Travel to Canada – What You Need to Know
If you are planning to travel to Canada, you must know what the necessary requirements are for your trip. Before you leave, you must ensure that you have proper identification and a valid visa. The passport is the most widely accepted international travel document, and is also required by the Government of Canada. If you do not have the correct documents, you may find your journey delayed or denied entry into Canada. The required documents depend on your country of origin and type of travel.
Before entering Canada, you need to fulfill certain health requirements. You need to show proof of vaccination and exemption from quarantine measures. To do this, you must complete the ArriveCAN form at least 72 hours before you leave. Failure to complete this form will result in your disallowance from boarding a plane or being refused entry. In contrast, the entry requirements for the United States are much more stringent. You must also submit your vaccination record at least a few days before you leave the country.
You must also carry a letter of consent from a non-travelling parent. Children will be asked questions at the border and immigration officers may ask questions about their safety and welfare. The letter can dispel any concerns that your child may be abducted. For further information, you may also contact the Canada Border Services Agency or the Canadian High Commission. If you are unsure about the documents that are required, download a sample consent letter from the Canadian High Commission or Canada Border Services Agency.
You may need a visa to enter the U.S., depending on your passport type. Permanent residents of Canada may also require a non-immigrant visa. You must have a valid passport from the country of your citizenship. If you are a dual national, make sure to carry two passports. A dual passport can help you access the country you want to visit. A dual-national passport is always helpful. The visa requirements for US citizens are the same as those for Canadian citizens.
If you are a low-risk foreign national, the eTA expansion program allows you to travel to Canada by air. While most applications are approved instantly, some can take several days to process. Also, be careful with companies that offer to help you apply for an eTA, as many charge a fee to obtain information. You should always check your own government website for more information on the eTA process. If you do not have a Canadian passport, you should apply for one before booking your flight to avoid delays and other hassles.
While the Department of Foreign Affairs has guidelines to help you get the proper documentation, you should consider purchasing travel insurance, which covers emergency medical expenses and repatriation of your remains. Before buying a travel insurance policy, make sure to check out the coverage and exclusions of the policy. You should also check out the policy’s coverage for activities that you’ll be doing in Canada. You should also consider purchasing a passport that allows you to use a Canadian passport in Canada.