Dreaming of a getaway in 2024? If you have a Canadian passport, there are tons of countries across the globe that you can easily visit without needing to apply for a visa.
According to the 2024 Passport Index, Canada’s passport is the seventh strongest in the world, allowing holders to visit a total of 117 countries visa-free.
While some countries only allow residents to stay for a certain amount of time without a visa, many countries offer stays of up to three months for Canadian passport holders.
Certain countries have made Canadians newly exempt from visa requirements in 2024.
From European hot spots to tropical getaways, here are 14 countries Canadians can travel to without a visa for up to 90 days in 2024.
Turkiye
Turkiye has lifted its visa requirements for Canadian tourists hoping to visit the country for short stays.
A visa is now not required for Canadian passport holders visiting the country as a tourist for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Previously, Canadians would have had to pay US$60 to enter the country and would have a 180-day window to visit after being approved, according to CTV News.
Those travelling to the country for work, business, studying, or for the purposes of seeking medical treatment, still require a visa to enter the country, and should use the official Turkish government site to apply online and purchase an e-visa before entering, according to the Government of Canada.
Visa-exempt travel applies to stays of up to 90 days. If you wish to stay longer, you must obtain a residence permit from the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management in the province in which you reside, or risk being deported and banned from further travel.
If you want to qualify for a subsequent visa-exempted entry for a 90-day period in Turkiye, you must leave the country for at least 90 days before being allowed to re-enter for another 90 days.
Brazil
Brazil has extended the exemption of visa requirements from Canadian travellers until April 10, 2024, meaning you can travel to the country visa-free until this date.
The new date was made official and published in the country’s Federal Official Gazette on January 4. Previously, visa requirements were set to begin on January 10, 2024.
Brazil’s government said the extension was made to avoid resuming visa requirements during the peak travel season, at the turning of the year.
Under the extension, Canadian passport holders do not need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days. Business visas for unpaid stays and student visas are also not required for stays of up to 90 days.
If you intend to stay more than 90 days in the country, you must obtain an extension from the Federal Police for a maximum stay of 180 days per period of 12 months, according to the Government of Canada.
Iceland
Iceland is part of the Schengen area, a zone of 27 countries in the EU that have removed their internal borders and therefore have common entry and exit requirements.
With a Canadian passport, travellers can visit Iceland for up to 90 days without a visa in any 180-day period. This means that if you leave the Schengen area and return within the same 180-day period, the previous stay will count against the 90 days.
While Canadians don’t need a visa, they will soon need to obtain an electronic travel authorization to visit Schengen Zone countries.
Starting in 2025, they’ll need to have the European Travel Information and Authorization System or ETIAS, an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals that’s linked to a traveller’s passport.
The ETIAS is valid for up to three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. The ETIAS was previously expected to come into effect in 2024, but was postponed until mid-2025 in October 2023. It’s expected to cost about $10 once in effect.
Ireland
Ireland is a member of the European Union, but it’s not part of the Schengen area, so Schengen-zone rules won’t apply here.
Thankfully, Canadian passport holders can easily visit for stays of up to 90 days without a visa required.
This also means that the ETIAS won’t be required for Canadians to travel to Ireland once it comes into effect.
If you plan to travel to Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, make sure you meet the entry/exit requirements for the U.K.
Jamaica
Details: Jamaica is a classic vacation spot for Canadians, and thankfully, it’s easy for Canucks visit the country.
Canadians can head to Jamaica without a visa whether they’re going as a tourist, for work or business, or as a student.
According to the Government of Canada, immigration officers in Jamaica will generally grant travellers visitor landed status for 90 days.
You’ll need to obtain a visa for stays beyond 90 days. Traveller should note that overstaying a visa or entry stamp is a criminal offence in Jamaica and can lead to prison time, heavy fines and even deportation, according to the government.
Japan
Details: Canadians can travel to Japan for up to 90 days as a tourist without a visa.
However, if you’re heading to the country for business, to work, or as a student, you’ll have to get the proper documentation.
It’s worth noting that overstaying the time limit on travel in Japan (whether that’s the 90-day limit, visa-free limit or other visa limit) is a criminal offence, and those who overstay could be subject to fines and deportation, as well as barred from re-entering Japan, according to the Canadian government.
Spain
Details: If it’s not on it already, Spain and its iconic cities like Barcelona and Madrid definitely deserve a place on your travel bucket list, offering an incredible arts and culture scene, beautiful beaches and island paradises, and delicious food.
Like Iceland, Spain is a Schengen zone country, meaning Canadians don’t need a visa to travel to Spain for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
According to the Government of Canada, Spanish customs officials may ask you to show a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.
The ETIAS will also apply to trips to Spain, once in effect.
Portugal
Details: Whether your idea of the perfect vacation involves touring historical sites and cultural landmarks, or heading to pristine beaches, Portugal is a great place to escape to.
Portugal is another Schengen area country, so Canadians don’t need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
However, like other Schengen zone countries, the ETIAS will apply to travellers visiting Portugal when it does come into effect.
Sweden
Sweden is a Schengen-area country, meaning Canadian citizens do not need a visa when travelling to Sweden for short stays.
Visa-free travel to the country applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Business visas are also not required for Canadian passport holders travelling to the country, as are student resident permits for stays up to 90 days. However, work permits are required.
Customs officials may also ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.
Canadian citizens who are between 18 and 30 years old can work in Sweden through International Experience Canada and obtain a working holiday visa, provided they meet some other requirements.
Greece
Details: You can easily live out your Mamma Mia! dreams in Greece this year, no visa required.
Greece is part of the Schengen zone, so Canadians can visit the country for up to 90 days, visa-free.
Greece also doesn’t require a visa for business stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, if you’re looking to spend some time working here, you could be better off taking advantage of the country’s Digital Nomad Visa.
According to the Government of Canada, you’ll want to make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond the date you expect to leave Greece.
France
Details: If a trip to France is on your bucket list, you may be happy to know you can visit the country without having to apply for a permit as a Canadian passport holder.
France is another Schengen zone country, meaning that Canadians can easily visit for stays of up to 90 days without needing a visa.
According to the Government of Canada, French customs officials may ask travellers to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay.
Italy
Details: Italy is another country that’s part of the Schengen Zone, meaning Canadians can visit without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
According to the Government of Canada, while you don’t need a visa for stays under 90 days, you do have to report your presence in the country.
“Commercial accommodations will generally file the declaration on your behalf, but you are responsible for making sure it’s done,” says the government website.
It says you can make sure this is done by having your Canadian passport stamped upon arrival.
New Zealand
Details: In New Zealand, you can experience Maori culture, enjoy incredible beaches and nature, and visit the home of Middle Earth.
Canadian travellers to the country can stay for up to 90 days as a tourist without a visa. However, if you’re a student or you’re travelling for business, a visa is required.
While tourists don’t need a visa, they do need to get an electronic travel authority (called an NZeTA) online before their arrival.
The NZeTA costs NZ$17 (about CA$14) and is valid for two years.
Australia
Canadian passport holders can visit the land down under for stays of up to 90 days, no tourist visa required.
However, citizens entering the country without a visa will need to get an electronic travel authority (ETA) to visit, according to the Canadian government.
The ETA is an electronically stored authority for travel to Australia for short-term visits or business entry. It replaces the visa label or stamp in a passport and removes the need for application forms.
To apply for an ETA, you’ll need to download the Australian ETA app, which is available in the Apple and Google Play store. It costs AU$20 (about CA$17) to use the app, according to Australia’s Department of Home Affairs, but this is the only charge associated with the travel authority.
Source: Narcity Canada
