Owning a Canadian passport comes with a ton of benefits, like the ability to travel to many countries visa-free.
While you may be aware of countries you can travel to without a visa for short visits, your Canadian passport also gives you the ability to travel to some countries for up to 365 days, no visa required.
If you want to spend more than just 90 days on lush tropical islands, exploring popular tourist destinations or getting to know the culture of hidden-gem countries, you can easily do just that as a Canadian passport holder.
From European hot spots to Caribbean jewels, here are nine countries Canadians can visit for up to a year without a visa.
Fiji
How Long You Can Stay: 120 days
Details: Canadian passport holders can visit Fiiji for stays of up to four months, or 120 days, without needing to obtain a visa — instead, Canadians are issued a visitor's permit and border officials will stamp your passport on arrival.
According to the Canadian government, travellers must ensure that their passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Fiji. They will also need a return or onward ticket in order to enter the country.
Barbados
How Long You Can Stay: 180 days
Details: Want to enjoy island life for a little bit longer? Canadians can stay in Barbados for up to six months, or 180 days, without needing a visa.
While a visa isn't required, travellers will need to have a Canadian passport that is valid for the duration of their stay, as well as a return or onward ticket.
They may also be required to provide proof that they have a place to stay in Barbados, as well as proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the trip.
According to the Government of Canada, travellers must also complete an arrival form upon their arrival at the immigration office.
The government notes that while Canadians are able to visit Barbados for up to six months, it is Barbadian immigration officers who determine the length of your stay, and who will also determine if a work permit is required for business travellers.
United States
How Long You Can Stay: 180 days
Details: Canadian visitors can usually stay in the United States for six months without a visa, according to the Government of Canada.
Canadian travellers are usually granted a stay in the country for up to 180 days at the time of entry.
While they may not need a visa, all Canadians entering the U.S. by air require a passport, and Canadians entering the U.S. by land or sea must have a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant travel document, such as a valid passport, Enhanced Driver’s License, or Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST).
At the border, customs officials may also ask travellers to provide their address while in the U.S., as well as evidence of residential, employment or educational ties to Canada, proof that the trip is for a legitimate purpose and is of a reasonable length, and proof of sufficient funds to cover the traveller's stay.
While most Canadians won't need a visa to enter the U.S., there are some exceptions. For example, Canadian permanent residents may need a non-immigrant visa to enter the United States.
A list of Canadians requiring a visa to enter the U.S. can be found on the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Canada website.
According to the Government of Canada, travellers who wish to stay longer than six months in the U.S. must apply for an extension at the nearest U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office once in the country and before the expiry of their initial stay.
South Korea
How Long You Can Stay: 180 days
Details: Canadian passport holders can visit South Korea without a visa for stays of up to six months, or 180 days.
Previously, Canadians entering Korea visa-free needed to complete a K-ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) prior to their departure.
According to the Government of Canada, Canadians are currently exempt from the K-ETA requirement to visit South Korea until December 31, 2024.
Canadians are also required to have a passport that is valid beyond the date of their expected departure from South Korea.
U.K.
How Long You Can Stay: 180 days
Details: Canadian tourists can visit the United Kingdom for a period of up to six months, or 180 days, without a visa required.
They must, however, meet the Standard Visitor eligibility requirements, including that you have a passport or travel document to enter the U.K. and are able to show that you'll leave the U.K. at the end of your visit, you're able to support yourself and your dependants during your trip, you're able to pay for your return or onward journey, and that you'll not live in the U.K. for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home.
Canadians can visit the U.K. as a Standard Visitor for the purposes of tourism, like a holiday or vacation, to see family or friends or to volunteer for up to 30 days with a registered charity, among other activities.
According to the U.K. government, you may be asked questions at the U.K. border about your eligibility and the activities you plan to do.
Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least the expected duration of your stay in the United Kingdom. This requirement may also apply when travelling to Northern Ireland from other parts of the U.K. and vice versa, according to the Canadian government.
You can check if you'll be required to obtain a visa to enter the U.K. by filling out the form on the government's website.
Costa Rica
How Long You Can Stay: 180 days
Details: Canadian passport holders can stay in Costa Rica for up to 180 days without needing a visa.
According to the Government of Canada, a Costa Rican immigration officer will determine the permitted length of your stay when you enter the country. As a tourist, you may be granted a stay of up to 180 days.
However, if you want to stay for more than 180 days, you must obtain a residency status from the Dirección General de Migración y ExtranjerÃa.
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay, and customs officials will ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.
Dominica
How Long You Can Stay: 180 days
Details: Canadian travellers can visit the Caribbean country of Dominica for up to six months, or 180 days, without a visa.
Called the "Caribbean's best-kept secret," Dominica offers tons of natural beauty, as well as friendly people and a laid-back vibe.
According to the Government of Canada, travellers must be able to present proof of onward travel or a return ticket to enter the country.
They must also have sufficient funds to sustain themselves for the length of their stay, and be able to provide a local address, according to the Government of Dominica.
Their passport must also be valid for the expected duration of their stay in Dominica.
Government of Dominica website
Bahamas
How Long You Can Stay: 240 days
Details: Canadian passport holders can stay in the Bahamas for up to 240 days, or eight months, without a visa, provided that they have certain travel documents.
According to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Canadian citizens must have a Canadian passport with an expiry date that is not less than three months after leaving the Bahamas (for direct travel) and not less than six months if transiting through other countries, such as the U.S.
They must also possess a return ticket.
The rules are a bit different for permanent residents of Canada, who may stay in the Bahamas for 30 days without a visa.
For stays of longer than eight months, Canadian passport holders are required to have a visa.
While the rules apply to tourist stays, business and student travel to the Bahamas also does not require a visa, according to the Government of Canada.
For those looking to stay longer in the island country, the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) program allows students and professionals to live in the Bahamas for up to a year while they work or study remotely.
Georgia
How Long You Can Stay: 365 days
Details: Canadian passport holders can visit the country of Georgia for a whole year, visa-free.
Located in the Caucus region where Europe meets Asia, Georgia is a hidden gem destination that recently went from backpacker secret to mainstream vacation spot.
Its ich culture and diverse landscapes make it the perfect destination for anyone who loves history and nature.
Canadians travelling to Georgia have plenty of time to enjoy the country, with the ability to stay for 365 days without a visa.
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in the country.
According to the State Commission on Migration Issues of Georgia, foreigners holding a Canadian visa and/or residence permit may enter and stay in Georgia without a visa for 90 days in any 180-day period.
Georgia State Commission website
Happy travels!
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
9 countries Canadian passport holders can visit visa-free for up to a year
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