Travel Restrictions and Requirements for Canada
Before traveling to Canada, it is important to understand the country’s travel regulations and restrictions. These laws are constantly changing and should be checked prior to booking your trip. You may also want to check with the Canadian Embassy for any relevant updates. Visiting Canada is not an excuse for breaking the law. You are expected to follow the law at all times and may be arrested if you do so.
Travel restrictions to Canada may vary depending on the province or region you are visiting. If you’re planning a ski trip in the Rockies, check the current restrictions. For other travelers, a city break in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, or Quebec City might be just what you’re looking for. Remember to follow the rules about entering the country – only Canadian citizens and permanent residents are allowed to enter. Travelers who are not vaccinated may need to self-quarantine for 14 days.
You should also make sure that your passport is valid. This is because you’ll need it to board a plane or transit through Canada. If your passport is not valid, you may be refused entry or delayed. If you’re a dual national, it is best to bring your Canadian passport along as well. This will simplify your entry into Canada and return. While US citizens do not need a visa, they must have an Alien Registration Card or a valid passport in order to enter Canada.
If you’re traveling with children, you must make sure they’re legally permitted to enter the country. Children who are younger than 15 years old or who are Canadian citizens can travel without a visa as long as they’re in a group accompanied by an adult. Otherwise, they need a written authorization from their parents or legal guardians. The authorization should have a telephone number to verify it. If you’re travelling alone, you’ll likely need to seek a visitor’s visa, which is usually only valid for a short visit.
You may need to submit proof of vaccination to enter Canada. If you are not fully vaccinated, you’ll need to quarantine yourself for 14 days before entering. This quarantine will be at your expense, so make sure you have the appropriate vaccines before you leave. You’ll also need to submit an electronic travel authorization before you can fly to Canada. Remember that you may not be able to enter Canada if you have a criminal record. These regulations change frequently, so it’s best to contact the Canadian consulate nearest to you.
If you’re planning to travel with animals, you may want to make sure your dog is rabies-vaccinated. However, this requirement does not apply to puppies younger than three months. Other animal species may also be subject to veterinary checks. Also, you should speak with your doctor about your travel health requirements and vaccination schedule.
Foreign nationals with minor criminal convictions can apply for a temporary waiver of inadmissibility to enter Canada. But this waiver cannot be obtained a second time. If you’re convicted of multiple crimes, you won’t be allowed to enter Canada. If you have multiple minor crimes, you must go to a consulate in Canada to “rehabilitate” yourself, which means you must pay a fee.
Before leaving the country, check with your doctor to make sure you’re up-to-date on all vaccination requirements. It’s best to consult your doctor at least one month before departure. Visit the Find a Clinic page for more details. Infants should get a single dose of the MMR vaccine before traveling. While this dose won’t count toward the routine childhood vaccination series, it’s still important to take precautions.