise. The visa may be issued as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa — and critically, both cost exactly the same government fee in 2026.

Who Needs a Canada Tourist Visa in 2026?

Citizens of approximately 150+ countries require a TRV to visit Canada. Visa-exempt nationals (such as citizens of the UK, Australia, most EU countries, and Japan) instead need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), which costs only CAD $7 and is processed online within minutes.

For applicants from countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Philippines, and most of Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, a full TRV application is mandatory. These applicants face the complete fee structure, biometrics requirement, and processing timeline described in this guide.

Canada Tourist Visa Government Fee in 2026

The core government application fee for a Canada Temporary Resident Visa is CAD $100 per person as set by IRCC. This fee has remained stable and applies equally to single-entry and multiple-entry visas. There is no premium charge for the multiple-entry option — both are the same price, which makes the multiple-entry version almost always the smarter choice to request.

For families applying together, a maximum family fee cap applies: families of three or more applicants pay a maximum of CAD $500 for the combined visa fees (five or more adults would otherwise exceed this), making group family applications more economical per person.

Biometrics Fee — The Mandatory Extra Cost

Since 2018, Canada requires biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) from most TRV applicants. This is not optional — failure to provide biometrics results in application refusal. The biometrics fee in 2026 is CAD $85 per person, with a family maximum of CAD $170 for three or more family members applying together.

Biometrics are collected at designated Visa Application Centres (VACs) operated by VFS Global or BLS International, depending on your country. Your biometrics remain on file for 10 years, so if you’ve provided them for a previous Canadian visa or eTA within the last decade, you may not need to pay again.

VAC / VFS Service Fee

In countries where Canada does not operate its own visa application centre, applications are submitted through third-party Visa Application Centres run by VFS Global or BLS International. These centres charge a service fee on top of the government fee — and this is where costs begin to vary significantly by country.

In Pakistan, for example, the VFS Global service fee for a Canada visa application is approximately CAD $36–$45 (around PKR 12,000–16,000). In India, BLS International charges a comparable amount. These fees are non-refundable and do not guarantee visa approval — they simply cover the administrative cost of document collection and submission.

Full Canada Tourist Visa Cost Breakdown in 2026

Canada Tourist Visa Cost in Pakistani Rupees (2026)

For applicants from Pakistan — one of the largest groups applying for Canada TRVs globally — the total cost in local currency is a critical planning figure. At approximate 2026 exchange rates (CAD 1 ≈ PKR 210–220), here is what the full application costs:

Note that exchange rates shift continuously. Always use the IRCC official portal or the VFS Global Pakistan website for live fee calculations at the time of your application. Also factor in bank charges if paying by international card, as some banks add a 1–3% foreign transaction fee.

Online vs. Paper Application — Does It Affect Cost?

Canada strongly encourages online TRV applications through the IRCC portal (My IRCC Account). The government fee is identical whether you apply online or on paper, but there are practical cost differences:

• Online applicants pay the fee via credit or debit card directly on the IRCC portal. They still need to visit a VAC for biometrics, but document submission can often be done digitally, reducing courier and physical submission costs.
• Paper applicants must submit physical documents to a VAC, incurring document courier costs both ways and potentially higher VAC administrative charges.
• Online applications also tend to process faster in 2026, as IRCC has significantly expanded its digital processing capacity.

For most applicants, the online route is both cheaper and faster. The exception is applicants in countries where internet access to the IRCC portal is unstable or where supporting documents are only available as originals — in those cases, VAC-assisted paper submission remains practical.

Canada Tourist Visa Processing Time in 2026

Processing time is a cost factor in an indirect but important way — it determines how far in advance you need to apply, how long you need travel insurance, and whether you might need to pay for expedited services or rebook travel arrangements.

IRCC publishes live processing time estimates on its website, updated weekly. Always check the current time estimate for your specific country before applying, and plan your application submission accordingly — ideally at least 12 weeks before your intended travel date for high-demand nationalities.

Required Documents for Canada Tourist Visa 2026

Document preparation has an indirect cost — translation, notarisation, and certified copies all add up. Here is what most applicants need:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity
• Completed IMM 5257 application form (online or paper)
• Two recent passport-size photographs (per IRCC specifications)
• Proof of financial sufficiency (bank statements for the last 3–6 months)
• Purpose of visit documentation (hotel bookings, invitation letter, event registration)
• Proof of ties to home country (employment letter, property ownership, family records)
• Travel history (copies of previous visas and travel stamps)
• Family information form (IMM 5645) for family applications
• Any additional documents requested based on your individual profile

Is the Canada Tourist Visa Fee Refundable?

This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of the Canada TRV process. The government application fee of CAD $100 is partially refundable under specific conditions — a distinction that sets Canada apart from many other countries that offer zero refunds.

IRCC will refund the fee if: (a) the application is withdrawn before a decision is made, (b) IRCC is unable to process the application for administrative reasons, or (c) the applicant was charged incorrectly. However, if your application is rejected on merit — meaning IRCC reviewed your case and denied it — the fee is not refunded.

