Do Egyptians need a visa to go to Canada?

Planning a trip from Egypt to Canada? Whether you’re coming to the FIFA World Cup 2026, visiting family, exploring Canada’s breathtaking landscapes, or traveling for tourism, Egyptian citizens must obtain a visitor visa before entering the country. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know, from visa requirements and fees to processing times, documents, biometrics, and common questions.

If you’re applying from Egypt or even traveling from the United States with an Egyptian passport, this article gives you the essential information to make your application smoother and stress-free.

Do Egyptians need a visa to go to Canada?

Yes, if you are a citizen of Egypt and plan to visit Canada (for tourism, visiting family/friends, etc.), you need a visa called a temporary resident visa (visitor visa / TRV).

Arrival in Canada without a valid visa is not permitted. So yes, Egyptians do need a visa to travel to Canada.

What type of visa / What’s the official name?

The visa you need is the Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa — TRV). On the official site of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), this falls under “Visit Canada → Apply for visitor visa.”

This visa allows you to travel to Canada for a temporary stay, for tourism, visiting family/friends, or other short-term purposes.

How much does the Canadian visa cost for Egyptians?

According to Canada IRCC's website, the basic fee for a visitor visa application starts at CAD 100. In addition, almost all first-time applicants (ages 14–79) must provide biometrics (photo + fingerprints), which adds a separate fee when applying.

So total cost = application fee + biometric fee (if applicable).

Important note: Always check the official IRCC website before applying because fees are subject to change.

What are the requirements / eligibility criteria?

To be eligible for a visitor visa to Canada (TRV), you must meet certain basic criteria. According to IRCC:

• You must have a valid passport or travel document.

• You must be in good health.

• You must have no criminal or immigration-related convictions (inadmissibility reasons).

• You must convince the immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit (e.g. by showing ties to Egypt (job, property, family), or evidence that you won’t overstay.)

• You must have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada (hotel, living expenses, travel).

• You may be asked for additional documents depending on your situation: travel history, proof of funds, itinerary, letter of invitation (if visiting family), etc.

If you’re between 14 and 79 years old, biometrics are mandatory (photo + fingerprints). See all basic requirements here.

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Step-by-Step: How to apply for a Canada Visitor Visa from Egypt

Here is a typical process for an Egyptian applying for a visitor visa to Canada:

1. Go to the official IRCC application page for a visitor visa.

2. Fill out the application form and gather required documents: valid passport, passport photos (if paper application), proof of funds, travel itinerary, history of travel (if any), etc.

3. Pay the application fee (≈ CAD 100) and biometric fee (if required).

4. Submit your application. According to IRCC, you can apply online, unless you are in a situation requiring a paper application.

5. Provide biometrics (photo + fingerprints), if required. This is done via a visa application centre (VAC), often managed by a third-party (for example, VFS Global).

6. Wait for processing. Once approved, you'll receive a visitor visa (TRV) in your passport. You must carry that visa when you travel to Canada.

7. Travel to Canada. At border entry, be prepared to show your visa, passport, and proof of funds / travel documents / return ticket.

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How long does the process take?

Processing times vary depending on several factors: time of year, volume of applications, completeness of your application, backlog, etc.

As a general guideline:

• For a visitor visa (TRV), it can take a few weeks — sometimes 2–8 weeks is cited in various guides.

• Because biometrics are required (for most applicants), that step can add additional waiting time if centers are busy.

Advice: It’s best to apply well in advance of your intended travel date, at least 2–3 months before, to account for any delays.

Common Questions & FAQs (for Egyptians)

1. Can I travel to Canada without a visa if I just visit briefly?

   1. No. As an Egyptian citizen, you need a valid visitor visa (TRV) to enter Canada. There is no visa-free access or eTA for Egypt.

   
   

2. Do I need biometrics?

   1. Yes, if you are between 14 and 79 years old, you must provide biometrics (photo + fingerprints) when applying for a visitor visa or other temporary permit.

   
   

3. What documents should I prepare?

   1. You’ll typically need:

      1. A valid passport (with sufficient validity beyond your stay in Canada)

      2. Passport-sized photos (if required)

      3. Proof of funds (bank statements, savings, or financial means)

      4. Travel itinerary (flight bookings, accommodation bookings) or letter of invitation (if visiting family/friends)

      5. Evidence you will leave Canada at the end of your stay: ties to Egypt such as job, family, property, responsibilities, etc.

      6. Previous travel history, if any (past visas or trips) — helpful but not always mandatory.

   
   

4. Can I apply online?

   1. Yes, most applicants can apply online through IRCC’s portal.

   
   

5. What if I’m denied — can I appeal?

   1. If your application is refused, IRCC will send you a letter explaining why. You may need to reapply if you want to try again. It’s important to ensure that all requirements and supporting documents are complete to minimize chances of refusal. You can also contact us to appeal and reapply.

Tips to Increase Chances of Approval

Based on common practices and official guidance:

• Submit a complete and honest application: ensure documents match, passport is valid, funds are real, itinerary makes sense.

• Show strong ties to Egypt: job letter, property ownership, family commitments, etc. This helps convince visa officers you will return.

• Provide adequate proof of funds: bank statements for last 3–6 months, savings, or sponsor letter if relevant.

• Apply well in advance — not too close to your travel date, to leave room for delays.

• Avoid mistakes in the application form — typos or incomplete info may cause delays or rejection.

• Have a realistic travel plan: return ticket, accommodation booking, an itinerary consistent with the purpose.

What if I travel from the U.S. (or another country) to Canada? Do I still need a visa?

Yes. Your entry requirements to Canada depend on your nationality, not your current location. If you are an Egyptian citizen, you need a valid Canadian visa regardless of whether you enter from Egypt, the United States, or another country.

Even if you hold a different passport (dual citizenship) or permanent residency elsewhere, you need to check which passport you travel under and what visa/authorization is required for that passport.

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