Compare Tourist Visa Rules for Top Snowbird Destinations
- CanadaSnowbirds.com
- Aug 2
- 8 min read
Updated: Aug 14
About No-Visa-Required Longterm Stays and Extended Tourist Visas
Australia • Bahamas • Cayman Islands • Costa Rica • Cuba • Honduras • Japan • Mexico • Panama • Philippines • Portugal • Thailand • USA • Vietnam
While many countries provide between 30-day to as many as 240-day Canadian citizen tourist stays with no visa required, most also offer extended tourist visas ranging from extensions of a few weeks to several months depending on each destinations' particular regulations. Keep in mind that restrictions on extended stays will vary from country to country, sometimes significantly.
Below, we break down a few of the basic requirements and restrictions for each country listed above. We have also provided helpful links to each country's official government website for you to continue your pre-departure research. We've also added general insights into the approximate average cost of living for people, such as yourself, who are planning long-term stays in a warmer climate.
Australia
No-Visa-Required for Canadian Citizen Tourist Stays up to 90 Days:
Restricted to tourism stays.
Obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before travelling.
Allows multiple entries.*
ETA is valid for 12 months.
See the official government website link below for complete restrictions and detailed information.
Extended Stay Visas:
Primarily for tourism and extended family visits.
Work or study is generally limited to three months.
See the official government website link below for complete restrictions and detailed information.
Average Cost of Living: Approximately $3,500 to $5,500 per month per couple. Food prices in Sydney can be around 10-20% higher than in Melbourne, while housing and accommodation costs vary significantly across the country. Factors that effect the estimated cost-of-living include property values, walkability scores, property and local amenities, and proximity to medical/shopping/transportation/beaches/dining etc.
Official Website for Visa Application and Info: Australian Government Department of Home Affairs
Bahamas
No Visa Required for Canadian Citizen Tourist Stays up to 240 Days:
Restricted to tourism stays.
See the official government website link below for complete restrictions and detailed information.
Visa Restrictions for Extended Stays Include:
Extended stays require approval from the Department of Immigration.
Work is not allowed without a work visa.
See the official government website link below for complete restrictions and detailed information.
Average Cost of Living: Estimated at $2,300 to $4,400 per month per couple. Expect to pay about 20% more for some groceries compared to Canada. Mandatory minimums for tipping are in place at most restaurants. Factors that effect the estimated cost-of-living include property values, walkability scores, property and local amenities, and proximity to medical/shopping/transportation/beaches/dining etc.
Official Website for Visa Application: Bahamas Immigration
Cayman Islands
No Visa Required for Canadian Citizen Tourist Stays up to 180 Days:
Restricted to tourism stays.
See the official government website link below for complete restrictions and detailed information.
Visa Restrictions for Extended Stays:
Work is prohibited on a tourist visa.
Applicants must provide documentation showing sufficient funds (around $2,500) for the stay.
See the official government website link below for complete restrictions and detailed information.
Average Cost of Living: Approximately $2,500 to $3,500 per month per couple. Renting in the capital, George Town, can be particularly high. Factors that effect the estimated cost-of-living include property values, walkability scores, property and local amenities, and proximity to medical/shopping/transportation/beaches/dining etc.
Official Website for Visa Application: Cayman Islands Immigration
Costa Rica
No Visa Required for Canadian Citizen Tourist Stays up to 180 Days:
Restricted to tourism stays.
See the official government website link below for complete restrictions and detailed information.
Visa Restrictions for Extended Stays:
Can be renewed, allowing visitors to stay up to six months in a calendar year.
Extensions can cost between $50 to $100.
See the official government website link below for complete restrictions and detailed information.
Average Cost of Living: Approximately $2,000 to $3,500 per month per couple. Expats often save up to 30% on healthcare compared to the US. Factors that effect the estimated cost-of-living include property values, walkability scores, property and local amenities, and proximity to medical/shopping/transportation/beaches/dining etc.
