Regina Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Canada's visa policy determines whether you need authorization to enter Regina. Requirements depend primarily on your nationality and the purpose and length of your visit. Canadian citizens and permanent residents can enter freely, while foreign nationals fall into three main categories.
Citizens of visa-exempt countries can visit Canada without a visa but require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when arriving by air. This includes most European countries, Australia, Japan, and several others. U.S. citizens are exempt from both visa and eTA requirements but must carry proper identification.
U.S. citizens need a valid passport or approved travel documents. All other visa-exempt nationals arriving by air must obtain an eTA before travel. Those entering by land or sea from the U.S. do not need an eTA. British Overseas Citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens, and British Subjects with right of abode in the UK are also eligible.
An eTA is an electronic entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada. It is linked electronically to your passport and is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Cost: CAD $7 per application
An eTA is mandatory for visa-exempt travelers arriving by air, including those transiting through Canadian airports. It is not required when entering by land or sea. Permanent residents of the U.S. (green card holders) do not need an eTA but must carry their valid green card and passport. Canadian permanent residents must carry their PR card or permanent resident travel document.
Citizens of countries not on the visa-exempt list must apply for a visitor visa (also called a Temporary Resident Visa or TRV) before traveling to Canada. This includes most African, Asian, Eastern European, and some South American and Caribbean countries.
Visa requirements apply to nationals of countries including but not limited to: China, India, Philippines, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and most African and Middle Eastern countries. Check canada.ca/visa-tool to determine if you need a visa. Multiple-entry visas are typically valid for up to 10 years or until passport expiry. Biometrics are valid for 10 years. Application fees are approximately CAD $100 plus CAD $85 for biometrics.
Arrival Process
Upon arrival in Regina (or your first point of entry into Canada), you'll go through immigration and customs inspection administered by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The process is straightforward if you have proper documentation and can clearly explain the purpose of your visit. Be prepared for questions and have all necessary documents easily accessible.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) enforces customs regulations for all goods entering Canada. Understanding duty-free allowances and prohibited items will help ensure a smooth customs clearance process. All travelers must complete a declaration card (often provided on flights) or use the electronic kiosks or ArriveCAN app where available.
Prohibited Items
- Firearms and weapons (except with proper permits and declarations) - strict regulations apply
- Explosive materials, fireworks, and ammunition (except with authorization)
- Cannabis and cannabis products - illegal to bring across the Canadian border in either direction, even though recreational cannabis is legal within Canada
- Endangered species and products made from them - protected under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)
- Hate propaganda and obscene materials
- Child pornography
- Counterfeit goods and pirated media
- Prison-made goods
- Used or second-hand mattresses
- Certain plants, fruits, vegetables, and plant products from specific countries - may carry pests or diseases
- Raw or undercooked meat and meat products from most countries - risk of disease transmission
- Soil and items with soil attached
Restricted Items
- Prescription medications - must be in original containers with pharmacy labels; bring a copy of your prescription or doctor's letter. Limited to a 90-day supply for personal use.
- Firearms for hunting or sporting purposes - require proper permits, declarations, and fees. Must be declared on arrival. Handguns and automatic weapons face severe restrictions.
- Food products - many require inspection or permits. Commercial quantities are restricted. Dairy products, eggs, and fresh produce face limitations.
- Live animals and birds - require import permits, health certificates, and may need quarantine. Advanced arrangements necessary.
- Plants and plant products - may require phytosanitary certificates and CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) permits.
- Vehicles - must meet Canadian safety and emissions standards (important for those driving from the U.S.).
- Commercial goods - require proper documentation, may face duties and taxes. Business samples should be properly declared.
- Drones and radio-controlled devices - subject to Transport Canada regulations.
- Certain medications and supplements - some over-the-counter drugs in other countries are prescription-only or prohibited in Canada.
Health Requirements
Canada generally has minimal mandatory health requirements for entry, though this can change based on global health situations. Travelers should be aware of health recommendations and any current public health measures in place.
