Canada Visa for Japan Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to Canada as a Japanese citizen? Great news: you do not need a visa. Japanese passport holders only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for CAD$7, approved within minutes. This guide covers the simple application process for stays up to 6 months.

Visa Application process

Japanese citizens can apply for a Canada eTA entirely online in just a few minutes.1 The process is simple:

Visit the Official Website

Go to the official Government of Canada eTA application page at canada.ca. Beware of third-party sites that charge excessive fees.1

Have Your Passport Ready

You will need to enter your passport details exactly as they appear. Have your Japanese passport in front of you when applying.2

Complete the Application Form

Fill in your personal information, passport details, employment information, and answer background questions. The form takes about 5 minutes.2

Pay the Fee

Pay CAD$7 using a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express). Once payment is processed, your application is submitted.1

Receive Your eTA

Most applicants receive approval within minutes via email. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport; there is nothing to print.1

Visa Application Steps

1. Visit the Official Website
2. Have Your Passport Ready
3. Complete the Application Form
4. Pay the Fee
5. Receive Your eTA

Visa Fees breakdown

Service: Cost	Canada eTA: CAD$7 (~US$5)	The fee is per person, non-refundable, and valid for up to 5 years. Children also require their own eTA at the same cost.1

What you need to prove

The eTA application requires you to provide:

Valid passport: Japanese passport that is machine-readable
Basic travel information: When and why you are visiting
Background disclosure: Questions about health, criminal history, and previous immigration issues
Contact information: Email address and phone number

Required documents

Valid Japanese Passport
Valid Email Address
Credit or Debit Card
Online Application

Valid Japanese Passport

Your Japanese passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Canada • Passport must be machine-readable; • eTA is electronically linked to your passport; • If you get a new passport, you need a new eTA] (Tip: Ensure passport is in good conditionCheck that the chip works if using e-passport)

Valid Email Address

You will receive your eTA confirmation at this email address • Must be an active email you can access; • Approval notification sent to this address] (Tip: Check spam folder if you do not receive confirmationUse an email you check regularly)

Credit or Debit Card

Required to pay the CAD$7 application fee • Visa, Mastercard, or American Express accepted; • Prepaid cards may also work] (Tip: Ensure card is enabled for international online transactions)

Online Application

Complete the eTA application on the official Government of Canada website • Personal information matching your passport; • Travel details and flight information (if known); • Employment information; • Background questions about health and criminal history] (Tip: Use the official canada.ca website onlyApplication takes about 5 minutes to completeHave your passport ready when applying)

Comparison

Application Type	Processing Time
Standard eTA	Within minutes
Additional Review	Up to 72 hours

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
40%	Criminal History
25%	Incorrect Information
20%	Previous Immigration Issues
10%	Health Concerns
5%	Incomplete Application

40% - Criminal History

How to avoid: Be honest in your application. If you have a criminal record, you may need to apply for a Temporary Resident Permit or Criminal Rehabilitation before traveling.

25% - Incorrect Information

How to avoid: Double-check all passport information before submitting. Passport number, name, and date of birth must exactly match your passport.

20% - Previous Immigration Issues

How to avoid: Disclose any previous issues honestly. Changed circumstances may support a new application.

10% - Health Concerns

How to avoid: Answer health questions honestly. Most routine health issues do not affect eTA approval.

5% - Incomplete Application

How to avoid: Complete all required fields and ensure payment is processed successfully.

Frequently asked questions

Do Japanese citizens need a visa to visit Canada?

No, Japanese citizens do not need a visa to visit Canada for tourism or business. However, if flying to Canada, you must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before boarding. If arriving by car or bus from the US, no eTA is required.

What is the Canada eTA fee for Japanese citizens?

The eTA costs CAD$7 (approximately US$5). This is a one-time fee, and the eTA is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

How long does Canada eTA processing take?

Most eTA applications are approved within minutes. Some applications may take up to 72 hours if additional processing is required. Apply at least a few days before travel as a precaution.

How long can I stay in Canada with an eTA?

Japanese citizens can stay in Canada for up to 6 months per visit. The border officer at entry will determine the exact length of stay allowed.

How long is the Canada eTA valid?

The eTA is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you can make multiple trips to Canada.

Do I need an eTA if driving from the US to Canada?

No, the eTA is only required for air travel. If you are entering Canada by land or sea, you do not need an eTA, just your valid Japanese passport.

Can I work in Canada with an eTA?

No, the eTA is for tourism, business visits, or transit only. If you want to work in Canada, you need a separate work permit.

What if my eTA application is denied?

If denied, you will receive an explanation letter. You may need to apply for a regular visitor visa at a Canadian visa office. Consider consulting an immigration lawyer if you have a criminal record or previous immigration issues.

Apply for Canada tourist visa online

Sources

Government of Canada - eTA

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html

Government of Canada - eTA How to Apply

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html

Government of Canada - Check if You Need a Visa

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/verifiez-visa-ave.html

At a glance