Travelling to Canada
Canada is a country located in North America, consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Its landmass covers over 9.98 million square kilometres, making it the second-largest country in the world. The country’s diverse landscape offers a range of experiences for travellers. There are numerous national parks, natural sites, and cultural attractions. Many travelers find Canada’s diverse landscape to be inspiring and rewarding.
If you’re planning on travelling to Canada, you should check visa requirements. Generally, British citizens do not require a visa for short visits. However, if you want to work, study, or live in Canada permanently, you may be required to provide biometrics. Moreover, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses while you’re in Canada. These requirements may vary based on your purpose of travel.
For travelers traveling with pets, it’s important to check the travel requirements for your destination. In Canada, dogs must be vaccinated against rabies 30 days before arrival. However, puppies under three months of age are exempt from this requirement. Other animals may also be subject to quarantine. Canadian citizens aged under 19 must have written consent from a parent or guardian to travel alone or with others. You should also visit a travel health clinic six weeks before your departure. Your health care provider will confirm whether you’re up to date with routine vaccinations.
Travel insurance should cover emergency medical evacuations as well as hospital stays. There are restrictions on the import of prescription drugs, so it is important to purchase insurance to cover these costs. You must also know the legal drinking age in Canada. Marijuana is legal in Canada but is illegal to bring out of the country.
If you’re a Canadian citizen, you need to have a valid passport. The validity of your passport should not expire more than six months before your trip. You should also check with the Canadian government whether you need a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before departure. US citizens do not need a visa for travel to Canada. You can also find more information on getting around in Canada from the government website, Destination Canada.
When traveling with children, you must carry a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent. Immigration officers have the right to question children, but they should do so in a manner that is appropriate for the child. The letter should be written in plain, understandable language and should dispel any fears of abduction.
A valid Canadian passport is always recommended for international travel, though you may also travel with a visa-exempt foreign passport with special authorization from the IRCC. The IRCC will issue a confirmation email that approves the special authorization. Once you have received the approval email, you can present it to the airline. It’s important that the number of your foreign passport in the approval email matches that of your Canadian passport. This is a good way to make sure that your Canadian passport is accepted by the Canadian border officials.
While applying for a Canadian visa is relatively easy, the process can take a few days. Visa processing times vary depending on the time of year and the type of application you submit. Make sure you apply at least 12 weeks before your departure date to allow sufficient time for the processing of your application. It’s possible to extend your stay in Canada, but it’s best to apply before you leave. You could be penalized with a $5,000 fine for non-registration.
If you’re a dual Irish-Canadian citizen, you’ll want to check into any changes to immigration policy. A new rule, called the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), requires that you apply for an eTA if you plan to fly to Canada. This change will affect some Irish travelers as well. You’ll also need a valid Canadian passport if you’re flying to Canada from another country.