Required Vaccinations
- No routine vaccinations are required for entry into Canada for most travelers
- Vaccination requirements may be imposed during disease outbreaks or pandemics - check current requirements before travel
- Travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission may be asked to present proof of yellow fever vaccination
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations should be up to date: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and influenza
- Hepatitis A and B - recommended for most travelers
- Rabies - if you'll be around animals or in rural areas
- COVID-19 vaccination - while requirements have been lifted, vaccination is recommended for international travel
Health Insurance
Canada's public healthcare system (Medicare) does not cover visitors and tourists. Medical care in Canada is expensive for those without coverage. Travel health insurance is strongly recommended and may be required for some visa applications. Ensure your policy covers medical emergencies, hospitalization, and medical evacuation. U.S. visitors should check if their health insurance provides coverage in Canada. Some credit cards offer travel medical insurance when you purchase tickets with the card. Keep insurance documents and emergency contact numbers accessible during your trip.
Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
All children, including infants, need their own passport and must meet the same entry requirements (visa/eTA) as adults. Children under 18 traveling alone, with one parent, or with guardians should carry a letter of consent from non-accompanying parent(s) or legal guardian(s). The letter should include: contact information for the parent(s), a copy of the child's birth certificate, and copies of legal custody documents if applicable. For divorced or separated parents, carry custody documents. Border officers are vigilant about child abduction and may refuse entry without proper documentation. If the child has a different surname than the accompanying adult, bring proof of relationship. Adopted children should carry adoption papers.
Dogs and cats can enter Canada from most countries if they meet health requirements. Dogs must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate (not required for puppies under 3 months from rabies-free countries). Cats don't require rabies vaccination but it's recommended. Pets must appear healthy upon arrival or may be examined by a veterinarian at owner's expense. Bring vaccination records and health certificates. Service animals have the same requirements. Some dog breeds may be prohibited in certain provinces or municipalities. Birds require import permits from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Other pets (reptiles, rodents, etc.) have varying requirements - check CFIA regulations. Commercial imports (more than one pet) face additional requirements.
Tourist visitors are typically allowed to stay up to 6 months. If you wish to extend your stay, you must apply for a visitor record before your authorized stay expires (apply at least 30 days before). Extensions are not guaranteed. To study in Canada for more than 6 months, you need a study permit (apply before arriving). To work in Canada, you need a work permit with a job offer from a Canadian employer and a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in most cases, or qualify for an exemption. Working holiday visas are available for young adults (18-35) from certain countries through International Experience Canada (IEC). Overstaying your authorized period can result in removal and bans on future entry. If you're unsure about your status, contact IRCC or consult an immigration lawyer.
Business visitors can enter Canada without a work permit for specific activities: attending meetings, conferences, or trade shows; negotiating contracts; receiving training from a Canadian parent company; or after-sales service. You cannot work for a Canadian employer or engage in productive activities. Bring documentation proving the purpose of your visit: invitation letters, conference registration, proof of employment abroad, and evidence of ongoing business relationships. Business visitors must meet the same entry requirements (visa/eTA) as tourists. If your activities go beyond permitted business visitor activities, you may need a work permit.
If you're transiting through Canada to another country, you may still need a visa or eTA depending on your nationality. Transit without visa (TWOV) program allows certain travelers to transit through Canadian airports without a visa if they meet specific conditions: hold a valid visa for the U.S., travel on an approved airline, have a confirmed onward ticket within 48 hours, and remain in the international transit area. Visa-exempt nationals still need an eTA for air transit. If you plan to leave the airport or your layover exceeds 48 hours, you need proper entry authorization. Check if you're eligible for the China Transit Program if you're a Chinese national transiting to/from the U.S.
A criminal record can make you inadmissible to Canada, even for minor offenses. This includes DUI/DWI convictions. If you have a criminal record, you may need to apply for: Criminal Rehabilitation (if 5+ years have passed since completion of sentence) or a Temporary Resident Permit (for shorter periods or if not yet eligible for rehabilitation). The severity of the offense and time elapsed affect your options. Be honest if asked about criminal history - providing false information can result in permanent ban. Some offenses may not make you inadmissible depending on Canadian law equivalency. Consult an immigration lawyer if you have concerns about admissibility. Note that a U.S. pardon doesn't eliminate inadmissibility to Canada.
Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, must present a valid Canadian passport to enter Canada by air. Dual citizens cannot use their other passport to enter Canada. When traveling by land or sea from the U.S., Canadian citizens can present other acceptable documents (enhanced driver's license, NEXUS card), but a passport is recommended. Canadian permanent residents must carry their valid PR card or permanent resident travel document. Citizenship cards and birth certificates are no longer accepted as travel documents for entry by air. If your Canadian passport has expired, you cannot board a flight to Canada with another country's passport if you're a Canadian citizen.
Planning your trip? Make sure you have the right travel insurance for Regina Entry Requirements before you go.