Canada's travel requirements for visitors rank some of the strictest on earth

Canada has a reputation for being a welcoming destination, but that doesn't necessarily mean navigating its travel requirements is a breeze.

VisaSyst, a platform that helps travellers navigate visa applications and digital entry requirements, published its 2026 Travel Hurdles Index, which compares the digital entry requirements of 10 of the world's wealthiest countries.

"Electronic authorizations, carrier checks, and digital arrival forms can streamline a journey, but they can also create new hurdles," states the report. "A missing approval, an overlooked transit rule, or a document linked to the wrong passport can end your trip before it even begins."

The report warns that missing the right travel authorization can throw a wrench in your plans, even possibly preventing you from boarding your flight. And if there's something wrong with your paperwork, fixing it could take days or weeks. That's why it's important to check the entry requirements and sort out the necessary documents before your trip.

Canada received a score of four out of five for travel friction, putting it among the countries with the more demanding entry requirements.

The report points to the main issue: Canada's Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Many visa-exempt foreign nationals require an eTA before boarding a flight to Canada. It also applies to air transit through a Canadian airport, even if travellers aren't leaving the terminal and are simply connecting to another international flight.

VisaSyst.

Not all international visitors require an eTA. Some must apply for a visitor visa, while others may qualify for an eTA if they meet specific conditions.

The U.K. and Australia also scored a four out of five, while the U.S. was at the top with a score of five. Japan and South Korea both scored threes, and China scored two. Germany, France, and the Netherlands each scored one, partly because of delays in implementing the European Union's European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).

If you're planning a trip to Canada, take a few minutes to check the entry requirements for your passport and travel route before you go. A little preparation could save you from an unpleasant surprise at the airport.