The biometrics fee and VAC service fee are non-refundable in all cases, including rejection and withdrawal.

Canada Tourist Visa vs. eTA — Cost Comparison

Understanding where you fall in Canada’s entry system is important because the cost difference between a TRV and an eTA is enormous:

The disparity reflects Canada’s bilateral visa policy, not a quality difference in traveller experience once approved. Both eTA holders and TRV holders undergo the same CBSA border inspection on arrival.

Hidden Costs Most Applicants Overlook

Beyond the fees listed above, several indirect costs catch applicants by surprise. Being aware of them means you can budget accurately rather than scrambling at the last minute.

Travel Insurance: Canada does not mandate travel insurance for TRV applicants, but it is strongly recommended and many visa officers view its absence unfavourably. A solid travel insurance policy for Canada runs CAD $60–$200 for a 2–4 week trip depending on your age and coverage level.

Financial Proof Requirement: Demonstrating sufficient funds — typically CAD $10,000 or more in accessible savings — is a soft requirement. While not a fee, the inability to demonstrate this leads to rejection and a wasted application fee. Some applicants use fixed deposits or term accounts that they must unlock or restructure, which incurs bank penalties.

Invitation Letter Notarisation: If you’re visiting a Canadian resident or citizen who is providing an invitation letter, many applicants (and visa officers) expect the letter to be notarised or supported by the host’s proof of status in Canada. Notarisation from a Canadian notary public, mailed internationally, can cost CAD $50–$150 total.

Managing travel budgets requires the same discipline in any destination. Just as savvy travellers look for ways to stretch their spending power — whether it’s finding smart budget travel strategies in popular cities — applying the same mindset to visa planning helps you avoid unnecessary overspending before you even board your flight.

Step-by-Step Canada Tourist Visa Application Process in 2026

1. Check your visa requirement — Confirm via the IRCC official website whether you need a TRV or an eTA based on your passport nationality.
2. Create an IRCC account — Register at the My IRCC Account portal to access the online application system.
3. Complete IMM 5257 form — Fill out the Temporary Resident Visa application form accurately. Any inconsistencies with your passport or travel history can trigger delays or refusal.
4. Gather all supporting documents — Prepare financial proof, travel history, ties to home country, and purpose of visit documentation.
5. Pay the application fee — Pay CAD $100 via credit/debit card online through the IRCC portal.
6. Submit application and receive biometrics instruction letter — After submission, IRCC will send a biometrics instruction letter (BIL) within 24–72 hours.
7. Book and attend biometrics appointment — Visit your nearest VFS Global or BLS centre with the BIL and pay the CAD $85 biometrics fee.
8. Upload or submit documents — Either upload digitally (online applicants) or physically submit to the VAC (paper applicants).
9. Wait for processing — Monitor your application status via the IRCC portal. Respond promptly to any additional document requests.
10. Receive decision — If approved, your passport is stamped with the TRV or a Port of Entry (POE) letter is issued (for online approvals that later require passport stamping).
11. Travel to Canada — Present your visa at the Canadian port of entry. A CBSA officer will grant your specific length of stay.

Common Reasons for Canada Tourist Visa Rejection

Rejection after paying non-refundable fees is every applicant’s nightmare. Understanding why applications fail helps you avoid the same fate — and the cost of reapplying.

• Insufficient financial proof — Bank statements showing irregular deposits, recently moved funds, or inadequate balances relative to your stated trip plans are red flags.
• Weak ties to home country — Visa officers must be convinced you will return home. Applicants who are unemployed, have no dependants, or own no property face higher scrutiny.
• Vague travel purpose — A generic “tourism” purpose without specific itinerary, hotel bookings, or planned activities is less convincing than a well-documented travel plan.
• Previous visa refusals — Undisclosed prior rejections from Canada or other countries is grounds for immediate refusal. Always disclose prior refusals as instructed on the application form.
• Inconsistent information — Any discrepancy between your application, your passport, and your supporting documents triggers concern.

If your application is refused, you can reapply immediately — but you will pay the full fee again. There is no appeal mechanism for standard TRV decisions; IRCC’s decisions on visitor visas are not subject to judicial review in the same way as immigration decisions.

Canada Super Visa — A Different Fee Structure for Parents

If you are a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, the Super Visa is a separate category worth knowing about. It allows stays of up to 5 years per visit (compared to 6 months on a standard TRV) and is valid for up to 10 years.

The Super Visa carries the same CAD $100 government fee and biometrics charge, but has an additional mandatory requirement: Canadian medical insurance of at least CAD $100,000 coverage, purchased from a Canadian insurance provider, valid for a minimum of one year. This insurance alone can cost CAD $1,500–$3,000+ depending on the applicant’s age and health.

