QuickTravelTools Do I need a visa for Canada with a South African passport?
You need a visa for Canada. Apply before you travel.
Rule verified by QuickTravelTools on October 10, 2026.
Visa rules for all 199 passports: Canada visa hub.
What you need
- Passport: should be valid at least 6 months after your trip ends.
- Fee (visa-required): 100 CAD, per person, single or multiple entry
Source: IRCC (Government of Canada). - Fee (visa-required): 500 CAD, maximum fee for a family of 5 or more applying at the same time and place
Source: IRCC (Government of Canada). - Apply: Start the official eTA application (canada.ca)
- Official information: Applying for a visitor visa: official guide
Official sources
- U.S. citizens are exempt from the eTA requirement and need only proper identification; visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to Canada otherwise need an eTA (valid up to 5 years, CAD $7) (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, verified October 5, 2026)
- Official IRCC interactive checker 'Check if you need a visa or eTA to travel to Canada' (date modified 2026-07-30); tested live 2026-10-09 for US (visa-free), UK (eTA), China/India (visa), Brazil/Mexico (visa or eTA with conditions). (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), verified October 9, 2026)
- Official IRCC rules page 'What you need to enter Canada' (date modified 2026-07-31) with full lists: visa-required countries, eTA-required countries (air), and 17 eTA-eligible visa-required countries. (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), verified October 9, 2026)
Canada at a glance
| Region | North America |
|---|---|
| Everyday prices | 84 on our price index (US = 100) |
| Power | Type A/B/NEMA 14-30/NEMA 14-50 sockets, 120/240 V, 120/208 V, 347/600 V, 60 Hz |
On cost, Canada is mid-priced for travelers: everyday prices sit at about 84 on a global index where the United States is 100. See how Canada compares to 179 countries.
Pack a plug adapter: South African devices use Type C/M/N, but Canada uses Type A/B/NEMA 14-30/NEMA 14-50. Voltage differs too (120/240 V, 120/208 V, 347/600 V there versus 230/400 V at home), so check for a dual-voltage label before plugging in. Full plug and voltage guide for Canada.
Good to know about Canada
- Cannabis is legal in Canada, but taking it across the border in either direction is a serious criminal offence. (Canada Border Services Agency)
- Flying into Canada? You can make your customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours before you land, at participating airports. (Canada Border Services Agency)
- Traveling with kids who are not your own? Bring a consent letter from their parent or guardian, or officers may ask extra questions. (Canada Border Services Agency)
Common questions
Do South African citizens need a visa for Canada?
Yes. You need a visa for Canada. Apply before you travel.
How long can a South African passport holder stay in Canada?
The permitted stay depends on the visa or authorisation issued. Check the official immigration site before booking.
Is the visa information on this page official?
No. This is a summary compiled from official government sources and verified by QuickTravelTools, and it can lag rule changes. Always confirm with Canada's embassy or official immigration portal before you travel.
Nearby destinations for South African passport holders
Sorted by distance from Canada, useful if your trip covers more than one country.