US green card holders · Country guide
Canada visa for US green card holders
In brief
No. US lawful permanent residents (green card holders) need neither a visitor visa nor an eTA to travel to Canada, whatever their nationality.1 The eTA exemption for US lawful permanent residents has applied since 26 April 2022.2
- By airFlying to Canada, a green card holder must bring a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of US status).1
- By land or water, straight from the USEntering by land or water directly from the US or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, a green card holder only needs the valid green card (or equivalent proof of US status), not a passport.1
- To be safeCarry your passport and your green card, whichever way you travel: IRCC's eTA page still asks for both for all methods of travel2.
Checked 1 Nov 2026Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship CanadaReport a change
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ContentsIn brief
Who qualifies
The exemption covers US lawful permanent residents of any nationality. In its own words, from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada:
US lawful permanent residents (green card holders) need neither a visitor visa nor an eTA to travel to Canada, whatever their nationality.
You don’t need a visa or an eTA to travel to Canada if you are one of the following: … a US national or permanent resident
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked
The eTA exemption for US lawful permanent residents has applied since 26 April 2022.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked
Documents by way of travel
| Travelling | IRCC (entry requirements) | CBSA (border agency) |
|---|---|---|
| By air | Flying to Canada, a green card holder must bring a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of US status).1 | The CBSA says permanent residents of the US arriving by air must carry both proof of citizenship (such as a valid passport from their country of nationality) and proof of US status such as a valid permanent resident card.3 |
| By land or water, straight from the US or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon | Entering by land or water directly from the US or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, a green card holder only needs the valid green card (or equivalent proof of US status), not a passport.1 | The CBSA says a US permanent resident entering by land or water directly from the US or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon presents the US permanent resident card on arrival and does not need to present a passport.3 |
Where the official pages differ
IRCC's entry requirements page and the CBSA say the green card alone is enough by land or water. IRCC's eTA page still lists a passport and a green card for all methods of travel:
The eTA exemption for US lawful permanent residents has applied since 26 April 2022.
As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the United States are also exempt from the eTA requirement and must show these documents for all methods of travel to Canada: a valid passport from their country or territory of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked
Carry your passport and your green card, whichever way you travel: IRCC's eTA page still asks for both for all methods of travel2.
Proof of US permanent residence
Accepted proof of US permanent residence includes a valid green card (Form I-551), a passport with a valid temporary I-551 (ADIT) stamp or I-551 note on an immigrant visa with a CBP admission stamp, an expired green card with Form I-797 for a pending I-751, I-829 or I-90, a valid re-entry permit (I-327), or Form I-94 with an unexpired I-551 stamp and a passport-style photo.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked
How long you can stay
Most visitors can stay in Canada for up to 6 months; if the passport is stamped, the visitor must leave by the stamped date.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked
Entry conditions
Like every visitor, a green card holder must meet Canada's basic entry requirements, such as good health, no criminal or immigration-related convictions, ties that will take them home, and enough money for the stay.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checkedAn eTA or exemption does not guarantee entry: a border services officer checks the passport and other documents on arrival, and the traveller must convince the officer they are eligible.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked
FAQ
Can I visit Canada with my US green card?
Yes. US lawful permanent residents (green card holders) need neither a visitor visa nor an eTA to travel to Canada, whatever their nationality. Carry your passport and your green card, whichever way you travel: IRCC's eTA page still asks for both for all methods of travel2.
Do I need an eTA for Canada if I have a US green card?
No. US lawful permanent residents (green card holders) need neither a visitor visa nor an eTA to travel to Canada, whatever their nationality. The eTA exemption for US lawful permanent residents has applied since 26 April 2022.
Can I enter Canada by land with just a green card?
Entering by land or water directly from the US or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, a green card holder only needs the valid green card (or equivalent proof of US status), not a passport. The CBSA says a US permanent resident entering by land or water directly from the US or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon presents the US permanent resident card on arrival and does not need to present a passport. Carry your passport and your green card, whichever way you travel: IRCC's eTA page still asks for both for all methods of travel2.
What is the new rule for green card holders?
The eTA exemption for US lawful permanent residents has applied since 26 April 2022.
Which countries are visa-free for green card holders?
See visa-free countries for US green card holders: each destination's rule, who it covers and its official source.
Sources
Official sources only. Each was checked on the date shown.
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): who qualifies, documents and proof of status
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): who qualifies and entry conditions
- Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA): documents
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): length of stay
More: visa-free countries for US green card holders · Canada eTA: who needs one · Canada entry rules by nationality.