Skip to main content

Please be advised that the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Travel Advice is now available at Ireland.ie/travel. Travel Advice on this webpage is no longer being updated. To ensure you receive the latest Travel Advice for Canada, please see Ireland.ie.

Canada

If you’re travelling to Canada, our travel advice and updates give you practical tips and useful information. 

Security Status

  • Normal precautions
  • High degree of caution
  • Avoid non-essential travel
  • Do not travel
  • Overview
  • Safety and Security
  • Local Laws and Customs
  • Additional Information
  • Embassy Contact

Overview

Overview

Security status

Normal Precautions 

General Travel Advice 

To enter Canada, all arrivals are required to have a valid passport for the duration of their stay.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: REQUIREMENT FOR VISA-EXEMPT FOREIGN NATIONALS TRAVELLING TO CANADA BY AIR

Visa-exempt foreign nationals, including passengers travelling on an Irish passport, flying to or transiting through Canada require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).  Applying for an eTA is a simple, inexpensive ($7 Canadian) online process. To apply, passengers must have a valid passport, a credit card, and an e-mail address. An eTA is electronically linked to a passenger’s passport and once approved; it is valid for 5 years or until passport expiry.

Passengers who arrive at the airport without an eTA should expect to experience delays in their travels, and may not be allowed to board their flight. For this reason, passengers should apply for their eTA before booking their flight to Canada.

The eTA website has information about the eTA system and how to apply.

Note:

  • Beware of scam websites claiming to process eTAs. The only genuine website is the one linked above.
  • As eTAs are processed in a closed loop online system, the Embassy of Ireland in Canada will not be able to intervene should there be any delays or errors with your eTA application. The onus is on citizens to fill in their application correctly and to give themselves enough time to apply for the eTA in advance of travelling.

Visitors to Canada are advised to follow the guidance of national and local authorities and stay fully informed of what's going on by monitoring local news and social media.

Citizens can also follow the Embassy on Twitter@ @IrlEmbCanada to ensure access to relevant updates and alerts.

Irish-Canadian dual citizens please note carefully:

If you are a dual Irish-Canadian citizen you cannot apply for an eTA on your Irish passport and must enter Canada on a valid Canadian passport. You may be denied boarding if you attempt to travel using your Irish passport. 

Dual citizens are strongly encouraged to apply for a Canadian passport. This will prevent delays during travel and help ensure dual Canadian citizens are treated according to the rules that apply to Canadian citizens. 

Note: More information regarding travel documents for dual Canadian citizens travelling to Canada is available here.

Irish citizens who are permanent residents (PRs) of Canada please note carefully:

Permanent residents (PRs) of Canada are not eligible to apply for an eTA. Canadian PRs must carry and present their valid PR card or Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) when boarding a flight to Canada or travelling to Canada on any other commercial carrier.

If your PR card expires, it does not mean you have lost permanent resident status, however it is your responsibility to apply for a new PR card when your current card expires. If you need to replace or renew your permanent resident card, make sure to plan ahead and check the processing times.

If you have lived outside of Canada for many years and are not sure whether you are still a Canadian permanent resident, see “How long must I stay in Canada to keep my permanent resident status” to review the residency requirement details.  

Emergency Assistance

The best help is often close at hand so if visitors have problems, try talking to local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.

Visitors can contact the emergency services in Canada by dialling 911.

Our tips for Safe Travels:

  • Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers all your planned activities.
  • Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
  • Follow us on twitter @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.

Safety and Security

Safety and security

Terrorism

Although the threat from terrorism in Canada is low, there is still a global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by tourists and expatriates.

Crime

Crime remains relatively low in Canada but you should take sensible precautions:

  • Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place.
  • Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
  • Avoid showing large sums of money in public and don’t use ATMs after dark, especially if you’re alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business.
  • Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, and arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible.
  • Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafés, train and bus stations.

Petty theft

As with any country, crimes such as mugging, bag-snatching and pickpocketing are not uncommon in Canadian cities and towns. However, most visits to Canada are trouble-free.