For families weighing long-term visits vs. multiple shorter trips, the Super Visa’s higher upfront cost often represents better value over time — but the financial outlay in the application year is substantially larger than a standard TRV.

Tips for Reducing Canada Visa Application Costs

While you cannot avoid the mandatory government and biometrics fees, there are legitimate ways to reduce the total cost of your Canada TRV application:

• Apply online — Avoid VAC physical submission costs and reduce courier charges by going fully digital where possible.
• Check if your biometrics are still valid — If you provided biometrics for Canada within the last 10 years, you won’t need to pay again. Check your IRCC account history before booking a biometrics appointment.
• Prepare your own translations — While some documents require certified professional translation, many standard documents (employment letters, bank statements in widely understood languages) may not require paid translation depending on your specific VAC’s requirements. Confirm before paying a translator.
• Group family applications — Take advantage of the family cap on both visa fees (CAD $500 max) and biometrics fees (CAD $170 max) by submitting all family members’ applications together.
• Avoid immigration consultants for straightforward applications — For standard tourist visa applications with a clean profile, using a registered immigration consultant adds cost (CAD $300–$1,500+) for work you can competently do yourself using IRCC’s own guidance.

The discipline of managing travel costs applies at every stage of a trip. Whether you’re finding savings in city centres or shaving costs off your visa application process, a strategic approach makes international travel more accessible and financially sustainable.

What Happens If You Overstay Your Canada Tourist Visa?

Overstaying is not just an immigration violation — it has serious financial consequences that compound over time. If you remain in Canada beyond the date your status expires (typically 6 months from entry, or the specific date stamped by a CBSA officer), you become an out-of-status temporary resident. This can result in:

Removal orders and deportation, which carry bans on returning to Canada for 1–5 years. A permanent record of non-compliance that makes future TRV applications significantly harder. In some cases, the requirement to pay restoration fees of CAD $200 if you seek to restore your status while still in Canada within 90 days of your status expiry.

Planning your travel to stay well within your authorised period — and applying for an extension if plans genuinely change — is always the right financial and legal decision.

Frequently Asked Questions — Canada Tourist Visa Price 2026

Is the Canada tourist visa fee the same for all countries?

The government TRV fee of CAD $100 is universal regardless of nationality. However, the VAC service fee varies by country and by the VAC operator (VFS Global or BLS International) in that country. Always check the specific VAC website for your country to confirm the exact service fee.

Can I apply for a Canada tourist visa without a travel agent?

Yes, and for most straightforward applicants it is the better option. IRCC’s online portal (My IRCC Account) is designed for self-application and provides detailed checklists, form guidance, and application tracking. Using a RCIC-registered immigration consultant is advisable mainly if your application is complex — prior refusals, criminal record, or incomplete financial history.

Does Canada refund the visa fee if I cancel my trip?

IRCC refunds the CAD $100 government fee only if you withdraw your application before a decision is made or if IRCC cannot process it for administrative reasons. If you simply decide not to travel after your visa is approved, no refund is issued. The biometrics fee and VAC service fee are non-refundable regardless of reason.

How early should I apply for a Canada tourist visa before my trip?

IRCC recommends applying at least 12 weeks (approximately 3 months) before your intended travel date for nationals of high-volume countries. For Pakistani, Indian, Nigerian, and Bangladeshi applicants in particular, applying 4–6 months ahead is a safer buffer given the processing times and peak-season surges.

Can I extend my tourist visa while in Canada?

Yes. If you need more time in Canada beyond your initial authorised stay, you can apply for a visitor record extension from within Canada before your current status expires. The extension fee is CAD $100 and is submitted online through the IRCC portal. Processing typically takes 4–12 weeks, and IRCC will issue maintained status while your application is pending if submitted before expiry.

Final Thoughts — Planning Your Canada Tourist Visa Budget in 2026

The total legitimate cost of a Canada tourist visa in 2026 — when you account for the government fee, biometrics, VAC service charge, and document preparation — typically falls between CAD $240 and CAD $310 per adult applicant, or roughly PKR 51,000 to PKR 72,000+ for Pakistani applicants at current exchange rates. That’s a meaningful sum, but it’s a manageable and predictable one when you plan ahead.

What makes Canada’s visa process expensive is not primarily the government fee — it’s the combination of mandatory biometrics, currency conversion realities, and the indirect costs of documentation that catch applicants unprepared. Approach the process with accurate expectations, apply online where possible, verify your biometrics status before booking a VAC appointment, and submit a complete, consistent application the first time. Reapplication after a refusal doubles your cost immediately.

Canada remains one of the most rewarding destinations in the world for visitors who navigate its immigration requirements successfully. For travellers exploring multiple destination options, understanding how travel systems and logistics work across different journeys can help you build smarter itineraries and tighter budgets from the very first step of planning.

With the right preparation and an honest budget that accounts for every fee layer described in this guide, the Canada tourist visa price in 2026 is a well-justified investment in one of the world’s most spectacular travel experiences.