How to Travel to Canada
If you’ve never visited Canada, you might be wondering how you can get there. First, it’s important to know that you’ll need to obtain a valid Canadian passport to enter the country. The passport is a universally accepted document that proves you are allowed to enter and leave Canada. It also provides the necessary travel information and documents to get you through customs. Here’s how to get yours:
If you’re a dual citizen, you must have a Canadian passport in order to fly to, transit through, or board a flight into Canada. Remember to carry both passports! Travelers from other countries will probably need to acquire an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or other forms of travel authorization in order to enter Canada. You can also use the Canada visa website to learn more about the requirements and documents you’ll need.
In order to avoid quarantine, you’ll need to be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. If you don’t have this vaccine, you’ll need to take a 14-day quarantine, at your own expense. Thankfully, you can download the ArriveCAN app and upload the proof of vaccination within 72 hours of your departure date. In any case, you’ll also need to meet other requirements before entering Canada.
As a result, the CDC no longer recommends avoiding travel to Canada, although the country is still designated as having a high incidence of Covid-19. As long as you have a valid passport, you’ll be fine to visit Canada for leisure, as long as you follow certain travel restrictions. If you’re going to Canada to get some fresh air, remember to pack your best clothing and be aware of possible disease outbreaks.
If you are a citizen of the U.S. and Canada, you will need a copy of your birth certificate. You must also have a valid government photo ID with you to prove your identity. If you are not a Canadian citizen, you must obtain a passport or permanent residence application. For U.S. citizens, you’ll need to show your proof of vaccination and a copy of your photo ID, known as ArriveCAN. Ensure you submit this form at least 72 hours before your scheduled departure date. Failure to do so could lead to a denial of travel and a quarantine plan.
For students planning to visit Canada, you’ll need a visitor visa. Check out the Canadian Consulate’s website for details and fees. Visitor visas take about a month to process. You can apply online or send a letter, but you should know that many countries require biometrics such as a photograph or fingerprints to enter the country. Likewise, the I-20 or DS-2019 must bear a valid travel signature.
You must be fully vaccinated to enter Canada. There are a few restrictions on the vaccinations you need to obtain when entering Canada. In general, though, you’ll need a valid COVID-19 test result before you leave for the country. For children under age 12, a valid COVID-19 test is not required. Children under the age of five are exempt from this requirement. The government of Canada recommends that you avoid non-essential travel abroad unless you absolutely have to.
To obtain an eTA, go to the government’s website. Applying online is quick and easy, and all you need is a valid passport, an e-mail address, and a credit card. Your eTA is linked to your passport and is valid for five years. If you fail to do this, you could be denied boarding the flight, which will delay your travel. Make sure you apply for an eTA well in advance of your flight so that your travel to Canada can go smoothly. Be wary of scam websites though.
If you have had a viral infection, you should have a viral test done before leaving. This test is recommended at least five days before leaving. It is important to follow destination health requirements, especially if they differ from those in the U.S. If you don’t follow the rules, you may be refused entry and will have to return home. Finally, you should wear a mask or respirator if you have had contact with people in poor ventilation areas.