Reporting crime

If you are a victim of a crime while in Canada, report it to the local police immediately and get a police report. You will need this if you are applying for a replacement passport or making an insurance claim.  If you need help or consular assistance, you can contact us at the nearest Embassy or Consulate.

Driving

If you’re planning to drive in Canada, be aware that cars drive on the right side of the road but otherwise road safety conditions are fairly similar to Ireland.

If you want to drive:

  • Bring your full Irish driving license and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and you risk being detained, fined or banned from driving if caught
  • Keep your vehicle doors locked and your bags kept out of sight to prevent opportunistic bag-snatching if you’re stopped at traffic lights

Vehicle hire

If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Local Laws and Customs

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Illegal drugs

Cannabis is legalised for personal use, however any attempts to traffic the drug outside of Canada bring with it the possibility of stiff penalties inclusive of fines and long prison terms. Remember taking drugs will reduce your ability to make considered decisions and may make you vulnerable to accidents and unintended consequences.

Fentanyl 

The Government of Canada warns that Fentanyl has been detected in the illegal drug supply in all Canadian jurisdictions and significantly increases the risk of drug related overdose.

Additional Information

Additional Information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Please see ‘Overview’ tab for information on the eTA which is required to enter Canada.

Passports should be valid for the duration of your stay.

Health

Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see if you need any vaccinations for Canada.

Natural disasters and climate

Thunderstorms

Summer thunderstorms are fairly frequent in most parts of Canada, with some becoming severe and potentially life threatening.

Tornadoes

May to September are the prime tornado months with the peak season in June and early July. Listen to local weather bulletins and check the National Hurricane CentreEnvironment Canada and The Weather Network websites. This is especially important if camping or travelling by recreational vehicle.

Forest fires

Forest fires can break out at any time, regardless of the season. Please heed local warnings and monitor news bulletins for latest details on local outbreaks. For more information visit the Environment Canada website.

Snow Storms

During the winter, highways can be closed because of snow storms and avalanches. Even when roads remain open, winter driving conditions may still be treacherous. Listen to local weather bulletins and check the Weather Network website. Always comply with avalanche advisories and don’t enter closed trails. For more information and avalanche bulletins check the Canadian Avalanche Foundation.

Earthquakes

Though rare, Canada can have earthquakes and tremors. The coast of British Columbia is the region most at risk from a major earthquake. Earthquake reports and general information is provided by Earthquakes Canada. For information on earthquake preparedness check out GetPrepared.ca

Embassy contact

Embassy Contact

If you need urgent assistance outside of working hours Monday to Friday, you can contact the Embassy on +1 613 769 0014.

Embassy of Ireland
Suite 1105 (11th Floor)
130 Albert Street
Ottawa
Ontario K1P 5G4
Canada

Tel: +1 613 233 6281

Monday to Friday 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm.

Contact us

Consulate Contact

Please note, the Consulate General is currently open to the public by appointment only. Phone lines are open 9.30am to 12.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Consulate General of Ireland, Toronto
Spaces at The Permanent,
320 Bay Street,
Toronto, Ontario M5H4A6,
Canada
Ph: +1 437 290 6315

Tel: +1 437 290 6315

Consulate Contact

Consulate General of Ireland, Vancouver
1300-1095 West Pender Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V6E 2M6
Canada

Tel: +1 236 521 7300

Contact us

Honorary Consulate Contact

Alberta (south of Red Deer)

Honorary Consul (Community, Cultural and Consular)
Deirdre Halferty
215 Glamorgan Place SW
Calgary,
Alberta
T3E 5B9

Tel: +1 403 813 5337

Email: Email us

Honorary Consulate Contact

Mr. Mark Dobbin
Honorary Consul of Ireland
95 Water Street, 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 5383, Stn. C
St. John's, NL A1C 5W2
Canada

Tel: +1 709 738 6280

Email: Email us

Honorary Consulate Contact

Mr. Brian Doherty,
Honorary Consul of Ireland,
5136 Prince St.,
Halifax,
Nova Scotia
Canada B3J 1L4

Tel: 902 800 2064

Email: Email us