Official Website for Visa Application: Costa Rica's Immigration Department
Cuba
No Visa Required for Canadian CItizen Tourist Stays up to 90 Days:
Restricted to tourism stays.
See the official government website link below for complete restrictions and detailed information.
Visa Restrictions for Extended Stays:
Must be for tourism purposes only.
Valid travel insurance is typically required.
See the official government website link below for complete restrictions and detailed information.
Average Cost of Living: Approximately $1600 to $2,400 per month per couple. Factors that effect the estimated cost-of-living include property values, walkability scores, property and local amenities, and proximity to medical/shopping/transportation/beaches/dining etc.
Website for Visa Application: Cuban Embassy
Honduras ie: Roatan
No Visa Required for Canadian Citizen Tourist Stays up to 180 Days:
Restricted to tourism stays.
See the official government website link below for complete restrictions and detailed information.
Visa Restrictions for Extended Stays:
Extensions must be applied for while still in Honduras.
Work is prohibited on a tourist visa.
See the official government website link below for complete restrictions and detailed information.
Average Cost of Living: Approximately $1,500 to $2,500 per month per couple for example in English speaking Roatan. Factors that effect the estimated cost-of-living include property values, walkability scores, property and local amenities, and proximity to medical/shopping/transportation/beaches/dining etc.
Official Website for Visa Application: Honduras Immigration
Japan
No Visa Required for Canadian Citizen Tourist Stays up to 90 Days:
Restricted to tourism stays.
See the official government website link below for complete restrictions and detailed information.
Visa Restrictions for Extended Stays:
Visitors can enter multiple times but must strictly adhere to tourism activities.
Work is prohibited.
See the official government website link below for complete restrictions and detailed information.
Average Cost of Living: Approximately $2,800 to $4,500 per month per couple. Major expenses include housing in cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, where rent can be double or triple that of rural areas. Tipping at restaurants is not encouraged in Japan. Factors that effect the estimated cost-of-living include property values, walkability scores, property and local amenities, and proximity to medical/shopping/transportation/beaches/dining etc.
Official Website for Visa Application: Japan Visa Information
Mexico
No Visa Required for Canadian Citizen Tourist Stays up to 180 Days:
Restricted to tourism stays.
See the official government website link below for complete restrictions and detailed information.
Visa Restrictions for Extended Stays:
Work is allowed with a permit.
Applicants must show proof of financial resources, typically around $1,200 in monthly income or a bank balance with sufficient funds to cover their stay's approximate total expenses.
See the official government website link below for complete restrictions and detailed information.
Average Cost of Living: Approximately $1,800 to $2,500 per month per couple. In cities like Mexico City, you can find a basic apartment for around $600 monthly. Factors that effect the estimated cost-of-living include property values, walkability scores, property and local amenities, and proximity to medical/shopping/transportation/beaches/dining etc.
Website for Visa Information: Mexican Government
Panama
No Visa Required for Canadian Citizen Tourist Stays up to 180 Days:
Restricted to tourism stays.
See the official government website link below for complete restrictions and detailed information.
Visa Restrictions for Extended Stays:
Extensions require proof of financial stability, such as bank statements.
Work is not permitted without a proper work visa.
See the official government website link below for complete restrictions and detailed information.
Average Cost of Living: Approximately $1,800 to $2,500 per month per couple. Expenses are generally around 30% lower than in the US. Factors that effect the estimated cost-of-living include property values, walkability scores, property and local amenities, and proximity to medical/shopping/transportation/beaches/dining etc.
Official Website for Visa Application: Panama Government Immigration Service
Philippines
No Visa Required for Canadian Citizen Tourist Stays up to 30 Days:
Restricted to tourism stays.
See the official government website link below for complete restrictions and detailed information.
Visa Restrictions for Extended Stays:
Extensions must be done in person at local immigration offices.
