One underrated benefit of having Canadian permanent residence status is the expanded travel opportunities it opens up. Canadian permanent residents (PRs) can enter several countries without needing a visa, making international getaways much more accessible. Whether you’re planning a quick beach vacation or looking to explore somewhere new, your PR status can unlock many exciting short-haul destinations. If you’re a Canadian PR thinking about your next trip, below are some of the top visa-free getaways for Canadian PRs within a short flight.
In the table below, we’ve detailed how long you can stay visa-free in each country. We’ve also included the approximate durations of direct flights from major Canadian airports (where available at the time of writing) to help with your travel planning.
| Destination | Length of visa-free stays | Flight Time (from Toronto) | Flight time (from Montreal) | Flight time (from Vancouver) | Flight time (from Calgary) |
| Bermuda | Short stays | Under 3 hours | Under 3 hours | N/A | N/A |
| The Bahamas | Up to 30 days | Under 3.5 hours | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Costa Rica | Up to 30 days | 5.5 hours | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Dominican Republic | Short visits | 4.5 hours | 4.5 hours | N/A | N/A |
| Jamaica | Short trips | 4-5 hours | 4.5 hours | N/A | 6.5 hours |
| Mexico | Up to 180 days | 4 hours | 4.5 hours | 5.5 hours | 5.75 hours |
| Sint Maarten | Up to 90 days | Under 5 hours | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Turks & Caicos Islands | Short trips | Under 4 hours | 4+ hours | N/A | N/A |
Bermuda
Entry: Visa-free for short stays
Flight time: Direct flights from Toronto to Hamilton, Bermuda’s capital, are typically under three hours. Montreal also offers similar durations.
The first and one of the top visa-free getaways for Canadian PRs within a short flight is Bermuda. Well, Bermuda is a charming British Overseas Territory located in the North Atlantic. Known for its pastel-colored buildings, turquoise waters, and pink sand beaches like Horseshoe Bay, it offers a unique mix of British elegance and laid-back island life.
Visitors can enjoy activities such as relaxing on the beach, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of St. George, or playing a round at one of the island’s scenic golf courses.
The Bahamas
Entry: Visa-free for up to 30 days
Flight time: From Toronto, direct flights to Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas, take less than three and a half hours. Other Canadian cities may require connecting flights.
The Bahamas is a tropical paradise famous for its crystal-clear waters, soft white sand beaches, and vibrant marine life. It’s a perfect destination for water activities like snorkeling, diving, and jet skiing.
Nassau, with its historic architecture and lively atmosphere, is a favorite for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.
Special requirements: PRs need a return ticket and a passport with a Canadian PR card valid for at least three months after their return from The Bahamas (or six months if transiting through countries like the US).
Costa Rica
Entry: Visa-free for up to 30 days
Flight time: Direct flights from Toronto to San José, Costa Rica’s capital, are about five and a half hours.
Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, offering rainforests, volcanoes, beaches, and wildlife—all in one trip. Nature lovers can hike through cloud forests, soak in hot springs, or spot exotic animals in national parks.
Whether you’re drawn to the Pacific or Caribbean coastline, Costa Rica’s warm hospitality and eco-tourism experiences make it an ideal destination.
Special requirements: Canadian PRs must present a valid PR card (even if it has just one day of validity left) and proof of financial means—specifically at least $100 USD for each month of stay.
Dominican Republic
Entry: Visa-free for short visits
Flight time: Direct flights from both Toronto and Montreal to Punta Cana typically take around four and a half hours.
The Dominican Republic is a favorite among Canadians for its all-inclusive resorts and sunny weather. But beyond the beaches, visitors can explore natural beauty such as waterfalls, mountain trails, and lush national parks.
Culture and history lovers may enjoy a visit to the Alcázar de Colón, a historic building in Santo Domingo, or spend time whale watching along the coast.
Mexico
Entry: Visa-free for up to 180 days
Flight time: Direct flights from Toronto to Cancún are about four hours. Vancouver and Calgary offer longer flights, ranging from 5.5 to nearly six hours.
Another one of the top visa-free getaways for Canadian PRs within a short flight is Mexico.
Mexico offers everything from ancient ruins to beach resorts. Cancún and the Riviera Maya are known for luxurious resorts and vibrant nightlife.
Travelers can also explore historic sites like Chichén Itzá, swim in underground cenotes, or savor world-famous street food.
This makes Mexico one of the most versatile and generous visa-free destinations for Canadian PRs.
Jamaica
Entry: Visa-free for short trips
Flight time: Flights from Toronto to Montego Bay take just over four hours, with Calgary offering direct options in about 6.5 hours.
Jamaica is known for its laid-back vibe, lush landscapes, reggae music, and stunning coastline. Visitors can enjoy relaxing beach days in Negril, hiking in the Blue Mountains, or exploring the vibrant culture and food scene in Kingston.
Montego Bay is a popular destination for all-inclusive stays and water sports, offering a great balance of leisure and adventure.
Sint Maarten
Entry: Visa-free for up to 90 days
Flight time: Direct flights from Toronto to Sint Maarten take just under five hours.
Located in the Caribbean, Sint Maarten is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and offers a unique fusion of Dutch and French influences.
The island is perfect for beach lovers and shoppers alike. Maho Beach is famous for plane spotting, while nearby areas offer markets, local cuisine, and water-based activities.
Turks And Caicos Islands
Entry: Visa-free for short trips
Flight time: Flights from Toronto to Providenciales, the main hub of Turks and Caicos, take around four hours. Flights from other Canadian cities may require stopovers.
This British Overseas Territory is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and calm vibe. Grace Bay Beach is consistently ranked among the top beaches in the world.
Visitors can enjoy world-class diving, explore coral reefs, or simply unwind in one of the luxury resorts.
Note: While these destinations offer visa-free access for Canadian PRs, travelers must still carry a valid passport, their Canadian PR card, and proof of a return or onward ticket. Entry rules are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check with official embassy or government websites before booking your trip.
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