Yes, a visa is required to travel from Russia to Canada.
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Do I need a visa for Canada from Russia?
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Yes. Russian nationals must obtain a Temporary Resident (visitor) Visa before travelling to Canada; they are not eligible for the eTA.
Russia is neither visa-exempt nor eligible for the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), so a Russian traveller must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The application is made online, after which you provide your biometrics at a Visa Application Centre.
Do you need a visa?
Yes. For a tourist or family visit to Canada, citizens of Russia must obtain a Temporary Resident Visa. Because Russia is not eTA-eligible (the eTA is reserved for visa-exempt travellers arriving by air), a visa placed in the passport is the only route for a Russian national. A valid passport alone is not enough.
How and where to apply
The process is online: create an account on the IRCC portal, complete the visitor visa application form and upload your supporting documents. After submitting and paying, you receive a biometrics instruction letter to have your photo and fingerprints taken at a Visa Application Centre (VAC), operated by VFS Global. Always follow the instructions published on canada.ca.
Documents and fees
Prepare a valid passport, a photo meeting Canadian standards, proof of funds, an itinerary or reservation, an invitation letter if applicable, and documents showing your ties to Russia (employment, family, property) to demonstrate your intention to return. A visa processing fee and a biometrics fee apply: do not rely on any amount stated here — check the official fee schedule on canada.ca before paying.
Processing and tips
Processing times vary widely by application location and period; use the IRCC processing-time tool for a current estimate and apply well ahead. Provide strong evidence of your ties to Russia and of your finances: the officer must be satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of the authorised stay. Check the availability and location of biometric centres, which may be in a neighbouring country.
Common mistakes
Refusals often result from insufficient proof of funds, ties judged weak to the country of residence, an incomplete form, or skipping biometrics. Do not book non-refundable tickets before the visa is granted, and never rely on approximate fees — only the amounts published on canada.ca are authoritative.
Official sources
- IRCC — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
- IRCC — Visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
- VFS Global — Canada Visa Application Centres
Information verified on July 8, 2026.
Essential Canada information
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Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to Canada from Russia?▾
Yes, a consular visa is required: applications are made at the embassy or consulate before departure (allowed stay: 6 months).
How long can you stay in Canada?▾
The tourist visa allows a stay of 6 months.
What other visa types exist for Canada?▾
Depending on the purpose of stay, Canada offers among others: Work Permit (employer-specific, LMIA), Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker / CEC / FST), Home Child / Home Support Worker, Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), Student visa, Super Visa (parents/grandparents).
Data verified on 23/07/2026
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