Proof of funds is required for longer stays—around $1200 or higher per month.
See the official government website link below for complete restrictions and detailed information.
Average Cost of Living: Approximately $1200 to $2,500 per month per couple. Living in a major city like Manila will be higher, but monthly costs can be as low as $1000 in the provinces. Factors that effect the estimated cost-of-living include property values, walkability scores, property and local amenities, and proximity to medical/shopping/transportation/beaches/dining etc.
Official Website for Visa Application and Info: Philippine Bureau of Immigration
Portugal
No Visa Required for Canadian Citizen Tourist Stays up to 90 Days:
Restricted to tourism stays.
See the official government website link below for complete restrictions and detailed information.
Visa Restrictions for Extended Stays:
Average Cost of Living: Approximately $3500 to $5,000 per month per couple. Living in a popular beachfront location or a major city like Lisbon may be higher. Factors that effect the estimated cost-of-living include property values, walkability scores, property and local amenities, and proximity to medical/shopping/transportation/beaches/dining etc.
Official Website for Visa Application and Info: Portugal Visitor Visa Info
Thailand
No Visa Required for Canadian Citizen Tourist Stays up to 30 Days:
Restricted to tourism stays.
See the official government website link below for complete restrictions and detailed information.
Visa Restrictions for Extended Stays:
Working on a tourist visa is illegal.
Extensions can cost between $20 to $60 - prices are subject to change without notice.
See the official government website link below for complete restrictions and detailed information.
Average Cost of Living: Approximately $1,800 to $3,200 per month per couple. Living in cities like Chiang Mai can be much cheaper, with monthly costs sometimes dipping to $1000. Factors that effect the estimated cost-of-living include property values, walkability scores, property and local amenities, and proximity to medical/shopping/transportation/beaches/dining etc.
Official Website for Visa Application: Thai Government
The USA
No Visa Required for Canadian Citizen Tourist Stays up to 182 Days:
Restricted to tourism stays.
See the official government website link below for complete restrictions and detailed information.
Visa Restrictions for Extended Stays:
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed.
Working is strictly prohibited.
See the official government website link below for complete restrictions and detailed information.
Average Cost of Living: Ranges from $2,400 to $4,500 per month per couple, depending on the state. In states like California, the cost of living can be around 30% higher than the national average. Factors that effect the estimated cost-of-living include property values, walkability scores, property and local amenities, and proximity to medical/shopping/transportation/beaches/dining etc.
Official Website for Visa Info: US tourist visa info for Canadians
Vietnam
No Visa Required for Canadian Citizen Tourist Stays up to 30 Days:
Restricted to tourism stays.
See the official government website link below for complete restrictions and detailed information.
Visa Restrictions for Extended Stays:
Extensions require fees and paperwork, and can take about a week to process.
Employment is not allowed under this visa.
See the official government website link below for complete restrictions and detailed information.
Average Cost of Living: Approximately $1200 to $2,500 per month per couple. In cities like Hanoi, costs can be remarkably low, with meals as cheap as $2. Factors that effect the estimated cost-of-living include property values, walkability scores, property and local amenities, and proximity to medical/shopping/transportation/beaches/dining etc.
Official Website for Visa Application: Vietnam Immigration Department
And To Wrap Things Up…
In an ever-changing world of tourism options, the opportunities for long term stays have become more and more accessible, but becoming familiar with regular tourist stays and extended visa requirements is crucial. Each country offers its own unique experiences and presents its own list of regulations. Placing a high degree of importance on thoroughly researching the entry requirements for your chosen destination(s) is critical well before embarking on your journey.
Whether you seek adventure in the outback of Australia, a vibrant, rainforest getaway in Costa Rica, or deep rooted cultural experiences across Asia, this brief guide can introduce you to some of the travel basics to make your dreams come true. It's crucial to keep in mind that all information is subject to verification from each country's official source. So doubly ensure you are completely informed before booking your trip.
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