Canada Extends Gaza Visitor Policy Until 2028

Canada has extended a temporary policy that allows certain foreign nationals stranded in Gaza to travel to the country as visitors. The updated rule gives eligible individuals nearly two more years to make the journey.

The policy takes effect on April 24, 2026, and will remain in place until March 31, 2028. Officials may cancel it at any point during this period.

Who can benefit from the policy

The extension applies to foreign nationals who already hold a valid Canadian temporary resident visa issued under earlier Gaza-related measures. These individuals must plan to enter Canada as visitors.

Authorities have made it clear that the policy does not apply to new applicants. Only those approved under earlier programs can use this extended window.

Easier entry rules for travellers

Under normal conditions, visitors must show they plan to leave Canada after their stay and prove they have enough money to support themselves. Border officers usually check both points before granting entry.

This temporary policy removes those specific requirements for eligible travellers from Gaza. As a result, they can enter Canada without facing refusal on these grounds. However, all other standard checks still apply.

Policy builds on earlier measures

Canada first introduced special measures for Gaza in December 2023. Officials later updated the program in April 2024 to respond to ongoing conflict in the region.

The earlier version aimed to help Palestinian nationals in Gaza who had close family members in Canada. It offered them a temporary pathway to safety during the war.

Three-part program explained

The updated policy included three main parts. The current extension applies only to the third part, which focuses on entry into Canada.

Part 1 created a special process for people in Gaza to apply for temporary resident visas. Applicants needed support from a Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member, often called an “anchor.” This person agreed to help with housing, food, and basic settlement needs for one year.

Part 2 expanded this support to immediate family members, including spouses and children travelling together.

Part 3 allowed approved applicants to enter Canada as visitors, even if they did not meet usual entry conditions.

Authorities closed Parts 1 and 2 after reaching a limit of 5,000 applications. No new applications now enter the system.

Extension offers longer relief

Officials first extended the entry component in March 2025, allowing travel until April 2026. The latest extension, signed on April 20, 2026, pushes the deadline much further to March 2028.

This longer timeframe gives eligible individuals more flexibility as they plan their travel during ongoing uncertainty in Gaza.